F2.5 Evidential requirements for spouses (26/07/1999)

Immigration Act 1987 s 13B(3)(e)

1. Evidence supporting an application by a spouse for New Zealand residence should include as many documents as are necessary to show that the marriage is genuine and stable.
2. The items listed in F2.5.1 to F2.5.15 below are examples of relevant evidence: other documents may also be relevant.

F2.5.1 Evidence that spouse is New Zealand citizen or resident

1. Evidence that a spouse is a New Zealand citizen may include but is not limited to original or certified copies of:
   • a valid New Zealand passport, or
   • a Certificate of New Zealand Citizenship, or
   • a recent official statement of citizenship from the Department of Internal Affairs, or
   • a New Zealand birth certificate.
2. Evidence that a spouse is a New Zealand resident may include but is not limited to original or certified copies of:
   • a current residence permit, or
   • a current New Zealand returning resident's visa, or
   • a valid Australian passport.

F2.5.5 Evidence that New Zealand spouse supports application

A principal applicant must provide a signed letter from the New Zealand spouse confirming support for the application and, if requested by the NZIS, the New Zealand spouse must agree in writing that they will give financial support for the first 24 months of residence.

F2.5.10 Evidence of marriage

Principal applicants must provide a marriage certificate as evidence that they are married to the spouse declared on their residence application form.

F2.5.15 Evidence of living together in a genuine and stable marriage

1. Evidence that the principal applicant and spouse are living together may include but is not limited to original or certified copies of documents showing shared accommodation such as:
   • a joint mortgage
   • a joint tenancy agreement or rent book
   • correspondence (including postmarked envelopes) addressed to both principal applicant and spouse at the same address.
2. If a couple has been living separately for any period during their marriage, they should provide evidence of the length of the periods of separation and the reasons for them.
3. Evidence about whether the marriage is genuine and stable may include but is not limited to original or certified copies of:
   • birth certificates of their children
   • evidence of communication between the couple
   • proof of joint assets
   • proof of shared income
   • proof of shared bank accounts
   • photographs of the couple together
   • documents indicating public recognition of the marriage.
4. Evidence about these matters can be considered up until the date of final decision.

Effective 26/07/1999