Must partners be married to qualify for Family visas?

Immigration New Zealand does not require that couples are married to be eligible for residence visas or a work visas as the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident. Eligible partners include husbands, wives, defacto and civil union partners of a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

Partners of New Zealand citizens or residents may be issued with a work visa if they provide documentary evidence that demonstrates to an immigration officer that:

• They are living together with that partner in a genuine and stable partnership at the time their application is made
• The New Zealand partner intends to be in New Zealand for the same period of time applied for by the applicant; and
• The New Zealand partner supports the application.

In addition to the above requirements, residence applicants also need to demonstrate that they have been living with their New Zealand citizen or resident partner for at least one year at the time that the application is made.