Maximum Duration Extension for Visas Granted to Partners of New Zealanders

Policy effect

The maximum duration for partnership work and visitor visas granted to partners of New Zealand citizens or residence-class visa holders who have cohabited for at least 12 months was extended from 2 years to 3 years to align with other temporary partnership durations and allow sufficient time to transition to residence.

Conditions and exceptions

Validated condition or limit: The maximum duration for partnership work and visitor visas granted to partners of New Zealand citizens or residence-class visa holders who have cohabited for at least 12 months was extended from 2 years to 3 years to align with other temporary partnership durations and allow sufficient time to transition to residence.

Official source excerpt

Quoted verbatim from the official source below. Ellipses indicate omitted text.

From 1 October 2024, the maximum visa duration for work and visitor visas for partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders is increasing. The Government has made changes to the maximum duration for work and visitor visas for partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders that have been living together for at least 12 months. This is now increasing from 2 years to 3 years. This will give couples additional time to save for residence application fees and better aligns with the visa durations provided to partners of temporary migrants.

Review method

Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews

Other New Zealand changes operative in 2024

• 2024-04-01Immigration Employment Infringement Scheme
• 2024-04-07Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for employers and visa applicants
• 2024-06-10Expansion of Open Work Rights for Partners of Students in Green List Programmes
• 2024-06-16Disestablishment of AEWV Franchisee Category
• 2024-09-04Fijian citizens granted a New Zealand transit-visa waiver
• 2024-10-01International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) Increase
• 2024-10-01Part-Time Work Rights for Migrant School Leavers Awaiting Residence
• 2024-10-24Vietnam Working Holiday Scheme Quota Increase
• 2024-10-31Removal of the Second Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV) and Refinement of Exploitation Scope
• 2024-11-19Post Study Work Visa Instructions Amendment (Consecutive Enrolments & Eligible Qualifications Expansion)