WI7.15 Evidence that the principal applicant has been in a partnership with a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder

Evidence that the principal applicant has been living in a partnership with a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder may include, but is not limited to:

• a marriage or civil union certificate;
• evidence as to the duration of the relationship;
• correspondence (including postmarked envelopes) addressed to both principal applicant and the New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder;
• evidence of communication between the couple;
• photographs of the couple together;
• documents indicating public recognition of the relationship;
• evidence of any specific arrangements and/or engagement ceremonies which have been carried out;
• 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 engagement ceremony;
• confirmation from independent sources that such arrangements and/or engagement ceremonies are in accordance with the cultural custom of the parties concerned;
• a joint mortgage, tenancy agreement or rent book;
• birth certificates of their children;
• proof of joint assets;
• proof of shared income; and
• proof of shared bank accounts.

Note: The evidence at WI7.15 is only required from partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders where partnership has not been established previously through the granting of a visa based on partnership.

Effective 28/02/2023