What is the Partner of a Student Visitor Visa?

This visa lets you join your partner in New Zealand while they study, but only on a visitor basis. That means you’re not allowed to work or study for more than 3 months, and your stay is typically granted for the same duration as your partner’s student visa — or shorter.

It’s a temporary solution that gives couples the chance to live together during the course of study, but it comes with limitations.

Who can apply for this visa?

To qualify, you must be in a genuine and stable relationship with someone who holds a valid New Zealand student visa. Your relationship must meet the immigration definition of a partner, which includes being:

• Living together in a genuine and stable relationship (married, civil union, or de facto)
• Committed to a shared life (emotionally and financially)
• Able to prove the relationship is exclusive and genuine

It’s important to note that not all international students’ partners are eligible for more flexible visa types. For example, if your partner is studying a degree that is not on the Green List or isn’t leading to registration with a professional body (such as nursing or teaching), then you might only qualify for a visitor visa rather than a work visa.

This is where many couples get confused — and where careful assessment becomes crucial.

How long can you stay?

Typically, Immigration New Zealand grants a Partner of a Student Visitor Visa for the same length of time as your partner’s student visa. However, shorter durations may be issued, especially if there are concerns about the relationship or insufficient evidence.

Renewals are possible, but every application must stand on its own merits. If your partner is starting a new course, you may need to apply again with updated evidence.

What can you do on this visa?

While on this visa, you can:

• Live in New Zealand with your partner
• Travel in and out of the country freely (as long as your visa is valid and you have multiple-entry permission)
• Study for up to 3 months

However, you cannot work while holding a Partner of a Student Visitor Visa. If you plan to work, you must apply for a separate visa that allows employment — which may or may not be granted, depending on your circumstances.

How do you prove your relationship?

Immigration New Zealand takes an evidence-based approach to relationship visas. You’ll need to show that your relationship is genuine and stable. This often means proving that you’ve built a life together. The exact evidence will depend on your situation. We’ll help you understand what’s most persuasive and how to present it in the strongest way.

What if you haven’t lived together for long?

Living together is one of the core requirements for most partnership-based visas. However, if you haven’t lived together for long — or haven’t lived together at all — your options become more limited.

In some cases, you can still apply, but it’s more likely to be declined unless you provide compelling evidence of an ongoing and serious relationship.

Can this lead to a work visa or residence?

The Partner of a Student Visitor Visa is not a direct pathway to work or residence. But it may be a stepping stone.

If your partner later applies for a Post Study Work Visa or moves into a job that allows them to apply for residence, you may become eligible for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa or Partner of a Resident Visa. Each stage will require fresh evidence of your relationship, so it’s important to keep records over time.

Common pitfalls and mistakes

We often see couples struggle with these common issues:

• Not enough relationship evidence: Providing too few documents or overly recent proof can weaken your application.
• Inconsistent statements: If your forms, cover letters, and evidence don’t align, this raises red flags.
• Assuming approval is automatic: Just because your partner has a student visa doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a partner visa.
• Not planning ahead: Waiting too long to apply or not aligning your timelines can lead to unplanned separation or expired visas.
• DIY applications without guidance: Partnership visas are subjective and case-specific. A small mistake or misunderstanding can derail your plans.

Is this the right visa for you?

The Partner of a Student Visitor Visa is a good option if:

• Your partner holds a student visa for a course that doesn’t allow them to support a partner’s work visa
• You want to stay in New Zealand temporarily while they study
• You don’t plan to work or study yourself
• You can show that your relationship is genuine and stable

However, if your partner is studying at postgraduate level or in a Green List occupation, you might be eligible for a Partner of a Student Work Visa instead — which would let you work full-time.