Couples split by the rules, raising money to fight in court
Families separated by tightened partnership criteria were driven to pool their money and challenge the rules in court. One man had not seen his fiancee for almost 18 months. It is a reminder that a declined or delayed partnership application is not a paperwork problem, it is months or years apart from the person you love.
What happened
- Couples protested outside Parliament over what they called shabby treatment of people seeking partnership visas.
- They argued the definition of 'relationship' was archaic and stringent, and unable to meet the needs of queer and interfaith couples.
- Unable to reunite through the normal process, they started a fund to take legal action over Immigration New Zealand lapsing the general visitor visas of partners who could not live together offshore.
As reported by Newsroom, 4 August 2021: “Couples split by immigration raise money to go to court”.
The lesson
When a partnership application is declined or stalls, the cost is measured in time apart, not just fees. Challenging it afterwards, through reconsideration, appeal or court, is slower, more expensive and less certain than getting the application right the first time. The strongest protection against ending up here is a well-prepared application, built around the requirements, with proper advice.
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.