Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
What Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa?
The Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa lets the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident live and work in New Zealand.
It's an open work visa — you don't need a job offer. How long you get depends on your relationship: up to 1 year if you've lived together for less than 12 months, or up to 3 years if you've lived together for 12 months or more. It's also the main stepping stone to a partnership-based resident visa.
At IMMagine Immigration, our licensed immigration advisers prepare partnership applications that stand up to INZ's relationship scrutiny — the single biggest reason these visas get declined. Start with a free eligibility evaluation or read what evidence INZ expects.
Need help with your NZ Visa?
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa applications.
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa Features (Updated June 2026)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Temporary (open) work visa |
| Work rights | Open — no job offer required |
| Duration | 1 year (lived together <12 months) or up to 3 years (12+ months) |
| Your partner | Must be a NZ citizen or resident, and eligible to support you |
| Children | Not included — they apply for their own visas |
| Leads to | Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa |
Your Eligibility (the Applicant)
To be granted the visa you must:
- Be in a genuine and stable relationship — married, civil union, or de facto (opposite or same sex)
- Be living together with your New Zealand partner
- Meet health requirements (medical waivers may be available) and character requirements (a police certificate is needed for stays of 24+ months)
- Have sufficient funds or a sponsor to support your stay
- Genuinely intend to meet your visa conditions, and plan to live in New Zealand for the same period as your partner
Your New Zealand Partner's Requirements (Supporting Partner)
This is where many applications quietly fail. Your partner must:
- Be a New Zealand citizen or resident (and able to prove it)
- Be eligible to support a partnership-based resident visa application within one year — even if they can't support residence today, they can still support your work visa now if they'll qualify within 12 months
- Meet good character requirements (INZ may request police certificates)
- Not be in another marriage or civil union, unless legally separated or divorced
Sponsorship limits: A New Zealander can support no more than two partners for residence in total, and not more than one other partner for residence in the last five years.
Your partner typically completes INZ's partnership support form (INZ 1146).
Need help with your NZ Visa?
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa applications.
Work Rights (and the 20 April 2026 Change)
This is an open work visa, so you don't need an employer to sponsor you.
Note that from 20 April 2026, Immigration New Zealand split open work visas into two employment conditions — some holders can do any work (including self-employment and running a business), while others must work under an employment agreement or contract for services.
Check the exact condition recorded on your eVisa, and ask us if you're planning to be self-employed.
Proving Your Relationship Is Genuine & Stable
INZ assesses one core question: is your relationship real, exclusive, and likely to last? Strong applications show shared life through:
- Joint financial ties — joint bank accounts, shared bills, lease or mortgage in both names
- Cohabitation evidence — correspondence to both partners at the same address, tenancy agreements
- Relationship history — photos together over time, travel records, communication logs
- Third-party support — statements from family and friends
INZ can also run an "open search," including social media. Read our guides on proving a genuine relationship and the evidence required for a NZ partner visa.
Pathway to Residence
This work visa is the bridge to the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa.
Once you've lived together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months, you may qualify to apply for residence — leading in time to a Permanent Resident Visa and New Zealand citizenship.
Need help with your NZ Work Visa?
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa applications.
Processing Times (Updated June 2026)
Immigration New Zealand decides 80% of applications within around 7 weeks. Incomplete relationship evidence is the most common cause of delays, so a well-prepared application is the best way to keep things moving. The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa takes longer — around 7.5 months for 80% of applications.
Visa Cost (Updated June 2026)
The Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa costs from NZD $1,630, which includes the immigration levy.
It's worth budgeting early for the next step. The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa currently costs from NZD $5,360.
Because fees are non-refundable, careful preparation matters — see the top 10 reasons New Zealand visas are declined. If character is a concern, read our note on criminal convictions and visas.
Step by Step
Our Process
1. Free Eligibility Check
Complete our short questionnaire and attach your resume (or provide a summary of qualifications and work experience).
Within 48 working hours, we will provide a free written assessment of Visa options.
2. Online Consultation
Book a 75–90 minute paid online consultation to explore your visa options and get answers to all your questions.
3. Visa Application
Once you decide to proceed, we will handle the preparation and processing of your visa application.
FAQs
Browse our FAQs for Answers
Need Help With Your NZ Visa?
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with Partner of a New Zealander Work Visas. Contact us today!
