Residing and working in New Zealand is the ambition of many people. If you partner already has a legal work visa or holiday visa then it is a good way to build up. The New Zealand Partner of a worker visa process is still one of the most important legal ways for individuals seeking to live and work in New Zealand.
This visa provides the partner of a worker the legal right to stay and work in New Zealand under specific rules and qualifications. The process has recently been updated in 2024 and 2025, and if you understand the steps and requirements involved, it is possible to avoid visa rejection and delays.
However, how does this really work? Interestingly, you just arrived at a detailed guide providing a thorough insight of how the New Zealand Partner of a Worker Visa is processed in 2025 including its eligibility, documents needed, and more.
How Does the New Zealand Partner of a Worker Visa Work?
This visa is intended for individuals who are in a genuine and stable relationship with someone holding a valid work visa in New Zealand. Typically, this visa does not cover children as they must separately apply, and no job offer for application is needed, but applicants must meet all criteria set by the country’s Immigration.
From the end of 2024 and throughout 2025, New Zealand introduced more updates on the Partner of a Worker Visa like restoring work rights for most partners of skilled workers, and it applies especially to those whose partners are employed in approved roles or in sector agreements.
Other updates include removal of wage thresholds in some Accredited Employer Work Visa positions, longer visa durations for roles not classified as high-skilled, and streamlined employer verification checks.
Who is Qualified for this Visa?
People eligible for the New Zealand Partner of a Worker Work Visa in 2025 are:
- Partners of New Zealand Work Visa Holders
- People in a genuine and stable relationship
- People who can meet health and character requirements
- Applicants with partners that can support the application
How to Qualify for this Visa
If you fall under any of the above categories, you are eligible to apply, still, you are to meet the requirements below:
- The relationship must be supported by evidence such as proof of living together, shared financial responsibilities, photographs, and communications.
- The applicant must also meet health and character requirements including passing medical examinations.
- He or she must have obtained police clearance certificates upon staying in any country for at least twelve months in the last ten years.
- The supporting partner must be eligible and must complete a formal support form with their work visa valid for six months or more at the time you are applying.
- The supporting partner visa must also fall under the eligible category, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa or other recognised employment based visas in New Zealand.
Required Documents for Qualification
Here are the documents required to apply for the New Zealand Partner of a Worker Work Visa as of August 2025. All documents must be clear, complete, and up to date:
- Valid passport photograph
- Evidence of relationship
- Completed partner support form (INZ 1146)
- Partner’s visa details
- Health documents
- Police certificates
Application Guidelines
1. Check Partner Eligibility: Confirm your partner holds a valid and eligible New Zealand work visa such as AEWV and that you are legally married, in a civil union, or legal relationship with him/her.
2. Gather Required Documents: Prepare all the necessary documents which must include a valid passport photograph, relationship evidence, INZ 1146 partner support form, partner’s visa details, medical certificate, and police certificate, all translated in English Language.
3. Create an Online INZ Account: Create a RealMe account on the official Immigration New Zealand website to access the online application form, fill it completely with valid and needed data, as well as uploading the documents.
4. Pay the Visa Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable fee of 1,630 NZD online using an accepted payment method, review the application and submit it still on the INZ portal.
Once you have submitted the application form, you can keep track of it by monitoring the status, response to requests from INZ, and wait for approval which usually takes up to 5 weeks and a few days to be processed.
Also check: Australia Fast Track Visa For Foreigner Workers 2025
Visa Duration and Rights
The visa duration somewhat must match the partner’s valid work visa. If the relationship is under twelve months, the initial visa may be issued for one year with extensions possibility being up to a maximum of three years.
If the relationship has lasted twelve months or more, the applicant may be granted up to three years at once. The visa grants the right to work for any employer in New Zealand without needing a job offer, study up to three months is permitted, and travel into and out of New Zealand is allowed while the visa is valid.
Successful Application Tips
- Always confirm that your relationship documentation is up to date and comprehensive.
- Failure to provide clear evidence of a shared life with your partner is one of the main reasons applications are delayed or denied.
- Apply in advance if your partner’s visa is near expiration.
- Ensure that you are within the legal stay period while awaiting your decision.
- Medical and police certificates must be less than thirty-six months old at the time of application.
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Can I work in New Zealand on this visa?
Yes, you can work in New Zealand if your partner holds an eligible work visa and you meet all requirements, you can apply for an open work visa.
How long is the Partner of a Worker Work Visa valid for?
The visa is usually valid for the same duration as your partner’s visa. Let’s say if your relationship is under 12 months, you may be granted a one-year visa initially, and receive a visa for up to three years if you have lived together for 12 months or more.
What kind of relationship proof is needed?
Acceptable proof includes joint utility bills, rental agreements, shared financial accounts, photos together, communication records, and official documents sent to you two at the same address.
Is a medical examination required?
A medical certificate is required if you plan to stay in New Zealand for more than 12 months or if you are from or have lived in a country with a high risk of tuberculosis.
Can I include children in this visa?
No, you can not include children in the Partner of a Worker Work Visa application.
How long does the application process take?
Immigration New Zealand processes about 80 percent of applications within 5 weeks and 3 to 4 days, still, there might be delays if documents are missing or needed additional checks.
Can I study while on this visa?
You can study in New Zealand for up to three months while holding a Partner of a Worker Work Visa.
Conclusion
The New Zealand Partner of a Worker Visa Process here on our website is detailed on the requirements and formal steps that must be followed correctly, and it is all needed from you to increase your chances of a successful application.
Although there have been changes as of 2025, it has been streamlined to be flexible that applicants can meet all procedures as required by New Zealand immigration authorities.