What is a genuine and stable relationship for immigration?

A genuine and stable relationship is the heart of every partnership visa, and it has two parts. "Genuine" means your relationship is real and exclusive - you intend to maintain it long-term and you are not with anyone else. "Stable" means it is likely to endure, so it has a sense of permanence and commitment rather than being new or casual.

Immigration New Zealand looks at the whole picture rather than any single factor. They consider how long you have been together, whether you live together, how you support each other financially and emotionally, whether family and friends know about your relationship, and your shared plans for the future. Living together is given particular weight because it is one of the strongest signs of a committed partnership.

There is no single checklist that guarantees approval, which is why how you present your relationship matters. If you would like help showing that your relationship meets this test, MyLaw can review your circumstances and advise you.