New Zealand Spouse Visa from India

As the partner of a holder of a New Zealand citizen or resident visa, you can submit an application for a New Zealand spouse visa to reside in New Zealand indefinitely. A New Zealand partner visa permits the reunion with your spouse or partner, who relies on residing, working, and studying in New Zealand for an unlimited time. Three primary subcategories exist for applying for a New Zealand spouse visa from India.

New Zealand Spouse Visa Eligibility Requirements

If you are in a relationship with or married to someone who is a citizen of New Zealand, holds a work permit, or is studying in New Zealand. You could qualify for a New Zealand Spouse/Partner Visa. This enables you to reside, work, and study in New Zealand. The eligibility criteria for a New Zealand Spouse visa entirely rely on the specific category you wish to apply under.

1. Categories of spouse/partner visas:

The initial step is to identify the most appropriate category for you. There are three primary pathways for the partner categories in New Zealand.

• Partner of a New Zealand Resident Visa: For partners of New Zealand citizens or residents (results in PR).
• Spouse of a Worker Work Visa: If your partner holds a work visa, you may qualify for a work visa.
• Visa for Partners of Students: If your partner is enrolled in a level 7 or 8 program in a qualified area, you might qualify for a work visa.

2. General Eligibility Criteria:

Genuine Relationship: You need to demonstrate that you are in a real, stable, and lasting relationship.

• Living Together: You need to have resided together for a minimum of 12 months (for a residence visa).
• Financial Support: Your partner needs to demonstrate their capability to provide financial assistance to you.
• Health & Character: You are required to fulfill medical and police clearance standards.

New Zealand Spouse Visa Documents Checklist

Proof of Relationship:

• Shared bank accounts, lease agreements, or utility invoices.
• Certificate of marriage (if married).
• Shared photos, travel experiences.

Proof of Living Together:

• Utility statements (electricity, water, phone) featuring both names.
• Lease contract or loan documents featuring both names.

Partner’s Documents:

• Support letter confirming the authenticity of your relationship.
• Evidence of residency or citizenship in New Zealand (passport, resident visa).

New Zealand Spouse Visa Processing Time

Processing Time:

• Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa – 2 to 6 months.
• Work Visa (Spouse of a Worker/Student) – 1 to 2 months.

New Zealand Spouse Visa Fees

Application Fees:

• Partner of a Worker visa: it is approximately NZ 1630.
• Partner of a NZ Resident Visa—approximately NZD 2,750
• Partner of a Student  Work Visa: Varies by location, around NZD 1630

General Eligibility Requirements – Relevant to all Spouse visa categories

• Candidates are required to verify their identity as foreign citizens.
• Candidates should be in good health.
• Candidates must possess strong character.
• Applicants’ partners must possess legitimate immigration status in New Zealand.
• The partners of applicants should possess good character.
• Partners of applicants must qualify to assist with the spouse visa application.
• Candidates and their partners need to be in a sincere and continuing relationship

How to apply spouse visa for New Zealand

Steps to apply for New Zealand Spouse Visa

The process for obtaining a partner visa in New Zealand consists of four fundamental steps that we will explain here.

Step 1 – Complete the Partnership Assistance Form

The initial step involves the partner of the applicant filling out the Partnership Support Form. Extra supporting documents and the finished partnership form need to be submitted during the online application process. In addition to a Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa and Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa, the Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based – Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146) must be filled out by the candidate’s spouse and subsequently provided to the applicant for uploading with the online application.

Step 2 – Submit the application for the spouse visa

Applicants are required to go to the official New Zealand website (immigration.govt.nz) in order to apply online. When submitting your application online, you are required to provide the partnership support form, your documents, and any additional supporting documents. Subsequently, submit application fees that differ according to the type of visa.

Step 3 – The process of applying begins

After you submit your application, the immigration officer examines the file to provide the visa result. The typical processing duration varies based on the visa categories, which we will cover later.

Step 4 – Plan Your Journey to New Zealand

Upon a successful visa process, applicants receive the visa approval and are informed via mail. Following that, you can organize your journey and begin preparations.