Partner of a Worker Work Visa
The Partner of a Worker Work Visa is for the partner of someone who holds an eligible New Zealand work visa — including many on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Important: this is a different visa from the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, with different criteria. Here your partner is a temporary worker, not a New Zealand citizen or resident, and your visa is generally tied to the length and conditions of their work visa.
Who it’s for
- Your partner holds an eligible New Zealand work visa (such as an AEWV), not New Zealand citizenship or residence.
- You want to join them and, depending on settings, work or visit.
- You are in a genuine and stable relationship with them.
Eligibility
- Your partner holds an eligible work visa and meets the requirements to support you.
- You are in a genuine and stable relationship.
- You meet health and character requirements.
- You meet the work-rights settings that apply at the time you apply (these have changed in recent years).
How to apply
- 1Check your partner's visa is eligible. Confirm your partner's work visa lets them support a partner, and whether you would get work or visitor conditions.
- 2Gather relationship evidence. Show your relationship is genuine and stable — living together, shared finances, communication and a timeline.
- 3Apply to Immigration New Zealand. Submit your application aligned with your partner's visa, with health and character documents.
- 4Keep it aligned to your partner's visa. Your visa is generally tied to theirs — track expiry and any changes to their visa.
The evidence that decides it
Every partnership visa rises or falls on one thing: showing Immigration New Zealand your relationship is genuine and stable. Start with our guide on what that means and the evidence that proves it.
Genuine & stable relationship guideFree: Relationship evidence checklist
The exact documents that show your relationship is genuine and stable — emailed to you, with a copy shown on screen.
Common questions
- How is this different from the Partner of a New Zealander work visa?
- That visa is for partners of New Zealand citizens or residents. This one is for partners of temporary work-visa holders (like AEWV holders). The criteria, work rights and visa length differ — make sure you're applying for the right one.
- Will I be able to work?
- It depends on the current immigration settings and your partner's role — sometimes partners receive open work conditions, sometimes visitor conditions. Check the official INZ page for what applies now.
- Is my visa tied to my partner's?
- Generally yes — a partner-of-a-worker visa is usually linked to the length and conditions of your partner's work visa.
- Have the rules changed recently?
- Yes. Settings for partners of workers (including AEWV) have changed in recent years, so it's important to check the current requirements before you apply.
Get help with your partner of a worker work visa
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