Family Category (Partnership) Visa

The Family Category (Partnership) Visa in New Zealand allows partners of New Zealand citizens or residents to live in New Zealand as residents. This visa category is designed to reunite families and strengthen family connections within the country. It includes provisions for both married couples and those in de facto or civil union relationships.

Purpose: To enable the partners of New Zealand citizens or residents to join them and live in New Zealand permanently.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Partnership Requirement:

   • The applicant must be in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident. This can include:
     • Married couples
     • Civil union partners
     • De facto partners (couples living together in a relationship akin to marriage)

2. Duration of Relationship:

   • The relationship must generally have been stable and genuine for at least 12 months.

3. Living Together:

   • The couple must have been living together, though exceptions may be considered in cases such as work commitments or family obligations.

4. Sponsorship:

   • The New Zealand partner must sponsor the applicant. The sponsor must be a New Zealand citizen or resident and meet specific requirements, including not having sponsored more than one other partner in the last five years and not having been sponsored for a partnership visa themselves within the past five years.

5. Character and Health:

   • The applicant must meet character and health requirements, including providing police certificates and possibly undergoing medical examinations.

6. English Language Requirement:

   • There may be a requirement to demonstrate English language proficiency, depending on the applicant’s country of origin and circumstances.

Required Documents

• Proof of Identity: Valid passports for both the applicant and the sponsor.
• Evidence of Relationship:
  • Marriage or civil union certificates (if applicable)
  • Evidence of a de facto relationship, such as joint bank accounts, joint rental agreements, joint ownership of property, photos, correspondence, and statements from friends and family.
• Proof of Living Together: Documents showing shared living arrangements.
• Sponsorship Form: Completed and signed by the New Zealand partner.
• Character Documents: Police certificates from countries where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
• Health Certificates: Medical and possibly x-ray certificates.

Application Process

1. Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including evidence of the relationship and sponsorship.
2. Submit Application: The application can be submitted online or as a paper application.
3. Pay Application Fee: The fee varies depending on the application method and location.
4. Application Review: Immigration New Zealand reviews the application, including verifying the genuineness of the relationship.
5. Interview: Applicants may be required to attend an interview to verify the relationship.
6. Decision: Immigration New Zealand makes a decision, and the applicant is notified.

Cost

Fees are subject to change and may vary based on the application method and location.

Processing Time

• Typical Processing Time: Approximately 8-12 months, but this can vary depending on individual circumstances and the complexity of the application.

Key Points to Remember

1. Genuine and Stable Relationship: The relationship must be genuine and stable, and evidence must be provided to support this.
2. Sponsorship Limitations: The New Zealand partner must meet sponsorship criteria, including limitations on how many partners they can sponsor within certain timeframes.
3. Living Together: The couple must have been living together in a genuine and stable relationship for a significant period, typically at least 12 months.
4. Health and Character: The applicant must meet health and character requirements.

Conclusion

The Family Category (Partnership) Visa is an essential option for partners of New Zealand citizens and residents seeking to live together in New Zealand. By meeting the requirements and providing thorough evidence of their relationship, applicants can secure residency and build their lives together in the country. Understanding the process and providing accurate, comprehensive documentation is crucial for a successful application.

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