Partner of a Worker or Student Visa
For partners of people who hold a New Zealand work or student visa.
The Partner of a Worker or Student Visa is a New Zealand family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~NZ$750 (work) or NZ$441 (visitor) including levy) and processing time (~4-8 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Partner of a Worker or Student Visa is for
For partners of people who hold a New Zealand work or student visa.
No direct path; aligned with the principal partner's residence pathway.
Partner of a Worker or Student Visa - eligibility criteria
- Be in a genuine and stable relationship with the visa holder
- Principal partner holds an eligible work or student visa
- Provide evidence of living together
- Meet character requirements
- Meet health requirements
Partner of a Worker or Student Visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Partner of a Worker or Student Visa (New Zealand) is ~NZ$750 (work) or NZ$441 (visitor) including levy, with an indicative processing time of ~4-8 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration New Zealand.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online, from outside or inside New Zealand |
| Length of stay | Matches the principal partner's visa |
| Work rights | Open work rights if partner of certain workers; otherwise visitor conditions |
| Study rights | Study up to 3 months allowed |
| Government fee | ~NZ$750 (work) or NZ$441 (visitor) including levy |
| Processing time | ~4-8 weeks |
| Route to PR | No direct path; aligned with the principal partner's residence pathway. |
Pathway & next steps
No direct path; aligned with the principal partner's residence pathway.
Many applicants also compare Partner Work · Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, Dependent Child · Dependent Child Visa, AEWV · Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Run a free VisaChief check to see which New Zealand route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Partner of a Worker or Student Visa pitfalls we fix
Partner of a Worker or Student Visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Partner of a Worker or Student Visa cost?
The Partner of a Worker or Student Visa government fee is ~NZ$750 (work) or NZ$441 (visitor) including levy. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration New Zealand before applying.
How long does the Partner of a Worker or Student Visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~4-8 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Partner of a Worker or Student Visa lead to permanent residence?
No direct path; aligned with the principal partner's residence pathway.
Can I work on the Partner of a Worker or Student Visa?
Work rights: Open work rights if partner of certain workers; otherwise visitor conditions.
Who can apply for the Partner of a Worker or Student Visa?
For partners of people who hold a New Zealand work or student visa.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official New Zealand government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration New Zealand - official New Zealand immigration authority