Partnership visa guides
The parts that actually decide a partnership application — proving your relationship, the evidence, the costs, and what happens if things go wrong. More guides are published regularly.
Relationship & evidence
What counts as a genuine and stable relationship
The heart of every partnership application — how Immigration New Zealand assesses whether your relationship is genuine and stable, and how to show it.
Relationship & evidence
Evidence of living together
What documents actually prove you live together — and how much is enough.
Relationship & evidence
How to write a relationship timeline (with a sample)
A clear relationship timeline is one of the most persuasive pieces of evidence. Here's how to build one.
Cost & fees
Partnership visa cost and fees
What a New Zealand partnership visa actually costs — INZ fees by visa type, onshore vs offshore.
Applying
Partnership visa processing times
Realistic processing times for each partnership visa, and what affects them.
Applying
How to apply for a partnership visa
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and the forms you need.
Outcomes
Partnership visa declined — what to do next
Why partnership applications get declined, and your options for reconsideration or appeal.
Relationship & evidence
Can my partner work while we wait?
When a partner can work in New Zealand while a partnership application is in progress.
Relationship & evidence
Bringing a partner you haven't lived with yet
Every partnership visa requires living together — so if you have never lived together, the pathway is a general visitor visa first, then a partnership visa. Here is how the two-step approach works.
Applying
How to prove a culturally arranged marriage visa (and avoid a decline)
Culturally arranged marriage visas are declined almost as often as approved. The marriage must be arranged by others, not the couple, and the arrangement must be evidenced. Here is how.
Applying
Can your partner support your visa? The sponsor rules and limits
A partnership visa needs an eligible supporting partner, not just a genuine relationship. If your New Zealand partner has supported a previous partner for residence, it can sink your application.