New Zealand offers a spouse visa for individuals who are married to a New Zealand citizen or resident. This visa, known as a partnership visa, allows the spouse to live and work in New Zealand for an extended period of time.
If you are married to a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be eligible for a New Zealand spouse visa. This visa will allow you to join your spouse and live with them in New Zealand. Here is a guide to the spouse visa application process.
The partnership visa is available to individuals who are legally married to a New Zealand citizen or resident, or who are in a de facto relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident. A de facto relationship is defined as a partnership in which the couple has lived together for at least 12 months.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying for a New Zealand spouse visa, it is important to make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. You must be married to a New Zealand citizen or resident, have a genuine and stable relationship, and be able to prove that you will be living together in New Zealand.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to gather the necessary documents for your application. This may include proof of your identity, marriage certificate, evidence of your relationship, police certificates, medical certificates, and evidence of your financial support.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
You can apply for a New Zealand spouse visa online or by paper application. You will need to complete the application form, providing all the required information and documents. The application fee will also need to be paid at this time.
Step 4: Submit Application
After completing the application form and paying the fee, you will need to submit your application. If you have applied online, you can submit the application electronically. If you have applied by paper, you will need to send your application and supporting documents to the appropriate address.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by Immigration New Zealand. The processing time can vary depending on the complexity of your application and the volume of applications being processed. You can check the status of your application online or by contacting Immigration New Zealand directly.
Step 6: Visa Decision
After your application has been processed, you will be notified of the decision. If your application is approved, you will be issued a New Zealand spouse visa. This will allow you to join your spouse in New Zealand and live with them for a specified period of time.
Step 7: Extend Visa or Apply for Permanent Residence
If you wish to extend your visa, you can apply for a further extension. Alternatively, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence after living in New Zealand for a certain period of time. This will give you the right to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely.
To apply for a partnership visa, the applicant must be outside of New Zealand. The process starts with submitting an online application and providing evidence of the relationship, such as joint bank statements, photos, and correspondence. The applicant must also provide evidence of their health and character.
Once the application is submitted, it is reviewed by an immigration officer who will determine whether the applicant meets the requirements for a partnership visa. If approved, the applicant will be issued a temporary visa that allows them to enter New Zealand.
After entering New Zealand, the applicant must undergo a medical examination and provide a police certificate. They must also provide evidence that they are living with their New Zealand partner and are in a genuine and stable relationship.
If the applicant meets all the requirements, they may be eligible to apply for residency after two years. This involves submitting another application and providing evidence that the relationship is still genuine and stable. If approved, the applicant will be granted indefinite leave to remain in New Zealand.
It is important to note that the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident must meet certain health and character requirements in order to be granted a partnership visa. Individuals with serious medical conditions or a criminal record may not be eligible for this visa.
New Zealand partnership visa is a great option for individuals who are married to or in a de facto relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident. It allows them to live and work in New Zealand and potentially apply for residency after two years. It is important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application process before applying for this visa.
