WF3.10 Evidence for people intending to marry New Zealand citizens or residents (29/04/2002)

1. Visa or immigration officers must establish (through interview and/or documentary evidence), and be satisfied that:
   1. there is a genuine intent to marry and that it is intended the marriage be maintained on a long term and exclusive basis, and
   2. the person the applicant intends to marry in New Zealand is a New Zealand citizen or resident, and
   3. the couple intend to marry within 9 months of the applicant’s arrival in New Zealand, and
   4. the applicant has provided evidence of support in writing from the New Zealand citizen or resident they intend to marry, and
   5. in the event the marriage does not take place the applicant will leave New Zealand.
2. Evidence that there is genuine intent to marry may include, but is not limited to original or certified documents showing:
   • evidence of communication between the couple
   • photos of the couple together
   • documents indicating public recognition of the relationship
3. If the parties to the proposed marriage have not met and/or have had no or only limited direct contact with each other the application should not automatically be declined. Instead visa and immigration officers should take into account whether or not such lack of contact is consistent with the cultural background of the parties to the proposed marriage. In such cases applicants may be able to demonstrate that there is genuine intent to marry in New Zealand by supplying evidence of any specific arrangements and/or ceremonies which have been carried out. Such evidence may include but is not limited to:
   • communication between the parents of the couple and/or a person acting as a go-between or matchmaker
   • other documents indicating public recognition of the arrangement and/or ceremony
   • confirmation from independent sources that such arrangements and/or ceremonies are in accordance with the cultural custom of the parties concerned
4. If requested by an immigration or visa officer, applicants must also provide a written declaration from their New Zealand resident or citizen spouse or partner that they have not:
   1. previously supported or sponsored more than one other successful principal applicant under spouse or de facto partner policy whose marriage or de facto relationship with the sponsor ended as a result of divorce or separation, or
   2. supported or sponsored any other successful principal applicant under spouse or de facto partner policy in the five years immediately preceding the date the current application is made, whose marriage or de facto relationship with the sponsor ended as a result of divorce or separation.

Effective 29/04/2002