
NEW ZEALAND SPOUSE VISA
Why New Zealand Spouse Visa?
- Enables spouses or partners of international students and skilled workers to live in New Zealand
- Eligible spouses can work full-time with an open work visa
- Children can accompany and attend school as domestic students
- Access to New Zealand’s public healthcare system (for eligible visa holders)
- No job offer required for the spouse to work
- Valid for the same duration as the primary applicant’s visa
- Offers a pathway to Permanent Residency through family and skilled categories
New Zealand Spouse Visa for Indians
New Zealand remains an appealing destination for Indian students and professionals due to its high quality of life, education, and job opportunities.
Indian spouses of Student Visa holders and Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders can apply for a Partner of a Student/Worker Visa.
At Kaprisan Overseas LLP, we assist Indian families in preparing strong spouse visa applications in line with Immigration New Zealand’s latest guidelines.
NZ Spouse Work Visa Requirements
For Student Visa Holders:
- The student must be enrolled in a Level 7 or higher qualification on the Green List (e.g., master's, PhD), or
- Studying a postgraduate qualification (Level 9 or 10)
- The spouse becomes eligible for a Partner of a Student Work Visa (open work visa)
- If studying other courses, the spouse can only apply for a visitor visa
For Skilled Worker Visa Holders (AEWV):
- The worker must be employed by an Accredited Employer in a job listed on the Green List, or
- Earning above the median wage threshold
- Spouse is eligible for an open work visa without job restrictions
Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificate or proof of partnership (minimum 12 months cohabitation if unmarried)
- Photographs as per NZ specifications
- Visa approval or offer letter of the main applicant
- Proof of genuine relationship (photos, chats, joint accounts, etc.)
- Police clearance certificate
- Health examination (if staying over 12 months)
- Financial documents (if required)
NZ Spouse Work Visa Eligibility
Partner of Student Visa:
- Must be legally married or in a genuine de facto relationship
- Primary applicant must be studying a qualified Level 7+ course or on the Green List
- Must show proof of living together and shared responsibilities
- Must meet health and character requirements
- Children can apply as dependants and study as domestic students
Partner of Work Visa (AEWV):
- Must be in a genuine and stable relationship with the work visa holder
- The main applicant must meet wage or Green List conditions
- Spouse is eligible to work full-time with an open work visa
- Proof of shared household, photos, and cohabitation required
NZ Spouse Work Visa Process
- 1. Collect all necessary documents including relationship proof and passport
- 2. Create a RealMe account and complete the online application
- 3. Attach supporting documents and pay the visa fee
- 4. Book and attend medical examination (if applicable)
- 5. Submit police clearance from all countries where lived for over 12 months
- 6. Wait for processing (usually 6 to 12 weeks)
- 7. Receive decision and travel to New Zealand
- 8. Live, work, or study as per visa conditions
Why Choose Kaprisan Overseas LLP?
- In-depth knowledge of New Zealand spouse visa categories
- Accurate guidance on course/occupation eligibility for spouse work rights
- Assistance with online application via RealMe portal
- Personalized checklist for relationship documents
- End-to-end support for visa forms, medicals, and police checks
- Trusted by Indian families for genuine, timely, and successful visa processing
Benefits of New Zealand Spouse Visa
- Spouse can work full-time under an open work visa
- No job offer required to start working
- Children can access free or subsidized education
- Access to the public health system (if eligible)
- Allows the entire family to live together
- Opportunity to transition to PR under skilled or family streams
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18 years or older
- Must be legally married or in a stable de facto partnership
- Must provide substantial evidence of relationship (minimum 12 months cohabitation if unmarried)
- Primary applicant must be on a valid student or work visa
- Meet health and character requirements
- Show sufficient financial support (if required for visitor category)