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Partner of a Worker Work Visa
VisasNew ZealandPartner of a Worker Work Visa
New ZealandNew Zealand•Oceania
Open

Partner of a Worker Work Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

6 weeks

Application Fee

2,970 NZD

Stay Duration

Same duration as supporting partner's work visa

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Overview

Open work-rights visa for partners of holders of eligible NZ work visas, valid for the same duration as the supporting partner's visa.

Issued by Immigration New Zealand, the Partner of a Worker Work Visa lets spouses, civil union partners, and de facto partners of people holding an eligible NZ work visa join them and work for the same period as the supporting partner's visa.

The application fee is from NZD 1,630 and 80% of decisions are made within 6 weeks. Holders can work for almost any employer, study for up to 3 months, and travel freely. Dependent children cannot be included and must apply separately. Approval requires a genuine, stable relationship and a supporting partner whose qualifying visa runs longer than 6 months.

This visa is ideal for partners of skilled migrants on eligible NZ work visas, especially Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders, who want open work rights for the duration of their partner's stay.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be in a genuine and stable relationship with a partner who holds an eligible New Zealand work visa.

The supporting partner's visa must be for longer than 6 months (with specific exceptions like Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa).

Must meet health and character requirements.

Must have enough money to live on or an acceptable sponsor.

Must be at least 18 years old (or 16/17 with parental consent).

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport or official photo ID.

Evidence of relationship (joint bank accounts, tenancy agreements, photos, communication logs).

Completed 'Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications'.

Evidence of funds or sponsorship form.

Medical and police certificates (if required based on duration of stay).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Open work rights — can work for almost any employer in New Zealand
  • No New Zealand job offer required to apply
  • Can be lodged at the same time as the supporting partner's work visa
  • Permits study for up to 3 months while on the visa
  • Allows multiple entries to and from New Zealand
  • Median 4-week decision time; 80% issued within 6 weeks
  • Visa duration matches the supporting partner's work visa

Worth Knowing

  • Visa duration and validity are tied to the supporting partner's work visa
  • Application fee starts at NZD 1,630, plus immigration levy and IVL where applicable
  • Requires substantial evidence of a genuine and stable cohabiting relationship
  • Dependent children cannot be included and must apply separately
  • Supporting partner's eligibility depends on visa type, ANZSCO skill level and earnings
  • Supporting partner holds a visa of 6 months or less (except Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa)
  • Supporting partner holds Fishing Crew, Working Holiday, RSE, SSE, Domestic Staff of a Diplomat, or SMC Job Search visa
  • Cannot evidence a genuine and stable cohabiting relationship

Application Process

1

Confirm supporting partner has an eligible NZ work visa or is applying for one

2

Gather relationship evidence: cohabitation, shared finances, photos and communications

3

Partner completes INZ 1146 (Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications)

4

Complete the online or paper application (INZ 1198 for paper)

5

Provide health (chest X-ray/medical) and police certificates if staying longer than 6/12/24 months

6

Pay the application fee from NZD 1,630 plus immigration levy and IVL where applicable

7

Submit at the same time as partner's work visa application; visa granted after partner's visa is approved

8

Await decision: median 4 weeks, 80% within 6 weeks

Application Forms

Partnership-Based Temporary Visa Application (INZ 1198)Fill online
Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146)Fill online

Verified Claims (9)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application StepsConfirm supporting partner has an eligible NZ work visa or is applying for one; Gather relationship …immigration.govt.nz
Dependent VisaDependent children not included; must apply separatelyimmigration.govt.nz
Fee Breakdown · 0 · amount1630immigration.govt.nz
FeesFrom NZD 1,630immigration.govt.nz
FormsPartnership-Based Temporary Visa Application (INZ 1198); Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Ba…immigration.govt.nz
Official Infohttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/partner-of-a-worker-work-visa/immigration.govt.nz
Max StaySame duration as supporting partner's work visaimmigration.govt.nz
Processing Estimates{"track":"median","lowDays":28,"highDays":28,"label":"Median (50th percentile)"}; {"track":"p80","lo…immigration.govt.nz

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