Key Changes:
- Extended duration: The maximum duration for work and visitor visas for eligible partners is increasing from 2 years to 3 years, giving couples additional time to save for residence application fees.
- Who benefits: Partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders who have been living together for at least 12 months. Those with visa applications in process that are not decided until after 1 October 2024 will receive the extended term.
Important Notes
- No automatic extensions: Existing visas will not be automatically extended. A new application is required for the longer duration.
- Short-term relationships: Partners who have been living together for less than 12 months will continue to receive 12-month visas.
- Shorter actual visa duration: Many applicants may not actually receive 3-year visas, as the 3 years is a maximum duration calculated from the date the first partnership visa was granted.
- No change to eligibility for residence: The partnership resident visa is still available after just 12 months of living together. This policy hasn’t changed, meaning that eligible couples don’t need to wait for 3 years to apply for residency.
A Critical Perspective
While the extended visa duration might seem like a significant change, it’s important to consider its actual impact:
- Limited Practical Benefits: The only real advantage of this change is that it allows more time to save for a partnership resident visa application.
- No Change to Residency Eligibility: The partnership resident visa is still available after just 12 months of living together. This policy hasn’t changed, meaning that eligible couples don’t necessarily need to wait for 3 years to apply for residency and likely shouldn’t wait.
- Potential for Delayed Applications: There’s a risk that some couples might delay their residency applications unnecessarily, thinking they need to wait for the full 3-year period, or think they have plenty of time when resident visa applications usually take 6-12 months to complete.
Next Steps
Despite the changes, we suggest that you do not delay your residency application if you’re already eligible after 12 months of living together.
If you’re planning to apply for a partner visa or have a pending application, contact us to discuss your options. We have 9 licensed immigration advisers to help you!
Steven Dunning
Licenced Immigration Adviser