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Partner Work Visa

Work rights for partners of New Zealanders, and of eligible work and student visa holders.

Updated 23 October 2026 · Source: INZ: Partner of a Worker Work Visa

At a glance

Partner of a worker
Depends on your partner’s pay and job skill level
Partner of a New Zealander
Living together under 12 months: 1-year visa, renewable up to 3 years
Job offer needed?
No

Figures are from Immigration New Zealand as at 23 October 2026 and change regularly. Always check the official page before applying.

Who it’s for

  • Partners of New Zealand citizens and residents
  • Partners of eligible AEWV and other work visa holders
  • Partners of eligible student visa holders

What INZ looks for

  • That your partner’s visa supports a partner work visa
  • A genuine and stable relationship, with evidence
  • Health and character requirements

Where people go wrong

  • Assuming every work visa supports a partner work visa: pay and skill-level thresholds apply
  • Thin relationship evidence, especially for couples who have lived apart

How we help

  • Checking your partner’s visa supports yours
  • Building a relationship evidence pack that tells your story clearly
  • Applying for children at the same time where possible

Where this fits in your journey

This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration New Zealand makes every visa decision. More in family visas.

Tell us where you are. We’ll tell you honestly where you can go.

We reply within one business day (NZ time).

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