FAMILY VISAS TO NEW ZEALAND

FAMILY STREAM WORK VISA TO NEW ZEALAND

Family stream work visas enable the partners of New Zealand citizens or residents; work visa/permit holders; and some student visa/permit holders to join their partner and also work temporarily.

NEW ZEALAND FAMILY STREAM WORK VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

To obtain a work visa under the Family Stream, applicants must meet basic criteria set by Immigration New Zealand. These include meeting health and good character criteria. Applicants must also be in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident or holder of a temporary work or student permit. The applicant must be sponsored or supported by their partner. Supporting partners must also intend to be in New Zealand during the applicants stay.

Other requirements depend on the supporting partner's immigration status, as follows:

New Zealand citizens or residents must be an eligible to sponsor and meet sponsors' character requirements.

Work visa and/or permit holders must hold a work visa/permit for more than 6 months, meet character requirements, and intend to be in New Zealand during the period of the applicant's stay.

Student visa and/or permit holders must be studying for a qualification on the Long Term Skills Shortage List, or a post-graduate qualification. Partners of NZAID-supported students must have a job offer and written approval from NZAID.

NEW ZEALAND FAMILY STREAM WORK VISA ENTITLEMENTS

Approved Family Stream work visa applicants will be issued with an 'open' work visa and/or permit, allowing the holder to work in New Zealand in any occupation and for any employer, for the validity of the permit. The maximum validity varies. Partners of New Zealand citizens or residents may be allowed a stay of up to 24 months. For partners of work or student visa/permit holders the maximum stay allowed will generally be consistent with their partners' visa/permit.

NEW ZEALAND FAMILY STREAM WORK VISA COSTS AND PROCESSING TIMES