Partner of a Worker Work Visa — New Zealand

You apply online through Immigration New Zealand (INZ), upload your documents, and pay the required fee in NZD. You then monitor your application through your online account until INZ makes a decision.

Before you start (gather documents)

Create a checklist before you log in.

You must complete the online application form and upload all supporting documents. INZ won’t assess an incomplete application.

Prepare:

• Your identity documents
• Evidence of your relationship
• A completed Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (if required)
• Any required forms, such as Form INZ 1017 or Form INZ 1015, where applicable
• Documents that relate to your partner’s visa (such as an Essential Skills Work Visa, Specific Purpose Work Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, or Working Holiday Visa)

If your partner holds residence, you may need to consider whether the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa is more suitable.

Organise files clearly and scan them in a readable format. INZ may delay processing if documents are missing or unclear.

Submit online and pay

You must apply online through your INZ account.

Follow these steps:

1. Log in or create an INZ account.

2. Complete the online application form in full.

3. Upload all supporting documents.

4. Pay the application fee in NZD (NZ$).

INZ does not display process details or costs until you provide your country information. Check the “How to pay and submit” guidance inside your application for current fees and payment methods.

The table below summarises the core steps:

Submit only after you confirm every document is attached.

After submission — check status

You track your application through your online INZ account.

Log in regularly to check your application status. INZ updates your account as your application moves forward.

If INZ requires more information, it will request it through your account. Respond promptly and upload any additional documents as instructed.

Keep copies of everything you submit. You’re responsible for monitoring your application until INZ issues a decision.

You reduce risk when you seek guidance before you submit your application to Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Early advice helps you avoid incomplete forms, missing documents, and preventable delays.

Expert tips before applying

Consider professional help before you lodge your Partner of a Worker Visa application, especially if your partner holds an Essential Skills Work Visa, Specific Purpose Work Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, or Working Holiday Visa.

Prepare every supporting document before you start the online process. INZ expects complete evidence at the time of submission, not later.

Focus on these essentials:

• Completed forms, such as Form INZ 1017 or Form INZ 1015, where required
• All supporting documents listed in the official checklist
• Accurate information in every field
• Documents uploaded in full and clearly legible

Review the official INZ instructions carefully and follow them exactly. Filing a partner-of-worker application does not guarantee approval, even if your partner already holds a valid work visa.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify under this category or should instead consider options such as the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa, get advice before you apply.

When delays or refusals get complex

Seek help immediately if INZ delays your application due to incomplete information or questions the documents you provided.

Delays often stem from missing evidence or inconsistencies in your answers. Even small errors can slow processing.

You also need guidance if INZ raises concerns that could lead to refusal. Once issues escalate, you must respond clearly and completely.

Act quickly if:

1. INZ requests additional documents.

2. You receive a letter outlining concerns.

3. Your application is declined.

A refusal can affect future applications, including other partner-based categories. Professional advice helps you assess your options and respond in a structured way based on INZ requirements.

You must submit clear evidence of your relationship, identity, and financial position when you apply. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will assess whether your partnership is genuine and whether you meet character and health requirements.

Proof of partnership and relationship evidence

INZ expects clear evidence that you and your partner are in a genuine and stable relationship.

Include:

• Documents showing shared finances, such as recent joint bank statements
• Proof of shared living arrangements, like ownership documents or rent receipts

Add evidence of ongoing contact and commitment.

Your partner’s completed Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146, if applicable) may be required.

Any other documents that show you live together and share responsibilities help.

If your partner holds a visa such as an Essential Skills Work Visa, Specific Purpose Work Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, or Working Holiday Visa, provide proof of their visa status.

If you’ve previously applied under a partnership category, like the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa, you can reuse documents if they’re still current and accurate.

Submit clear copies. Provide certified English translations for anything not in English.

Identity, character and health documents

You need to prove your identity and meet INZ’s character and health requirements.

Provide:

• A copy of your passport or certificate of identity
• Police certificates as evidence of good character
• Medical certificates, if required
• Certified English translations for police or medical documents not in English

Police certificates from a previous visa application, if less than 24 months old, can be reused.

Some applicants must complete more forms.

You may need:

• Form INZ 1017 (Supplementary Form – General)
• Form INZ 1015 (for certain travel documents, including Hong Kong or Macao passports)
• Your Hukou (household registration book) as extra identity evidence, where applicable

All forms must be complete and signed before submission.

Financial and residency evidence

INZ checks whether you and your partner can support yourselves while you’re in New Zealand.

Provide recent evidence such as:

• Bank statements
• Payslips
• Employment agreement
• Proof of accommodation ownership or rent receipts

Use records that clearly show names, dates, and payment details.

All documents should match the information in your application.

INZ relies on written evidence, not verbal statements, when deciding your Partner of a Worker Visa application.

Your visa conditions depend on your partner’s current work visa and INZ’s instructions.

You can live in New Zealand with your partner, but you must meet work and financial requirements throughout your stay.

Work and residence conditions

A partner-based work visa lets you join your partner in New Zealand without your own job offer.

INZ issues your visa based on your relationship and your partner’s valid work visa.

Your partner may hold a visa such as:

Your visa conditions align with your partner’s lawful status.

If your partner’s visa expires, is cancelled, or changes, your visa conditions may also change.

You must follow all conditions listed in your visa approval.

INZ can vary or cancel visas if you no longer meet relationship or eligibility requirements.

If your partner becomes eligible for residence, you might consider options such as the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa, subject to INZ criteria.

Financial responsibilities and evidence

You must show you can support yourself in New Zealand.

INZ requires proof you have enough funds for your living costs during your stay.

Prepare clear financial evidence, such as:

• Recent bank statements
• Evidence of savings
• Proof of shared financial arrangements
• Any other documents requested by INZ

INZ may require forms such as Form INZ 1017 or Form INZ 1015, depending on your situation.

Follow the form instructions carefully.

You must maintain sufficient funds throughout your stay.

If INZ decides you can’t support yourself, it may affect your visa status or future applications.

INZ checks whether your relationship is genuine and stable and whether your documents meet validity rules.

Most refusals and delays stem from missing proof of living together, expired certificates, untranslated records, or incomplete medical and financial evidence.

Common evidence gaps that lead to refusal

INZ must see proof that you and your partner live together in a genuine and stable relationship.

If you fail to show shared living arrangements, INZ may decline your application, regardless of which eligible partner visa you apply under.

Common gaps include:

• No clear proof of living together at the same address
• Limited documents covering the same time period
• No supporting evidence attached to Form INZ 1017 or Form INZ 1015
• Missing proof that you can financially support yourselves

If you later apply under the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa, INZ will apply the same scrutiny to your relationship history.

You must present consistent, matching documents that clearly show you share a life, not just a connection.

How document issues cause delays

INZ checks whether each document meets validity and format requirements.

If your police certificate is more than six months old at the time of assessment, INZ may request a new one, which extends processing time.

You must also:

• Provide a medical examination if INZ requires it
• Submit certified translations for all non-English documents
• Ensure police certificates are current when lodged

Each missing or outdated document triggers additional requests from Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

That back-and-forth slows your decision and can affect temporary status linked to visas such as the Essential Skills Work Visa or Post-Study Work Visa.