Why a partnership visa needs an exclusive relationship
A couple who had been together for years were declined partnership residence after Immigration New Zealand reviewed their messages and concluded the relationship was not exclusive. The partnership rules require a relationship entered into to be maintained on a long-term and exclusive basis, and a non-exclusive arrangement, however committed, does not fit.
What happened
- The couple, together several years, applied for partnership residence.
- Immigration New Zealand reviewed their communications and concluded the relationship was polyamorous and not exclusive, and so not a partnership as the rules define it.
- The application was declined, with Immigration New Zealand noting partnership requires living together in a genuine and stable, exclusive relationship.
As reported by NZ Herald, 20 April 2022: “Polyamorous couple denied partnership residency visa”.
The lesson
Exclusivity is built into the legal test for a partnership, not just genuineness and stability. Relationships that are loving and committed but not exclusive do not meet the current rules, and self-supplied evidence like chat logs can be read against you. If your situation is unusual, get advice on how it will be assessed before you apply.
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.