A long distance online relationship that passed the test
Not every story ends badly. A well-known New Zealand radio host and her overseas partner, who first met online and spent years in a long-distance relationship, were granted a partnership visa in 2025. Immigration New Zealand interviewed them separately and cross-checked their answers to test whether the relationship was genuine, and it held up. It shows what a heavily scrutinised online-origin relationship has to withstand, and that it can be done.
What happened
- The couple met online and conducted a long-distance relationship before the partner moved to New Zealand and they applied for a partnership visa.
- Immigration New Zealand interviewed each of them separately and compared their answers to check the relationship was genuine.
- The visa was approved, giving the partner 12 months to live, work and travel.
As reported by Woman's Day, 20 November 2025: “Jay-Jay Feeney opens up on visa battle, love and future with Minou”.
The lesson
Relationships that begin online and span borders face the closest scrutiny, including separate interviews where your answers are compared. Passing that is about being a genuine couple who can show a real shared life, and being well prepared for how the process works. The same scrutiny that sinks weak cases is survivable when the relationship is real and the application is done properly.
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.