New Zealand Spouse Visa: Requirements, Process, Cost

Related Info: Student Guide to New Zealand (NZ)
- New Zealand Dependent Visa Requirements
- Documents Required for a Spouse Visa in New Zealand
- Working Partners of Student Visa Holders in New Zealand
- How to Apply for a Spouse Visa in New Zealand?
- Assessing a Student's Spouse Visa Application in New Zealand
- New Zealand Spouse Visa Processing Time from India
New Zealand Dependent Visa Requirements
The immigration officer needs to be satisfied that the following criteria are met when an applicant files an application for a New Zealand spouse visa as an Indian:
- The applicant couple complies with the minimum requirements for recognition of a partnership.
- The couple is living together in a genuine and stable relationship.
- Their partner (the main applicant for a student visa) supports the application.
- Their partner (the main applicant for a student visa) meets the character requirements for partners supporting 'partnership-based temporary entry class visa applications.
- Your partner must hold a New Zealand student visa to study for a level 7 or higher qualification on the NZQF in an area of skill shortage as specified in the Long Term Skill Shortage List or a postgraduate qualification.
- Prove that you have NZD 4,200 worth of funds for your stay in New Zealand. Evidence of bank or credit card statements will work or even bank drafts and traveller's cheques can be submitted.
- Proof of good health through submission of chest x-ray or a medical examination.
Documents Required for a Spouse Visa in New Zealand
The following documents will be required for visa application purposes for a New Zealand spouse visa:
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your period of stay in New Zealand
- Completed Visa Application Form
- Application fee payment receipt
- Health insurance receipt
- You may be required to show Health and Character certificates to prove that your intention of staying in New Zealand is genuine
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Marriage certificate or evidence that guardians support the relationship (for 16 and 17-year-olds)
- Police Verification Certificate
Related Read:
Working Partners of Student Visa Holders in New Zealand
In case of any other student visa holder, the spouse of the student visa holding partner can apply for a visitor visa based on the partnership.
How to Apply for a Spouse Visa in New Zealand?
In order to apply for a partnership-based temporary visa, applicants must first complete the Partnership-Based Temporary Visa Application (INZ 1198) form. In case the applicants are 16 or 17 years of age, their parents or legal guardians should sign the form on behalf of the applicants. This form should be sent along with the application fee and immigration fee, including all the necessary documents required for assessing the application. The final application is divided into four broad areas, namely:
- Section A: Personal Details, which includes personal name, passport details and partnership details.
- Section B: Contact Details
- Section C: Health of Applicant, which would include details about giving birth in New Zealand, medical certificates, etc.
- Section D: Character Details, where the applicant will have to submit a police verification certificate (unless exempted).
Assessing a Student's Spouse Visa Application in New Zealand
At the time of applying for a student’s spouse visa in New Zealand, the decision depends mainly on the applicant’s personal situation. This includes their plans to return back to India and their personal finances. Strong connections back home can help the application. In short, you need to prove that you have enough reason to return home.
Besides personal details, the authorities will check if the applicant has followed the rules during any previous stays in New Zealand. Having unlawful dependents or facing deportation can also cause a spouse visa to be denied. This can be a serious problem for you as well. It is very important for applicants to provide honest and accurate information and avoid breaking any rules while in New Zealand.
Check out the reasons for New Zealand student visa rejection.
New Zealand Spouse Visa Processing Time from India
Those who are applying for a New Zealand spouse visa are usually worried about getting their visas in hand. The average processing time for a dependent's visa in New Zealand is around 43 days. However, 90% of the applications are assessed within 65 days. Thus, keeping in mind the New Zealand spouse visa processing times, applicants should apply for the visa accordingly.
Those who already hold this visa and require renewal of the visa can request an interim dependent or spouse visa in New Zealand. The interim spouse visa in New Zealand is at zero cost. This is only applicable to those who were already holding this visa. This interim visa is automatically granted and hence no applications are to be submitted, plus it's valid for six months, and after that, if the applicant gets the renewed and extended spouse visa, he/she can stay or else they will have to leave the country.
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Those who are applying for a New Zealand spouse visa are usually worried about getting their visas in hand. The average processing time for a dependent's visa in New Zealand is around 43 days. However, 90% of the applications are assessed within 65 days. Thus, keeping in mind the New Zealand spouse visa processing times, applicants should apply for the visa accordingly.
Those who already hold this visa and require renewal of the visa can request an interim dependent or spouse visa in New Zealand.
With a good educational system, excellent quality of life, and a number of research opportunities, New Zealand offers a lot to international students. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand has a 39 percent population of overseas citizens, making it a culturally diverse city. Moreover, the post-study work visa in New Zealand can offer up to three years of stay back. As per Stats New Zealand, its unemployment rate is 3.4 percent. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or more can also work part-time in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays.
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The following are some of the exceptions would apply and hamper an applicant's spouse to get a spouse visa in New Zealand if they are holding any of the following visa types: