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WF2.1 Instructions on duration of visa for partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders
- The duration of any visa granted under these instructions is dependent on the time spent living together in a partnership but must not exceed 36 months from:
- the date the first partnership visa was granted if it was granted onshore; or
- the first date of arrival if the partnership visa was granted offshore.
- If the couple has lived together in a partnership for 12 months or more at the time the application is assessed, a work visa may be granted for the length of the couple's intended stay, up to a maximum of 36 months.
- If the couple has lived together in a partnership for less than 12 months at the time the application is assessed, then the first visa granted under these instructions must not exceed 12 months’ duration. Further visas may be granted upon application for up to a maximum of 36 months from the date the first partnership visa was granted or the first date of arrival if the partnership visa was granted offshore if:
- during the validity of the first visa an application for a residence class visa under Partnership Category is made and the principal applicant wishes to remain in New Zealand pending a decision on their application; or
- the couple wish to spend more time in New Zealand and an immigration officer is satisfied they are still living together in a genuine and stable partnership.
- Despite the requirement that temporary entry applications must be determined in accordance with the instructions in force on the date an application is made (E7.10(a)(ii)), applicants for a visa under these instructions made before 1 October 2024 (and where their application is still undecided on 1 October 2024) may be granted a work visa for up to a maximum of 36 months if the couple has lived together in a partnership for 12 months or more at the time the application is assessed, despite instructions on the date they applied specifying a maximum duration of 24 months.
Effective 01/10/2024