What is the difference between a partner of a New Zealander work visa and a partner of a worker work visa?
Party A is in a genuine relationship with Party B and wants an open work visa to join them in New Zealand. The two partner work visa options look similar on the surface, but Party A is unsure which one applies, it depends on whether Party B is a New Zealand citizen or resident, or someone who themselves holds a temporary work visa. Party A wants to understand how that choice affects the security of their stay and any path toward residence.
The difference is who your partner is. The Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa is for partners of a New Zealand citizen or resident. The Partner of a Worker Work Visa is for partners of someone who themselves holds a temporary work visa: so your stay is linked to theirs.
This matters for how secure and lasting your stay is:
- Partner of a New Zealander: generally more stable, and can lead toward residence.
- Partner of a worker: usually tied to the length and conditions of your partner's visa, so if their situation changes, yours can be affected too.
Both can carry open work rights, but the long-term picture is quite different. MyLaw can confirm which category fits your relationship.
Answered by Michael Yoon, Immigration Lawyer, MyLaw.
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This is general information, not advice on your situation, and reading it does not create a solicitor-client relationship. For advice on your case, talk to MyLaw.