A big age gap and a short marriage drew extra scrutiny
A young man who married a New Zealander nearly 40 years his senior, after a three-month courtship, had his partnership work visa declined. Immigration New Zealand pointed to the age gap, the short courtship and cultural and religious differences as reasons to doubt the relationship was genuine and likely to endure. The couple called the decision unfair, but the scrutiny is real.
What happened
- The couple married after a three-month courtship, with a near 40-year age difference.
- Immigration New Zealand declined the partnership work visa, saying it was not convinced the relationship was likely to endure.
- The applicant called the decision ageist and racist and pursued a complaint and an appeal, facing deportation if it failed.
As reported by Otago Daily Times, 6 July 2013: “Immigration fight for couple with 40-year age gap”.
The lesson
Relationships that sit outside the norm, a large age gap, a short courtship, big cultural or religious differences, attract extra scrutiny on whether they are genuine and durable. That does not make them ineligible, but it does mean the evidence has to work harder to show the relationship is real and lasting. Anticipating where an officer will be sceptical, and answering it up front, is exactly where good preparation pays off.
The visa in this story
Partner of a New Zealander Work VisaAn open work visa for the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident — work for any employer while you live together in New Zealand.
Don’t let this be your story
Most partnership visa heartbreak is avoidable with the right advice before you apply. Have a lawyer assess your situation honestly, backed by our money-back guarantee.