Partnership visa declined — what to do next
If your partnership visa has been declined, you usually still have options — but the right move depends on why it was declined and which visa it was. The first step is to read the decline letter carefully: it sets out the specific concerns, and those concerns determine whether to seek reconsideration, appeal, or re-apply with stronger evidence.
Reviewed by Michael Yoon, Immigration Lawyer (MyLaw) · Last reviewed 22 June 2026
Why partnership applications get declined
Most declines come down to one of a few things:
- Immigration New Zealand wasn't satisfied the relationship is genuine and stable.
- The living-together requirement (for residence, generally 12 months) wasn't clearly met or evidenced.
- Evidence was thin, inconsistent, or all dated to just before the application.
- Health or character requirements were not met.
- Information was missing, or questions in a request for further information weren't fully answered.
Your options after a decline
Depending on the visa and the reason, these may include:
- Reconsideration — asking Immigration New Zealand to look again, where that option is available and within time limits.
- Appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal, where you have appeal rights and meet the deadline.
- A fresh application with substantially stronger evidence that addresses the stated concerns.
Deadlines for reconsideration and appeal are short and strict. If you're considering either, act quickly and get advice early.
How to come back stronger
Whatever path you take, the fix is usually evidence. Address each concern in the decline letter directly, rebuild the relationship evidence across its whole history from independent sources, and make the timeline and documents easy to follow. This is where a careful, lawyer-led review pays for itself.
Common questions
- How long do I have to appeal or seek reconsideration?
- Deadlines are short and strict, and they differ between reconsideration and Tribunal appeals. Check your decline letter and act immediately — missing a deadline can remove the option entirely.
- Can I just apply again?
- Sometimes a fresh, much stronger application is the best route — but only if it genuinely addresses why the first was declined. Re-submitting the same evidence usually fails again.
- Can MyLaw help with a declined application?
- Yes. PartnershipVisa.nz is powered by MyLaw — a lawyer can review the decline, advise on reconsideration, appeal or re-applying, and rebuild your evidence. Our work is backed by a money-back guarantee.
This page is general information, not immigration or legal advice. For advice on your situation, talk to MyLaw. Reading it does not create a solicitor–client relationship.