The two tier system that splits genuine couples
New Zealand couples were left frustrated by what they called a two-tier system: some partners qualified for a partnership visa, while others, classed only as being in a 'relationship', could get only a general visitor visa and missed out on the exemptions that would reunite them. The line between the two tiers is living together.
What happened
- When the border closed, many partners held only visitor visas, which then expired, and later exemptions for partnership visa holders did not help them.
- Couples drew a hard distinction between a 'partnership' and a mere 'relationship', because only the former opened the door to travel exemptions.
- A change in decision-making rules eventually led to a reassessment of up to 1,300 refused visa applications.
As reported by RNZ, 27 November 2020: “New Zealand partnership visa two-tier system frustrating for couples split by Covid-19”.
The lesson
Whether Immigration New Zealand treats you as being in a qualifying partnership, rather than just a relationship, turns on the same thing every time: a genuine and stable relationship that you can show you are living in together. Couples who understood that distinction early, and built toward it, had options that couples relying on a visitor visa did not.
The visa in this story
Partnership Visitor VisaVisit and live in New Zealand with your partner — a visitor visa based on your relationship, for partners not yet eligible for a work or resident visa.
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.