Extended Partner Visa Duration: A New Opportunity for Couples
If you’re the partner of a New Zealand citizen or residence visa holder, there’s positive news ahead. The New Zealand government has announced an extension to the duration of visas for partners of citizens and residents, increasing from two years to three years. This new regulation will come into effect on October 1, 2024, for partners who have been cohabiting with their Kiwi counterparts for at least 12 months.
“The government has made changes to the maximum duration for work and visitor visas for partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders who have been living together for at least 12 months. This is now increasing from two years to three years,” Immigration New Zealand (INZ) stated.
Why is the Extension Being Introduced?
The visa extension is a part of New Zealand’s broader immigration reform strategy, aimed at retaining skilled individuals to support economic growth. “This change supports the government’s efforts to create a world-class immigration system that attracts and retains the skills and experience New Zealand needs to grow our economy,” added INZ.
This extension provides couples with more time to save for residence application fees and aligns better with the duration provided to partners of temporary migrants.
Impact on Current Applications
For those who have already submitted their visa applications but have yet to receive a decision by October 1, the new three-year duration will apply. However, existing visa holders will not receive an automatic extension and will need to reapply to benefit from the extended stay.
Visa Application Data
Immigration New Zealand has been actively processing applications. Between July and August 2024 alone, they received 456 visitor visa applications, of which 252 were approved while 104 were declined. According to INZ statistics, so far this financial year, 85% of visitor visa applications have been approved, translating to 76,669 successful applications out of a total of 90,493.
The current waiting period for visitor visa decisions is approximately three weeks, while partner visa applicants should be prepared for up to a 12-week wait.
Visa Options for Partners of New Zealanders
If you’re the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident, here are your available visa options:
Partner on Visitor Visa
- New Visa Duration: Up to 36 months (from October 1, 2024)
- Current Visa Duration: Up to 24 months
- Eligibility: Partners of New Zealand citizens or residents
Partner on Work Visa
- New Visa Duration: Up to 36 months (from October 1, 2024)
- Current Visa Duration: Between one and two years
- Eligibility: Allows partners to work in New Zealand
Long-term Options: Partner of a New Zealand Resident Visa
For those seeking a long-term solution to stay in New Zealand, applying for a partner of a New Zealander resident visa is an excellent choice. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely. To be eligible, you and your partner must have lived together for at least 12 months before submitting your application.
- Length of Stay: Indefinitely
- Cost: Starting at NZD $2,750 (approximately INR 1.4 Lakh)
- Processing Time: According to INZ, 80% of applications are processed within 8 months.
Additional Conditions:
- If your partner’s residency status is based on Australian citizenship or permanent residence, additional conditions apply.
- If your partner is a New Zealand citizen and you both have lived outside New Zealand for more than five years, you may qualify for a permanent resident visa. In this case, your partner must either be overseas at the time of application or have returned to New Zealand within the last three months.
What Indians Need to Know When Applying
When applying for a partner visa as an Indian applicant:
- Your partner needs to support your application by completing a ‘Partnership Support Form for Residence’.
- They must provide necessary documents for uploading with your application.
- The application cost is NZD $3,610 (approximately INR 1.9 Lakh), and fees are non-refundable if declined.
Once you arrive in New Zealand:
- You must apply for entry permission digitally or via paper declaration to confirm you meet entry requirements.
- Ensure your visa is in a valid passport; if it expires, transfer the visa to a new passport before traveling.
For those applying while overseas:
- You have 12 months from the date of visa approval to travel to New Zealand.
- After arriving (or if applied while already in NZ), you can travel freely until travel conditions expire.
Permanent residents can travel indefinitely if their visa remains valid. If it expires while abroad, apply for a variation of travel conditions or a new permanent resident visa to return.
