What is the Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa?

It’s a temporary visitor visa that allows you to live in New Zealand with your partner, as long as they hold a valid work visa. You’re not applying as an individual tourist — you’re applying based on your genuine and stable relationship with someone who has already been granted permission to work here.

This visa is different from the Partner of a Worker Work Visa, which allows you to work full-time. Whether you qualify for that more flexible option depends on what kind of job your partner has and whether it appears on the Green List or meets income thresholds.

If you don’t qualify for a work visa, or if Immigration New Zealand thinks your case needs a softer introduction, a visitor visa can be a suitable alternative — especially as a stepping stone.

Who can apply for this visa?

To be eligible, you need to be in a genuine and stable relationship with someone who currently holds a valid work visa in New Zealand. Your relationship must fall into one of these categories:

• Married
• In a civil union
• In a de facto partnership (meaning you’ve lived together for a while and can prove a committed relationship)

The key requirement is that the relationship is real, exclusive, and lasting. You’ll be asked to show evidence of your life together, which we’ll cover in more detail below.

Your partner must also be:

• In New Zealand on a valid work visa (such as an Accredited Employer Work Visa)
• Able to support you financially and meet visa conditions
• Not on a visa type that restricts bringing family (some short-term or special purpose visas don’t allow partner support)

What can you do on this visa?

While holding a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa, you are allowed to:

• Live in New Zealand with your partner for the duration of their visa (or shorter)
• Travel in and out of New Zealand while your visa is valid
• Study for up to 3 months

You cannot work on this visa. If your goal is to earn an income in New Zealand, you’ll need to apply separately for a work visa — either in your own right or as the partner of a worker, if eligible.

How long does the visa last?

Generally, the Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa is granted for the same length of time as your partner’s work visa. However, this is not guaranteed. Immigration New Zealand might grant a shorter visa if they want to reassess your relationship later, or if your evidence is seen as limited.

Some people receive 6-month visas initially, then apply for extensions once they’ve had more time living together or gathering evidence. Others may be granted a full 12, 24, or even 36 months upfront, depending on their partner’s visa and the strength of the application.

Proving your relationship: What INZ looks for

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.

Common challenges and how to handle them

• Short relationship history
• Not enough documentation
• One-sided applications
• Misalignment in timelines

Is this a stepping stone to a Partner Work Visa or residence?

Yes, in many cases, it can be.

Some couples use the Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa as a first step. Once they’ve lived together longer or their partner qualifies under the Green List or income threshold, they may apply for the Partner of a Worker Work Visa, which allows full-time employment.

Eventually, if your partner applies for residence (under the Skilled Migrant Category, for example), you may also be able to apply as their partner for residence yourself, assuming you meet the requirements at that stage.

Should you apply from offshore or within New Zealand?

You can apply from either location. If you’re already in New Zealand on another visa (e.g. a visitor visa), you may be able to switch to a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa from inside the country.

However, if you’re outside New Zealand, you’ll need to apply and be approved before you travel, unless special circumstances apply (like border exceptions or reunification policies).