Stuck in the queue as a student visa ran out
A New Zealand teacher and his partner, who had studied in New Zealand for five years, applied for partnership residence and were quoted a 13-month processing time. Immigration New Zealand first suggested she would get an interim visa, then declined it, then gave contradictory advice about her studying, leaving the couple in limbo as her student visa ran out. Months in, they still had no case manager.
What happened
- They applied for partnership residence and were told it could take around 13 months to process.
- Immigration New Zealand gave conflicting advice about an interim visa and whether she could keep studying as her current visa expired.
- With long delays and no case manager, the couple were left unsure of her status and unable to plan.
As reported by Otago Daily Times, 10 May 2022: “'Defeated': Couple's visa heartbreak after application fiasco”.
The lesson
Partnership residence can take many months, and the gap between an expiring temporary visa and a pending decision is where people get caught, unable to work or study, or even unlawful. Do not assume an interim visa will neatly bridge the gap. Plan your timing around the queue, and get advice on keeping a lawful, workable status while you wait.
The visa in this story
Partner of a New Zealander Resident VisaResidence for the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident, based on a genuine and stable relationship and time living together.
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.