My partner is on a visitor visa and wants to work in NZ
If your partner is in New Zealand on a partnership or visitor visa, they are not allowed to work - visitor visas carry no work rights at all. The good news is there is a clear pathway: a partner of a New Zealander work visa, which gives open work rights once granted. You do not have to wait until their current visa runs out to start planning.
Your partner is here to be with you on a visitor visa, but money is getting tight or a job offer has come up - and you have just realised they cannot legally accept work on the visa they hold. It feels like a wall, especially when you are a genuine couple building a life together.
An open work visa for the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident — work for any employer while you live together in New Zealand.
What to do
- 1Confirm the exact conditions on your partner's current visa - a visitor visa, including a partnership-based one, almost always says "may not work" and breaching that can harm future applications.
- 2Gather evidence that your relationship is genuine and stable, such as proof you live together, shared finances, photos and communication over time.
- 3Apply for a partner of a New Zealander work visa, which is the standard pathway to open work rights for the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- 4Make sure your partner does not start any work until the new work visa is actually granted, not just submitted.
- 5If you are unsure whether your evidence is strong enough or how to time the application, talk to MyLaw for an honest assessment before you lodge.
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Common questions
- Can my partner work on a visitor visa while we wait?
- No. Visitor visas, including partnership-based visitor visas, do not grant work rights. Your partner must hold a visa with work conditions before starting any job.
- What visa lets my partner work because we are together?
- A partner of a New Zealander work visa is the usual pathway. It gives open work rights, meaning your partner can work for almost any employer once it is granted.
- How much does it cost and how long does it take?
- Fees and processing times change, so check the official Immigration New Zealand website for current figures. MyLaw can help you understand what applies to your situation.
Related guides
This page is general information, not immigration or legal advice. For advice on your situation, talk to MyLaw. Reading it does not create a solicitor–client relationship.