New Zealand Family Violence Visa: Eligibility and Application Information

Key Takeaways:

• The Victims of Family Violence Work Visa is for abuse victims formerly in relationships with New Zealand residents or migrants.
• Eligibility requires good health, good character, genuine intent, being a family violence victim, and previous partnership with a New Zealand resident.
• Required documents include proof of identity, victim status, partnership, and abuser’s identity; no application fee and priority processing applied.

Who Can Apply for a Family Violence Visa in New Zealand?

The New Zealand Work Visa for Victims of Abuse, known as the Victims of Family Violence Work Visa, is designed for individuals who have experienced family violence while in a partnership with a New Zealand citizen or resident, or with a person holding a migrant visa. This visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand, and to travel freely in and out of the country.

Eligibility Criteria for the Family Violence Visa

To be eligible for the Family Violence Visa, you must meet several specific requirements. These include not only being a victim of abuse but also satisfying health, character, and intent criteria. Here are the main criteria you need to fulfill:

• Good Health: You must be in good health.
• Good Character: You must demonstrate you are of good character.
• Genuine Intent: You must honestly intend to comply with the conditions of the visa.
• Victim of Family Violence: You must have experienced family violence.
• Partnership with a New Zealand Resident or Citizen: You must have been in a relationship with a New Zealand resident or citizen, or hold a partnership-based visa with a temporary migrant.
• Abuser’s Relationship: Your abuser must be a family member or someone close to you and must have been living with you.

What Qualifies as Family Violence?

Immigration New Zealand defines family violence as any form of abuse from someone close to you that:

• Controls you
• Forces you to do things against your will
• Harms you

The abuse can be psychological, physical, or sexual. Examples include:

• Harassment, isolation, or threats meant to scare you
• Damage to property or pets
• Financial, economic, or dowry abuse

Required Documentation for the Family Violence Visa

To apply for the Victims of Family Violence Work Visa, you need to prepare the following documents:

Proof of Identity:

• Two passport-sized photos meeting New Zealand’s photo specifications
• Your passport (either original or a certified copy)
• Your birth certificate (either original or a certified copy)

Proof You Are a Victim:

• Police Complaint: A complaint made to New Zealand Police, confirming you or your dependent child experienced family violence.
• Final Protection Order: Court-issued order against your abuser.
• Police Conviction: A conviction record for family violence by your partner or someone you lived with.
• Statutory Declaration: Three declarations (one from you and two from professionals) confirming you are a victim of family violence. A statutory declaration is a written document completed in front of an authorized witness.

Proof of Partnership:

• Type of Relationship: You must have been living with your partner in a legal marriage, de facto relationship, or civil union.
• Supporting Documents: Marriage or civil union certificates, birth certificates of any children you share, joint rental contracts, home loans, joint bank accounts, joint credit cards, hire purchase agreements, and utilities accounts.

Proof of Abuser’s Identity:

• Relation to Abuser: Confirmation from New Zealand Police, a statutory declaration by an authorized professional, or other documents indicating your abuser is a family member.

Steps to Apply for the Family Violence Visa

Step 1: Complete the Work Visa Application Form (INZ 1015)

Download and fill out the Work Visa Application form. Ensure to include details in English and use capital letters. Specify that you are applying for a Victims of Family Violence Work Visa and attach two passport-size photographs to the form.

Step 2: Submit the Application

Send your completed application form along with your supporting documents to the postal or courier address available on Immigration New Zealand’s official webpage of Family Violence Work Visa.

Step 3: Await Decision

After submission, specialists trained for this visa category will review your application. If you are already in New Zealand and your current visa expires before your Family Violence Work Visa is granted, you will be issued an Interim Visa.

Visa Fees and Processing Time

No Application Fee

There is no visa application fee for the Victims of Family Violence Work Visa. This is a unique feature as most other visa types in New Zealand involve a fee.

Priority Processing

Applications for the Family Violence Visa are given high priority by Immigration New Zealand, which means your application will be processed quickly.

Duration of Stay and Conditions

Six-month Stay

This visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for six months.

Conditions to Follow

• You can enter and exit New Zealand as often as you like.
• You can work any job as long as:
  • the work is legal,
  • you do not provide commercial sexual services,
  • you do not invest or operate a business offering commercial sexual services,
  • you have the required occupational registration for the job.

Ensuring your compliance with these conditions is critical. Failure to meet these requirements means you must leave New Zealand before your visa expires.

Possibility of Obtaining Residence

Path to Permanent Residency

If your partner was a New Zealand resident or citizen, you can apply for a Victims of Family Violence Residence Visa. Successful application will grant you indefinite stay in New Zealand.

Inclusion of Dependent Children

Separate Applications for Children

Dependent children cannot be included in your Family Violence Visa application. However, they can apply for visas based on their relationship with you, such as the NZ Visitor Visa for Child of a Worker.

The Victims of Family Violence Work Visa is a vital lifeline for those who have endured family violence. From meeting eligibility requirements to preparing necessary documents, the pathway can be navigated smoothly with the right information and support. Remember, your safety and well-being are priorities, and this visa is a step toward a secure and empowered future.

For more detailed information, you can always consult the official Immigration New Zealand website.

Still Got Questions? Read Below to Know More

What happens if my Victims of Family Violence Work Visa expires while my application for a residence visa is still processing?

If your Victims of Family Violence Work Visa expires while your application for a residence visa is still in process, you may be eligible for an Interim Visa. An Interim Visa allows you to stay legally in New Zealand while waiting for a decision on your residence visa application.

According to Immigration New Zealand, “An Interim Visa is automatically granted if a new visa application is made before your current visa expires.” This visa generally lasts for 6 months or until a decision is made on your residence visa application. It’s important to note that the Interim Visa will have conditions similar to your expired visa, so you can continue to work.

For detailed information, you should visit the official Immigration New Zealand website. They provide guidelines and resources to help you understand your options:
– Interim Visas
– Victims of Family Violence

These resources offer comprehensive details about visa extensions and other support services available to you.

Can I still apply for a Victims of Family Violence Visa if my abusive partner has left New Zealand?

Yes, you can still apply for a Victims of Family Violence Visa even if your abusive partner has left New Zealand. This special visa is designed to help people who are in New Zealand on a temporary visa and have experienced domestic violence. The key condition for this visa is that you must have been in a relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident.

Here are some important points to consider:

1. Eligibility:
   • You were in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident.
   • You experienced family violence during this relationship.
   • You do not need your partner to sponsor you to apply for this visa.
2. Requirements:
   • Evidence of the relationship.
   • Proof of family violence, such as police reports or support letters from professionals.
   • A completed Victims of Family Violence Visa application.

As stated by Immigration New Zealand, “You do not have to stay in your relationship with your abusive partner to apply for this type of visa.” This means that the status or location of your abusive partner does not affect your ability to apply. For more detailed information and to start your application, you can visit the official Immigration New Zealand page on Victims of Family Violence Visa.

This information will help you proceed with your application confidently, ensuring you can stay safely in New Zealand without the need to depend on your abusive partner.

How can I prove financial abuse if I don’t have joint bank accounts or shared financial documents with my abuser?

To prove financial abuse without joint bank accounts or shared financial documents, you can use various forms of evidence that illustrate control over your finances or economic resources. Start by gathering any indirect evidence that demonstrates your abuser’s control over your financial decisions and assets.

1. Personal Statements and Testimonies:
   • Write a detailed personal statement explaining your situation, the nature of the financial abuse, and how it has affected you.
   • Obtain testimonies from friends, family members, or colleagues who are aware of your situation. They can provide statements that support your claims.
2. Receipts and Bills:
   • Collect receipts, bills, or invoices that show your abuser’s name and indicate financial control. For example, if your abuser pays the rent or utilities directly.
   • Keep documentation of any allowances or restricted amounts of money you were given by the abuser.
3. Emails and Text Messages:
   • Save any emails or text messages where the abuser discusses financial matters, imposes restrictions, or exerts control over your spending.

You can also refer to authoritative sources for further guidance:

• The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides valuable information on domestic violence and abuse resources: USCIS Domestic Violence Help
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers support and resources for victims of financial abuse: The Hotline – Financial Abuse

Remember, providing as much detailed information and supporting evidence as possible can strengthen your case when proving financial abuse.

Are there any support services in New Zealand for visa holders who are victims of family violence?

Yes, New Zealand offers support services for visa holders who are victims of family violence. If you are in New Zealand on a temporary visa and experiencing family violence, there are protections and assistance available to you.

1. Special Visa Category: Immigration New Zealand provides a specific visa for victims of domestic violence. As detailed on their official site, this visa allows you to stay in New Zealand and apply for a work visa for up to six months. This is to help you gain independence and financial security.
   

2. Support Services: Numerous organizations in New Zealand offer help for victims of family violence. Some of these include:

   • Women’s Refuge: Provides a 24/7 crisis line, legal advice, and safe housing.
   • Shine: Offers support services, including a helpline and advocacy.
   • Shakti: Specializes in helping migrant and refugee women.

For help, you can contact Women’s Refuge at 0800 733 843 or Shine at 0508 744 633. For more detailed information, you can visit the New Zealand Immigration website.

If you are in immediate danger, it is important to call the police at 111. Remember, your safety and well-being are paramount, and there are resources available to support and protect you.

Can I apply for a different type of visa if I do not qualify for the Victims of Family Violence Work Visa?

Yes, you can apply for other types of visas if you do not qualify for the Victims of Family Violence Work Visa. Various visa options are available depending on your situation, such as work, student, visitor, or permanent residence visas. Each visa has its own requirements and application process.

Here are some alternative visa options you might consider:

1. Work Visas:
   • Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: For individuals with skilled employment in New Zealand. Learn more.
   • Essential Skills Work Visa: For temporary work where you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer. Learn more.
2. Student Visas:
   • Student Visa: Allows you to study full-time at a primary, secondary, or tertiary educational institution. Learn more.
3. Visitor Visas:
   • General Visitor Visa: For those wanting to visit New Zealand for a holiday, short-term study, or to stay with family and friends. Learn more.
4. Family Visas:
   • Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa: For partners of New Zealand citizens or residents. Learn more.

“Make sure to review the specific requirements and application guidelines for each visa type. You can find comprehensive information on the official Immigration New Zealand website.” Official resources include the New Zealand Government Immigration website and their specific visa pages.

Taking the time to explore different visa categories and their criteria can help you find the most suitable option for your circumstances. If you need further assistance, you may also consider consulting with an immigration advisor.

Learn Today:

Immigration Glossary

1. Victims of Family Violence Work Visa: A special visa in New Zealand designed for individuals who have experienced family violence while in a partnership with a New Zealand citizen, resident, or a temporary migrant visa holder. It allows the victim to live and work in New Zealand and travel freely.
   
2. 
   

   Family Violence: As defined by Immigration New Zealand, family violence encompasses any form of psychological, physical, or sexual abuse from someone close to you who seeks to control, harm, or force you against your will. Examples include threats, harassment, and economic abuse.

   
   
3. 
   

   Statutory Declaration: A formal written statement declared to be true in front of an authorized witness. In the context of the Family Violence Visa, it’s used to verify one’s status as a victim of family violence.

   
   
4. 
   

   Good Character: A requirement for visa eligibility where an applicant must demonstrate a history of lawful behavior and integrity. This can include passing police checks and not having a criminal record.

   
   
5. 
   

   Partnership-based Visa: A visa type granted based on a genuine relationship with a New Zealand resident, citizen, or temporary migrant. It is necessary for those applying under the Family Violence Work Visa to prove they had such a relationship.

   
   

This Article In A Nutshell:

The New Zealand Family Violence Visa is for individuals who’ve suffered abuse from a New Zealand citizen, resident, or migrant partner. It allows victims to stay and work in New Zealand temporarily. Eligibility includes good health, character, genuine intent, and proof of the abusive relationship.
— By VisaVerge.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. If you reference or use any content from this article, please attribute it to VisaVerge.com by including a link to the original source. We appreciate your adherence to our content usage policies and your commitment to giving proper credit.

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