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 from 2 years to 3 years. This applies to couples who have lived together for at least 12 months, providing additional time to prepare for a residence application and aligning with visa durations offered to partners of temporary migrants.
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Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be the partner of a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder.
- The couple must have lived together for at least 12 months.
This change benefits couples by offering extra time to save for residence application fees and plan for their future in New Zealand. It ensures consistency in the visa durations provided across different migrant categories.
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How to apply:
The new visa duration will apply to all applications received from 1 October 2024, as well as applications that have been submitted but not yet processed by that date. However, current visas will not be automatically extended, and couples wishing to benefit from the extended visa duration will need to submit a new application.
This policy supports the Government’s efforts to enhance New Zealand’s immigration system, ensuring that it continues to attract and retain skilled individuals who contribute to the country’s economic growth.
For further information or guidance on how this update might affect visa applications, contact Arno Nothnagel, Director of New Zealand Immigration, at arno.nothnagel@ absoluteimmigration.com
