Partners of Temporary Work Visa Holders

If your partner holds a valid work visa in New Zealand, you may be eligible for a relationship-based work visa that allows you to work for any employer in New Zealand.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for this visa if:

  • You are in a genuine and stable relationship with someone holding a work visa valid for more than 6 months
  • You meet general requirements such as health, character, and partnership proof

 Who Cannot Support You for This Visa?

You cannot apply under this category if your partner holds a visa under any of the following:

  • Essential Skills visa with pay below $25.29/hour
  • Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE)
  • Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE)
  • Working Holiday Scheme
  • Foreign fishing crew
  • Skilled Migrant Category Job Search Visa
  • Domestic staff for diplomatic/consular personnel
  • Seasonal workers under certain Specific Purpose visas

 Exceptions apply for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders — see below.

 For Partners of AEWV or Essential Skills Visa Holders

You may be eligible if your partner:

Is on an AEWV and:

  • Works in an ANZSCO level 1, 2, or 3 role and earns at least $26.85/hour, OR
  • Earns $50.34/hour or more in any job, OR
  • Works in a Green List role earning $33.56/hour or more and meets Green List criteria, OR
  • Works in a Transport or Care Sector Work to Residence role and earns at least $26.85/hour (or the sector’s required rate)

Is on an Essential Skills Visa and:

  • Earns at least $26.85/hour

? If you already held or had applied for a partnership visa by 26 June 2024, you may still qualify even if your partner’s job is ANZSCO level 4 or 5.

 Visa Duration

  • Your visa will be granted for the same length as your partner’s visa
  • You can work for any employer and do not need to work full-time

Proof of Partner’s Pay

If your partner’s pay has changed, you’ll need to provide evidence such as:

  • Updated employment agreement or employer letter, and
  • Payslips, bank statements, or IRD income summary

 INZ will use the most favourable wage threshold (either at the time your partner’s visa was granted or when you apply).

 Fee & Evidence Waivers

An immigration officer may waive:

  • The application fee, immigration levy, and tourism levy
  • The requirement to show evidence of funds or onward travel

 Special Case: Partners of Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV) Holders

You may qualify only if:

  • You are already in NZ on a visa granted based on your partner’s previous visa
  • Your new visa will match your partner’s MEPV in duration
  • Your visa won’t include travel conditions, but you can work for any employer

 Need help with your partnership-based work visa?
Let JD Immigration guide you through the process for a smooth, fast approval.