Partner Work Visas
For Partners of New Zealanders, Workers & Students
A general overview of New Zealand's work visa options for partners — including partners of New Zealanders and partners of certain work or student visa holders — and what Immigration New Zealand generally considers. This is general information only — assessing a specific relationship is personalised advice from a licensed adviser.
General Overview
The Main Partner Work Visa Options
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
Generally for partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, this can allow work in New Zealand. Eligibility depends on the partner's status and the relationship meeting requirements.
Partner of a Worker Work Visa
Generally for partners of certain work visa holders. Whether it is available, and any conditions, can depend on the worker's visa and role.
Partner of a Student Work Visa
Generally for partners of certain student visa holders. Eligibility and conditions depend on the student's course and visa type.
A Genuine & Stable Relationship
All partner categories generally turn on whether the relationship is, in INZ's terms, genuine and stable. This is assessed by an officer against current policy and individual circumstances.
Working With VisaPlex
From First Conversation to a Clear Plan
- 1
Map Your Situation
Start in the AVA workspace to organise your relationship and your partner's visa or status against the general framework.
- 2
Adviser Review
A licensed immigration adviser reviews your circumstances against current policy and explains which partner options may apply.
- 3
Prepare the Application
If you choose to proceed, your adviser guides the evidence relevant to your specific relationship.
- 4
Submission & Support
Your application is submitted and supported through to a decision.
Common Questions
Common Questions About Partner Work Visas
Partner work visas generally allow work in New Zealand, while partner visitor visas generally do not. Which option fits depends on your partner's status and your circumstances, confirmed against current policy.
This is an assessment made by an Immigration New Zealand officer against current policy. INZ generally considers evidence across several areas of a couple's life. How it applies to a specific relationship is reviewed by a licensed adviser.
No. Partner work visas are generally temporary; partner residence is a separate pathway with its own requirements. See our Partner & Family Visas guide for the residence side.
No. VisaPlex provides general information and an AI-assisted planning workspace. Assessing a specific relationship is personalised immigration advice provided by a licensed adviser.
Next Step
Talk Through a Partner Work Visa
Tell us a little about your situation and our licensed adviser will review which partner work visa options may apply to you.