Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa — New Zealand

You must provide clear evidence that your relationship is genuine and stable.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will assess the credibility and consistency of what you submit.

Include:

• Proof of your identity with details that match your official documents
• Evidence of your partnership
• Certified English translations for any document not in English
• Completed application forms, including Form INZ 1017 and Form INZ 1015, where required

If you include dependent children aged 21 to 24, you must show they rely on you financially.

Provide documents that demonstrate ongoing financial support.

Check every document for consistency.

Errors in names, dates of birth, or passport details can delay or undermine your application.

Incomplete applications often lead to refusal.

Review the official INZ checklist carefully and submit all required supporting documents at the same time.

If you previously held or currently hold another visa, such as a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Parent Resident Visa, Dependent Child Resident Visa, or a Returning Resident’s Visa, ensure your details align across all records held by INZ.

The New Zealand Partner Resident Visa gives you a pathway to permanent residence if you are in a genuine relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) assesses whether your partnership is real and ongoing.

You must apply online and pay the applicable fees in NZD (NZ$).

Core Application Steps

1. Submit your residence application online through INZ.

2. Complete the Partnership Support Form for Residence (Form INZ 1017) with your partner.

3. Provide required documents, including original documents where requested.

Do not submit your application without the completed Partnership Support Form for Residence.

Key Documents

• Completed residence application form (such as Form INZ 1015, if applicable to your stream)
• Completed INZ 1017 signed by your partner
• Original documents as required
• Police certificates, if:

You provided them in an earlier visa application, and

• They were issued within the last 24 months

Your long-term options may also connect with other residence categories, such as the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Parent Resident Visa, or Dependent Child Resident Visa.

If you later travel, you may need a Returning Resident's Visa to maintain your residence conditions.

If you currently hold a temporary visa, such as a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, ensure your status remains valid while INZ processes your residence application.

When you apply to extend your stay under a family category, you must provide clear evidence of your relationship.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will assess whether your partnership or parent‑child relationship continues to meet visa requirements.

If you hold or previously held a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, you must show that your partnership remains genuine and stable.

This also applies if you later move to a Partner Resident Visa or the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa based on your relationship.

Include documents such as:

• Evidence of your relationship with your partner
• Household registration documents confirming your relationship to your child
• Any required forms, such as Form INZ 1017 or Form INZ 1015, where applicable

If you are extending status for children under a Dependent Child Resident Visa or supporting a parent under the Parent Resident Visa, provide documents that clearly confirm the family link.

Incomplete or incorrect information often delays processing.

Review every field before you submit and confirm that you attached all required documents.

If you already hold residence, consider whether you need a Returning Resident's Visa to maintain your travel conditions.

INZ makes all final decisions on extensions and related family visa applications.

You must pay a government application fee when you lodge your Partner Resident Visa application with Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

INZ may update fees at any time.

Processing time under the standard Partner Resident Visa category is 6 to 12 months as of March 2026.

Actual timeframes vary by application volume, visa category, and where INZ processes your file.

Other residence categories, such as the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Parent Resident Visa, or Dependent Child Resident Visa, have separate processing queues.

A Returning Resident's Visa also follows different timelines.

Delays often occur when applicants submit incomplete forms or missing documents.

You reduce risk by:

• Completing the correct forms (such as Form INZ 1017 and Form INZ 1015, where applicable)
• Providing certified translations if required
• Submitting original or properly certified documents
• Paying the correct fee at lodgement

If you currently hold a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, your residence application does not receive automatic priority.

INZ assesses it under residence processing criteria.

INZ makes all final decisions and publishes updated processing times on its official platform.

You must provide original documents or certified copies of your supporting evidence.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will not accept ordinary photocopies.

Many partner applications get delayed because sponsors submit uncertified copies.

INZ expects formal documentation, especially when you apply under categories such as the Partner of a Worker Work Visa or the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.

Resident pathways linked to a Returning Resident's Visa also require the same level of evidence.

If you rely on sponsorship history tied to visas like the Parent Resident Visa or Dependent Child Resident Visa, you still need to meet the same evidence standard.

The document format matters as much as the content.

You should review all required forms, including Form INZ 1017 and Form INZ 1015.

Confirm every supporting document meets certification requirements before submission.

Use this checklist before lodging your application:

• Provide the original document, or
• Submit a properly certified copy, and
• Ensure certification is clear and complete

Failure to follow these evidence standards can delay assessment by INZ and affect your partner’s resident visa process.