Extended Visa Duration for Partners of New Zealanders
Effective Date: 1 October 2024
Date: 23 September 2024
Read Time: 1 minute
Starting 1 October 2024, the maximum duration for work and visitor visas for partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders will increase.
Key Changes:
- New Visa Duration: The maximum visa duration for partners who have been living together for at least 12 months will extend from 2 years to 3 years.
- Benefits: This extension provides couples with additional time to save for residence application fees and aligns better with the visa durations offered to partners of temporary migrants.
Application Guidelines:
- This change will apply to applications received on or after 1 October 2024, as well as those submitted but not yet decided by that date.
- Please note that current visas will not be automatically extended. A new application must be submitted to benefit from the longer duration.
Government Support:
This change reflects the Government’s commitment to creating a world-class immigration system that attracts and retains the skills and experience necessary for New Zealand’s economic growth.
