Working here if your partner is in NZ

Depending on your partner’s situation, you can apply for a visa to work in New Zealand while they’re here working or studying, or if they’re a New Zealand citizen or resident.

Updates on visas

For general news about visas or to check on your visa, visit Immigration New Zealand’s website:

Support visas for partners and dependent children

Your partner’s visa may allow them to support a visa for you to work in New Zealand. They may also be able to support visas for dependent children to study in New Zealand.

Check the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) definitions of partner and dependent children.

How we define family — INZ

If your partner works in NZ and you want to join them

If your partner is working here, you might be able to work here too, depending on the type of visa they have. You do not need to find a job before you apply.

If your partner is on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or an Essential Skills Work Visa (ESWV), you may be able to work here if their income meets the required level or their job is on the Green list.

Check if your partner’s work visa allows you to join them.

Bringing family if you have a work visa — INZ

Green list roles — INZ

There are conditions you must meet for the visa. If you’re granted a visa it’ll be for the same length of time as your partner’s visa.

Partner of a Worker Work Visa — INZ

If your partner is an NZ citizen or resident

You can apply to join your partner and work here as long as you continue to live together in New Zealand.

Your partner must support your application and also be eligible to support your application for residence if you decide to stay.

Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa — INZ

If your partner is studying here

The partners of some students studying in New Zealand can join them to work here — it depends on what your partner is studying or if they’re on an MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship.

Bringing family if you have a student visa — INZ

There are conditions you must meet to be eligible for the visa. If you’re granted a visa it will be for the same length of time as your partner’s visa.

Partner of a Student Work Visa — INZ

Partner of an NZ Scholarship Student Work Visa — INZ

If your partner is in the military

If your partner has been posted to New Zealand as the member of another country’s defence force or diplomatic staff, then you can work in New Zealand while they’re here. It’s free to apply for this visa.

Partner of Military work visa — INZ

How to apply for a partner visa

You can either apply online or on paper for a partner visa from Immigration New Zealand. Your partner needs to complete a form in support of your application. Check INZ’s website for:

Utility links and page information

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