What is the difference between a partner of a New Zealander work visa and a partner of a worker work visa?

The difference comes down to who your partner is. A partner of a New Zealander work visa is for when your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident. A partner of a worker work visa is for when your partner is themselves on a work visa here - so your right to be in New Zealand is linked to their temporary work visa.

This distinction matters because it affects how secure and long-lasting your stay is. When your partner is a New Zealander, your pathway is generally more stable and can lead toward residence. When your partner is a temporary work visa holder, your visa is usually tied to the length and conditions of their visa, so if their situation changes, yours can be affected too.

Both can come with open work rights, but the longer-term picture is quite different. MyLaw can help you identify which category fits your relationship and what it means for your future plans.