Partner of New Zealander Resident Visa Guide

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Key Takeaways:

The visa allows living, working, and studying indefinitely in New Zealand for partners of residents or citizens.
Eligibility includes meeting health, character, and relationship standards, and having lived together in a stable, genuine relationship.
Application involves completing forms, gathering identity, health, and relationship documents, and paying a NZD $3,610 fee.

Complete Guide to the New Zealand Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa

Securing a Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa can open the doors for you to live, work, and study indefinitely in New Zealand. This visa is designed for individuals who have partners who are New Zealand residents or citizens. Let’s delve into the essential details to make your application process seamless.

Partner of New Zealander Resident Visa Guide

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa?

To apply for this visa, you must satisfy several eligibility criteria:

Health Requirements: You need to be in good health.
Character Requirements: You must demonstrate good character.
Partnership Requirements: Your partner must be a New Zealand resident or citizen. If your partner is a New Zealand resident due to their Australian citizenship or permanent residency, they must live in New Zealand.
Relationship Requirements: You and your partner must have been living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least one year.
Dependent Children: If you have dependent children, they must be single, below 24 years old, and under your financial care if aged between 21-24.

What Are the Additional Conditions for Your Partner to Support Your Application?

Your partner must meet specific conditions to support your application:

Residence Application History: They must not have included a previous partner in a successful residence application in the last five years or supported a successful application for more than one earlier partner.
Deportation Status: They should not be liable for deportation or have their deportation liability suspended.

What Documents Are Required for a Partnership Resident Visa?

Assembling the required documents is a critical step:

Identity Evidence: Passport or certificate of identity and birth certificate.
Health Evidence: Medical examination and chest x-ray.
Character Evidence: Police certificate for applicants aged 17 or older intending to stay for more than two years.
Partner’s New Zealand Residence Proof: New Zealand passport, birth certificate, or residence class visa.
Proof of Living Together: Documents showing shared responsibilities, expenses, and length and stability of the relationship.
Dependent Children’s Evidence: Proof of identity, financial dependency, your legal guardianship, and legal allowance to remove them from their home country.

How to Prove Your Relationship is Genuine and Stable?

Immigration New Zealand requires various forms of evidence to confirm the genuineness and stability of your relationship, including:

Length of Relationship and Cohabitation: Proof of the duration you have lived together and how long you have been in a relationship.
Shared Responsibilities: Documents showing shared expenses and responsibilities.
Social Recognition: Photos, social media interactions, and declarations from friends and family recognizing your relationship.

How to Apply for a Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa?

You can apply for this visa either on paper or online. Here is a step-by-step guide to follow for both methods:

Applying on Paper

Complete a Residence Application Form: Fill it out in capital letters and attach two photos of your head and shoulders.
Partner’s Support Form: Your partner must complete a Partnership Support Form for Residence.
Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents listed above and ensure they have English translations if required.
Pay the Application Fee: A fee of NZD $3,610 applies, payable by credit or debit card.
Submit Your Application: Mail your forms, documents, and fee to Immigration New Zealand.

Official New Zealand Visa Forms and Guides

Applying Online

Online Application Form: Log in or create a RealMe account to begin your application.
Partner’s Support Form: Upload the Partnership Support Form completed by your partner.
Upload Supporting Documents: Convert all documents to PDF and upload them.
Application Fee Payment: Pay the fee of NZD $3,610 using a Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay credit or debit card.
Submit Your Online Application: Upon completion, submit the form, and await an email response from Immigration New Zealand.

How Much Is the Application Fee and What’s the Processing Time?

The application fee for both online and paper applications is NZD $3,610. The processing time for a Partner of New Zealander Resident Visa typically spans 12 months.

What Are the Conditions Once the Visa is Granted?

Once you receive the Partnership Resident Visa, the following conditions apply:

Entry Permission: Apply for entry permission upon arrival and complete the arrival card.
Travel Validity: Travel to New Zealand within one year if the visa is granted while you are outside the country.
Unlimited Travel: You can enter and leave New Zealand any number of times.
Keep Visa in Valid Passport: Ensure your visa is in a valid passport.
Work and Study: You can both work in any profession for any employer and study in New Zealand.

Can I Include My Children in My Visa Application?

Yes, you can include your dependent children in your visa application. They must be:

Age Requirement: 17 years old or younger, or between 18-24 years old with no children.
Financial Dependency: They must be financially dependent on you if aged between 21-24.

Can I Obtain Permanent Residence After This Visa?

If your partner is a New Zealand citizen, and you have lived together outside New Zealand for five years or more, you might be eligible for permanent residency. During your application, your partner must be either outside New Zealand or have returned for less than three months.

In Summary

Applying for a Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa can be a meticulous process requiring detailed documentation and proof of relationship stability. Understanding the eligibility requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and following the correct steps for application will greatly enhance your chances of success. Always ensure that both you and your partner meet all stipulated conditions to avoid complications. For more detailed information, consult the official New Zealand Immigration website.

By adhering to these guidelines and meeting all the criteria, you’ll be on your way to living and thriving in New Zealand with your loved one.

Still Got Questions? Read Below to Know More

What happens if my relationship with my New Zealand partner ends before my visa is granted?

If your relationship with your New Zealand partner ends before your visa is granted, it can have a significant impact on your visa application. Your application might be declined because many partner-based visas are contingent on the ongoing relationship between you and your partner. Here is what generally happens:

Notify Immigration New Zealand (INZ): You must inform INZ immediately about the change in your relationship status. This is vital because failing to disclose this information can lead to complications and even legal issues.
Visa Application Withdrawal: INZ may withdraw your visa application upon notification. According to INZ guidelines: “If your relationship ends, you must contact INZ – because you may no longer be eligible for a visa based on that relationship.” (Source: INZ).
Alternative Visa Options: Depending on your situation, you might want to explore other visa options that suit your circumstances. INZ offers various types of visas, such as work, study, and visitor visas, which might be available if you meet the necessary criteria. You can find more information on these options on the INZ website.

Overall, ending your relationship before your visa is granted usually requires immediate action and possibly exploring other visa pathways. Always refer to official resources and consider seeking professional advice to understand your best options.

What supporting documents are required if my New Zealand partner was previously married?

If your New Zealand partner was previously married and you are applying for a visa, you will need to provide certain supporting documents to Immigration New Zealand. These documents help verify their marital status and ensure all previous marriages were legally ended.

Here is a list of key documents you will need:

Divorce or dissolution certificate: This is a legal document proving that your partner’s previous marriage has been officially ended. If your partner was divorced outside of New Zealand, they may need to get the certificate translated into English by a certified translator.
Death certificate of a former spouse: If your partner’s previous spouse has passed away, a death certificate will be required to prove the previous marriage has legally ended through death.

Immigration New Zealand states: “If your partner has been married more than once, you’ll need to provide these documents for each marriage.” For more detailed information, visit Immigration New Zealand’s official website.

Can I still apply for a partner visa if my partner and I have not lived together continuously for a year?

Yes, you can still apply for a partner visa even if you and your partner have not lived together continuously for a year. Immigration authorities understand that relationships can have varied living arrangements due to work, study, or other personal reasons. The key requirement is to provide solid evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.

To strengthen your application, consider including the following types of evidence:

Communication records: Emails, messages, and social media interactions.
Joint financial records: Bank statements, joint loans, or shared utility bills.
Photos together: Especially those from trips or family gatherings.
Affidavits from friends and family: Testifying to the genuineness of your relationship.

The specific requirements and allowances can vary based on the country’s immigration laws you are applying to. For example, the Australian Department of Home Affairs notes that applicants must demonstrate “mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others,” and “genuine and continuing relationship” (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/).

Check the official immigration website of the country you are applying to for detailed guidelines and required documentation. If you are applying to UK, refer to the UK Government’s page on partner visas here: https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner-spouse. This ensures you are following the most accurate and up-to-date procedures.

How does my partner’s previous criminal record affect my visa application?

Your partner’s previous criminal record can significantly affect your visa application, depending on the nature and severity of the crimes. Immigration authorities, such as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the United Kingdom’s Home Office, take criminal history seriously to protect public safety and ensure only eligible applicants are granted visas.

Key factors that immigration officers may consider include:
– Type of Crime: Misdemeanors might have less impact than felonies.
– Recency: Recent crimes are scrutinized more heavily compared to older offenses.
– Rehabilitation: Evidence of efforts to reform or demonstrate good behavior can be relevant.

Authorities may deny your visa if they find the criminal record poses a risk. For example, according to the USCIS:

“An individual can be found inadmissible due to prior criminal activities that suggest they could be a risk to national security or public safety.”

For detailed guidelines, consult official resources:
– USCIS Admissibility: USCIS Inadmissibility & Waivers
– UK Home Office Guidance: General grounds for refusal

It’s advisable to seek help from an immigration lawyer. They can assist in gathering required documentation and presenting your case effectively to immigration officials.

How can I prove the financial dependency of my 21-24 year old children for the partner visa?

To prove the financial dependency of your children aged 21-24 for a partner visa, you need to provide concrete evidence that your children rely on you financially. The key is to show that they are not able to support themselves due to reasons like studying full-time or medical conditions. Here are the steps you can follow:

Financial Proof:
- Bank statements showing regular money transfers to their accounts.
- Receipts for big expenses such as tuition fees, rent, or medical bills.
- Evidence that your children are not employed or earning a significant income themselves.
Circumstantial Proof:
- Enrollment letters from their educational institutions confirming full-time study.
- Medical records if your child has a health condition preventing them from working.
- Affidavits from both you and your children declaring their dependency.

According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the evidence you provide should leave no doubt that your children are financially dependent on you. “You will need to provide documents that show the dependent child relies on you, such as bank statements or money transfers.” For more detailed and updated guidance, you can visit the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This official guide will help you gather the required documentation and understand the specific criteria in greater detail.

Learn Today:

Glossary

Character Requirements

Refers to the criteria that evaluate an applicant’s history to ensure they have good character, often requiring police certificates to demonstrate the absence of criminal records or serious offenses.

Dependent Children

Children of the visa applicant who are under 24 years old, financially reliant on their parent(s), and single. For children aged 21-24, additional proof of financial dependency is required.

Partnership Requirements

Conditions that specify the need for the applicant and their partner to be in a genuine and stable relationship, having lived together for at least one year, and where the partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident.

Resident Visa

A type of visa that allows an individual to live, work, and study indefinitely in New Zealand. The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa falls under this category, meant for partners of New Zealand citizens or residents.

Proof of Living Together

Documents or evidence showing that the applicant and their partner share responsibilities and expenses, confirming they have lived together in a committed and stable relationship. This may include shared bills, joint tenancy agreements, and social recognition from friends and family.

This Article In A Nutshell:

The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa allows you to live with your New Zealand resident partner. To qualify, you must prove a genuine relationship, good health, and character. Gather necessary documents like identity proof and shared expenses records, then apply online or by mail.
— By VisaVerge.com

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