Many migrants are uncertain about when and how they can include their partner, especially when timelines, living-together requirements, or visa status come into play. In this blog, we break down everything you need to know, eligibility criteria, and real-world scenarios, to help you determine the best path forward. If you’re planning to apply for PR or transition from a resident visa, this guide will clarify whether your partner can join your New Zealand Permanent Residency application and what evidence you’ll need to provide.
Understanding New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR)
1. What is Permanent Residency in New Zealand?
Permanent Residency (PR) gives you the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, without the travel conditions as tied to resident visas. Unlike a residence visa, PR removes travel conditions. While PR provides long-term security, it is still distinct from New Zealand citizenship, which offers additional rights such as holding a NZ passport.
2. The only pathway to NZ Permanent Residency
In contrast to many other countries that use the term Permanent Resident Visa as a single immigration status, New Zealand follows a two-step residency process. Individuals must first obtain a ‘“New Zealand Resident Visa”, which is a residence-class visa granting the holder the right to live in New Zealand indefinitely.
After holding the Resident Visa for a minimum of two years, and meeting specific criteria, such as demonstrating a commitment to New Zealand, the individual may become eligible to apply for a “New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa”. This visa removes the travel conditions that may be attached to the initial Resident Visa.
There are several pathways to obtaining a New Zealand Resident Visa. These include:
- Skill-based Resident Visas, such as:
- Partnership-based Resident Visa, such as:
- Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
However, there is only one pathway to obtaining a “New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa”: the applicant must have held a New Zealand Resident Visa for at least two years and meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
When applying for a New Zealand Resident Visa, it is generally recommended that the principal applicant includes their partner or spouse in the application, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Only partners who are included in the initial Resident Visa application can later be included in the Permanent Resident Visa application.
If the principal applicant does not include their partner or spouse in the Resident Visa application, the partner cannot be added to the Permanent Resident Visa application at a later stage. In such cases, the principal applicant will typically need to support their partner in applying for a partnership-based Resident Visa, if eligible. It is important to note that no individual, including the spouse or partner of the principal applicant, can directly obtain a NZ Permanent Resident Visa without first holding a NZ Resident Visa.
Don’t miss this: NZ Permanent Resident Visa applications are now Online
Who Qualifies as a Partner Under Immigration NZ?
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has a clear and structured definition of what constitutes a partner for visa and residency purposes. Simply being in a relationship is not enough, the partnership must meet specific legal and practical standards to be recognised for inclusion in a PR application.
1. Immigration New Zealand’s Definition of a Partner
According to INZ, a partner is a spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner in a genuine, stable relationship. You must live together and show emotional, financial, and social commitment through shared responsibilities and mutual support.
2. Proof of Partnership Requirements
To include your partner in a PR application or to support their partnership work visa NZ or partnership residence visa NZ, you’ll need to submit strong, consistent evidence such as:
- Joint tenancy agreements or home ownership documents
- Shared utility bills or bank accounts
- Photos of shared experiences
- Travel itineraries, communication records
- Support Letters from friends and family
Without credible and sufficient proof, your partner may not qualify for inclusion, regardless of how long you’ve been together.
Can You Include Your Partner in a New Zealand Permanent Residency Application?
Including your partner in your New Zealand Permanent Residency application depends on your visa type, your partner’s current status, and how long you’ve been living together. Immigration New Zealand evaluates each case based on relationship evidence, timelines, and visa history.
If a partner or spouse was included in the principal applicant’s NZ Resident Visa application, they may also be included in the NZ Permanent Resident Visa application.
However, there are situations where the principal applicant enters into a relationship after being granted their Resident Visa. In such cases, the partner or spouse was not part of the original Resident Visa application, as the relationship had not yet begun.
Consequently, the partner cannot be included in the Permanent Resident Visa application. Instead, the principal applicant may support their partner or spouse in applying for a partnership-based Resident Visa, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. It is important to note that no individual, including a partner or spouse, can directly obtain a Permanent Resident Visa without first holding a Resident Visa.
Some couples may face challenges such as being in a long-distance relationship or having lived together for less than one year. In such cases, it is often advisable to wait until the minimum eligibility requirements are met or to extend the partner’s current visa where possible. Seeking guidance from a licensed immigration advisor can help you navigate these situations with confidence and avoid costly mistakes in your journey toward Permanent Residency.
Final Tips for a Successful Application
If your partner is eligible to be included in your NZ Permanent Resident visa application, ensure all documents proving your relationship are consistent, detailed, and up to date. Double-check eligibility for both partners, and when in doubt, consult a Licensed Immigration Adviser Auckland to avoid delays or visa refusals.
Conclusion
Navigating Immigration New Zealand (INZ) policies and instructions can be complex, especially when it comes to partnership-based visa applications. It’s important to plan ahead to ensure you understand the process and meet the necessary requirements for a smooth visa transition for your partner. When in doubt, always seek advice from a licensed immigration advisor to avoid delays or complications in your partner’s residency journey.
Immigration Chambers can guide you through each step, assess your eligibility, prepare strong documentation, and represent your case with clarity and care to help secure your partner’s future in New Zealand. Speak to our immigration team today and take the first step toward securing your partner’s future in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I include my partner in my NZ Resident Visa application if we’ve only lived together for 6 months?
No. Immigration New Zealand requires proof that you’ve lived together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months to include your partner in a NZ Resident Visa application.
Q2: What documents are accepted as proof of partnership?
Accepted evidence includes joint bank accounts, rental agreements, utility bills, photos, communication records, and support letters from friends or family confirming your relationship.
Q3: Can my partner apply for PR separately?
Yes. If your partner holds a NZ residence visa, they can apply for PR independently after holding it for two years and meeting requirements.
Q4: What if my partner is currently overseas?
Your partner must have lived with you in New Zealand for 12 months to be eligible for a NZ Partnership-based Resident Visa. Long-distance relationships usually don’t meet INZ’s criteria unless backed by strong evidence and exceptional circumstances.