New Zealand Implements Stricter Age and Evidence Rules for Partnership-Based Visas

Immigration New Zealand has updated its requirements for partnership-based visa categories, effective September 25, 2026, stipulating that both the applicant and their supporting partner must be at least 18 years old when applying and for evidence to be considered valid. This change impacts various temporary and residence visas for partners of New Zealanders, workers, and students.

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Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced new age and evidence requirements for several partnership-based visa categories, which took effect on September 25, 2026. Under the updated policy, both the person applying for a visa and their supporting partner must be at least 18 years old at the time the application is made.

Crucially, INZ will only consider partnership evidence from the period when both individuals were aged 18 or over. This has a significant implication for those seeking partnership-based residence visas, which require a minimum of 12 months of living together. As per the new rules, this 12-month period can only begin counting once both partners have turned 18, effectively meaning an applicant cannot qualify for residence until both the applicant and the supporting partner are at least 19. The operational manual for partners of New Zealand citizens and residents outlines the need for sufficient evidence of a genuine and stable partnership for 12 months or more.

While temporary partnership visas do not have an explicit 12-month living-together requirement, applicants must still provide adequate evidence of a genuine and stable relationship that dates from after both partners turned 18. This clarification means that simply turning 18 will not automatically result in immediate eligibility for these visas. The Partnership-Based Temporary Visa Guide (INZ 1199) details the types of evidence required to support such applications.

The changes apply broadly across several categories, including the Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa, Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa, Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa, Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa, Partner of a Worker Work Visa, Partner of a Student Visitor Visa, Partner of a Student Work Visa, and Partner of an NZ Scholarship Student Work Visa. Applicants and immigration advisers are advised to consult the Immigration New Zealand website for the most current requirements before submitting any applications, as some online forms may not be immediately updated.