What is the Partner of a Worker Work Visa?

This visa allows the partner of someone who holds a New Zealand work visa — including an Accredited Employer Work Visa — to live in New Zealand. Depending on your partner’s role, employer, and how long they’re allowed to stay, you may be eligible for either a visitor visa or a work visa in your own right.

A work visa under this category could let you take up employment while you’re here, though this isn’t guaranteed in all cases. Work conditions can vary based on the principal applicant’s visa and occupation, so it’s something we’ll check carefully for you before applying.

This pathway is open to both married and de facto partners (including same-sex couples), but Immigration New Zealand expects convincing proof that your relationship is genuine and stable. It’s not just about legal status — it’s about showing you’ve built a life together.

Can You Work on This Visa?

In many cases, yes — partners may be granted a visa with open work rights, which means you can work for any employer in most jobs. But this is not automatic. Whether you’re eligible to work depends on your partner’s visa type, job, and how long they’re allowed to stay.

In recent years, Immigration New Zealand has made changes around the work rights of partners, particularly those of Accredited Employer Work Visa holders. Some partners may receive visas with restrictions, like only being able to work for an accredited employer or not being allowed to work at all.

This is why it’s important to get tailored advice — we’ll look at your unique situation and help you understand what to expect before you apply.

What Evidence Do You Need?

Immigration New Zealand’s approach to visas is evidence-based. This means that you’ll need to show INZ that your relationship is genuine and stable. That usually involves proving you’ve shared a life together, like living arrangements, communication, or joint finances. The exact evidence depends on your circumstances. We’ll guide you on what works best and how to present it convincingly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve seen people assume their visa will be automatically approved just because they’re married or have lived together. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.

Applications can be declined if there isn’t enough evidence, or if the timeline of the relationship doesn’t match what INZ expects. Others forget to check whether their partner’s work visa actually allows them to support a partner visa — which isn’t always the case.

We help clients avoid these traps by making sure everything is lined up from the start. This means you know what’s realistic and what’s not — before you invest your time, money, and energy.

Why Work With Us?

At Visa Matters, we’ve helped dozens of couples reunite and start new chapters together in New Zealand. We know how stressful it can be to navigate complex immigration rules — especially when you’re trying to keep your relationship strong across borders.

Our job is to simplify the process and maximise your chances. We’ll take the time to understand your story and guide you through each step with care.

Whether your partner just landed a job offer or has been working in New Zealand for a while, we’ll help you explore your options and put together a strong application that reflects your life and future together.