What happens to my visa if our relationship ends during the application?
Party A has applied for a partnership-based visa with their partner, Party B, and the application is still being decided by Immigration New Zealand. During the wait, the relationship breaks down and the couple separates. Party A is unsure what this means for the pending application, or for any partnership visa they already hold, and worries about whether they can stay in New Zealand.
If your relationship genuinely ends while the application is being decided, it can no longer succeed, a current genuine and stable relationship is the foundation of the visa. You are also expected to tell Immigration New Zealand if your circumstances change.
If you already hold a partnership-based visa and the relationship ends, you no longer meet its conditions. It is not usually cancelled overnight, but you will need to consider your options, whether another visa category fits, or whether you need to make arrangements to leave. Limited exceptions exist, for example in cases of family violence, which have their own special provisions.
This is stressful and very fact-specific, especially where children are involved. Talk to MyLaw early, and see what to do if you are declined.
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.