New Zealand•OceaniaPartner of a Worker Work Visa
At a Glance
6 weeks
NZD $1,630
Same duration as supporting partner's work visa
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Open work-rights visa for partners of holders of qualifying NZ work visas, valid for the same duration as the supporting partner's visa.
Issued by Immigration New Zealand, the Partner of a Worker Work Visa lets spouses, civil union partners, and de facto partners of people holding a qualifying NZ work visa join them and work for the same period as the supporting partner's visa.
The application fee is from NZD 1,630 and 80% of decisions are made within 6 weeks. Holders can work for almost any employer, study for up to 3 months, and travel freely. Dependent children cannot be included and must apply separately. Approval requires a genuine, stable relationship and a supporting partner whose qualifying visa runs longer than 6 months.
This visa is ideal for partners of skilled migrants on qualifying NZ work visas, especially Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders, who want open work rights for the duration of their partner's stay.
Cost Breakdown
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be in a genuine and stable relationship with a partner who holds a qualifying New Zealand work visa.
The supporting partner's visa must be for longer than 6 months (with specific exceptions like Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa).
Must meet health and character requirements.
Must have enough money to live on or an acceptable sponsor.
Must be at least 18 years old (or 16/17 with parental consent).
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Passport or official photo ID.
Evidence of relationship (joint bank accounts, tenancy agreements, photos, communication logs).
Completed 'Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications'.
Evidence of funds or sponsorship form.
Medical and police certificates (if required based on duration of stay).
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Open work rights — can work for almost any employer in New Zealand
- No New Zealand job offer required to apply
- Can be lodged at the same time as the supporting partner's work visa
- Permits study for up to 3 months while on the visa
- Allows multiple entries to and from New Zealand
- Median 4-week decision time; 80% issued within 6 weeks
- Visa duration matches the supporting partner's work visa
Worth Knowing
- Visa duration and validity are tied to the supporting partner's work visa
- Application fee starts at NZD 1,630, plus immigration levy and IVL where applicable
- Requires substantial evidence of a genuine and stable cohabiting relationship
- Dependent children cannot be included and must apply separately
- Supporting partner's qualification depends on visa type, ANZSCO skill level and earnings
- Supporting partner holds a visa of 6 months or less (except Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa)
- Supporting partner holds Fishing Crew, Working Holiday, RSE, SSE, Domestic Staff of a Diplomat, or SMC Job Search visa
- Cannot evidence a genuine and stable cohabiting relationship
Application Process
Confirm supporting partner has a qualifying NZ work visa or is applying for one
Gather relationship evidence
cohabitation, shared finances, photos and communications
Partner completes INZ 1146 (Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications)
Complete the online or paper application (INZ 1198 for paper)
Provide health (chest X-ray/medical) and police certificates if staying longer than 6/12/24 months
Pay the NZD 570 application fee plus the NZD 1,060 immigration levy (NZD 1,630 in total); no IVL is charged
Submit at the same time as partner's work visa application; visa granted after partner's visa is approved
Await decision
median 4 weeks, 80% within 6 weeks
Application Forms
| Partnership-Based Temporary Visa Application (INZ 1198) | Fill online |
| Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146) | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in New Zealand
Family visas in other countries
- Orphan to be Adopted in the U.S.
United States
- Bereaved Partner Visa
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- Exemption Status for Families of Exempted Persons
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