VisaLegal

Immigration instructions define partnership as two people, of the same or opposite s*x, living together in a genuine and stable relationship, either in a legal marriage, civil union, or de facto relationship 💕

For a Partnership Visa, Immigration New Zealand must be satisfied that the relationship meets immigration instructions and is credible, genuine, and stable. Marriage alone is not sufficient; applicants must provide documentation to demonstrate the relationship meets requirements.

Eligibility:

✅ Both partners must be at least 18 years old (or 16–17 with parental/guardian consent).
✅ The couple must have met in person before applying.
✅ Partners must not be close relatives.

If INZ is not satisfied the immigration requirements are met, they may ask for more documents and verify the information provided. During the partnership visa assessment, INZ may interview the couple or visit their home to confirm the relationship is genuine and stable.

Evidence for Temporary or Residence Visas:

🔸 Marriage or civil union certificate (if applicable).
🔸 Proof of living together (e.g., joint mortgage, tenancy agreement, rent book).
🔸 Financial interdependence (e.g., joint bank accounts, shared income, money transfers).
🔸 Birth certificates of any children.
🔸 Proof of public or family recognition of the relationship.
🔸 Correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address.
🔸 Photos together, evidence of relationship duration, and commitment to a shared life.
🔸 Communication records (cards, letters, emails, social media messages).
🔸 Tickets from shared travel or activities.
🔸 Divorce documents from previous relationships.
🔸 Evidence of joint asset ownership or shared utility accounts.

🩷 For a Partnership Work Visa in New Zealand, there is no minimum period of living together required. You don't need to have lived with your partner for 12 months to be eligible for this visa.

❤️ For a Residence Visa, couples must show they’ve lived together for at least 12 months when applying. If they’ve spent significant time apart, they need to explain the reasons and how they maintained the relationship.

Partnership applications require careful, subjective assessment by INZ officers. Providing false or misleading information is a criminal offence, and fraudulent relationships for immigration purposes are taken seriously.

If a visa application is declined, temporary visa applicants in New Zealand can request reconsideration within 14 days. Those outside New Zealand cannot request reconsideration but can apply again. Residence visa refusals can be appealed to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal within 42 days.

We can help you get your Partnership Visa application ready, contact us today! [email protected] 🤝

The AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa) is New Zealand’s main temporary work visa. It lets migrants work for an Accredited Employer in New Zealand for up to 5 years.

This visa is part of a system that:

✅ Gives New Zealanders the first chance at available jobs

✅ Makes it easier for employers to hire skilled migrant workers when there are real skill shortages

✅ Helps protect migrants from exploitation as only accredited employers are allowed to hire them.

How does the AEWV process work?

There are 3 main steps:

1️⃣ Employer accreditation: The employer must first get accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

2️⃣ Job Check: Once accredited, the employer needs to get a Job Check approved before they can offer the job to a migrant. In some cases, the employer must advertise the role first to show that no suitable New Zealand citizens or residents are available for the job.

3️⃣ Visa application: After the Job Check is approved, the migrant worker can apply for their AEWV.

INZ checks every step carefully, from accreditation to the visa application, and also does post-accreditation checks to make sure everything is done properly. They regularly review these rules to make sure the system is fair, protects migrant workers, and meets New Zealand’s workforce needs.

If you want to know more or need help applying, feel free to contact us. We can guide you through the process! [email protected] 🤝

✨ Meet the Team – Vera George, Licensed Immigration Adviser

Vera joined Visa Legal in 2021 after completing the Graduate Diploma in New Zealand Immigration Advice.

Having lived in both New Zealand and Greece, Vera understands first-hand the opportunities, challenges and barriers that many migrants face when building a life in another country.

Vera brings a unique academic background to her role. In addition to her specialist qualification in New Zealand Immigration Advice, she holds qualifications in psychology, intercultural communication, applied translation and criminology. She is also bilingual in English and Greek, a NZSTI Affiliate Interpreter, and a NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter.

Vera has extensive experience across both temporary and residence visa categories and particular expertise in complex immigration matters, including character issues, previous visa declines, false or misleading information concerns, deportation liability, section 61 requests, Special Direction requests and Ministerial Intervention requests.

Her academic and professional background has equipped her with strong analytical, research and communication skills. Vera has a particular talent for preparing persuasive submissions that clearly present her clients’ circumstances.

Clients value Vera’s ability to explain complex immigration requirements in simple, clear language. She is passionate about helping migrants achieve their goals in New Zealand and takes pride in providing thoughtful, practical and compassionate advice throughout every stage of the immigration journey.

📅 If you need help with your visa process, book a free appointment with Vera here: https://live.vcita.com/site/webq9fv3dupskqtm/online-scheduling?staff=w8h6lozq3xzsdhh0&service=j63kytxo4i2ydy1s

A big thanks to René for the kind words! 🤩