New Zealand Student

If your spouse is studying in New Zealand, you can easily join them by applying for a spouse visa. Additionally, your children can also accompany you and stay in New Zealand until your spouse completes their course. A partner refers to a legally married spouse, a civil union partner, or a de facto partner who has been in a committed relationship for at least 12 months. This includes same-sex couples.

Children under the age of 19, who are unmarried, will be considered dependents. The Partner of a Student Work Visa in New Zealand permits the applicant to work in the country if their spouse is studying there. However, the student must be pursuing an eligible Level 7 or 8 qualification or any Level 9 or 10 qualification. The visa fee for a New Zealand spouse visa is NZD 1630. If applying offline, the fee is INR 36,800, plus a center fee of INR 1,715.

The standard processing time for this visa is approximately eight weeks. While some applications may take longer, 90% are processed within this timeframe. If you are applying for a dependent visa, you must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify as the partner of a student in New Zealand.

New Zealand Dependent Visa Requirements

When submitting an application for a New Zealand spouse visa as an Indian applicant, the immigration officer will assess the following criteria:

The couple must meet the minimum requirements for partnership recognition.
The couple must be living together in a genuine and stable relationship.
The student visa-holding partner must support the application.
The student visa-holding partner must meet the character requirements for partnership-based temporary entry visas.
The student visa-holding partner must hold a valid student visa for a Level 7 or higher qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) in an area listed in the Long Term Skill Shortage List or a postgraduate qualification.
Proof of good health through a medical examination or chest X-ray report.

Documents Required for a Spouse Visa in New Zealand

To apply for a New Zealand spouse visa, you will need the following documents:

A valid passport (must be valid for at least three months beyond your stay period in New Zealand).
Completed visa application form.
Application fee payment receipt.
Health insurance receipt.
Health and character certificates to confirm your genuine intent to stay in New Zealand.
Two passport-sized photographs.
Marriage certificate or guardianship evidence for applicants aged 16-17.
Police verification certificate.

Note: This visa permits applicants to work in New Zealand if their spouse is studying for a Level 7 or 8 qualification listed in the Long Term Skill Shortage List or a Level 9 or 10 qualification.

Working Rights for Partners of Student Visa Holders

Spouses of student visa holders may apply for a work visa if their partner is pursuing:

A Level 7 or 8 qualification on the NZQF in an area of absolute skill shortage (as per the Long Term Skill Shortage List).
A Level 9 or 10 qualification on the NZQF.
A program under an MFAT-funded New Zealand scholarship.

For all other student visa holders, their spouses can apply for a visitor visa based on their partnership status.

How to Apply for a Spouse Visa in New Zealand?

To apply for a partnership-based temporary visa, applicants must complete the Partnership-Based Temporary Visa Application (INZ 1198) form. If the applicant is 16 or 17 years old, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form on their behalf. The form should be submitted along with the application fee, immigration fee, and all necessary supporting documents. The application is divided into four sections:

Section A:

Personal details, including name, passport details, and partnership details.

Section B:

Contact details.

Section C:

Health details, including medical certificates and childbirth information (if applicable).

Section D:

Character details, requiring a police verification certificate (unless exempted).

Assessing a Student's Spouse Visa Application in New Zealand

The approval of a student's spouse visa is determined by various personal factors, including the applicant’s intent to return home, financial stability, and commitments in their home country. Immigration authorities will also check for any previous rule violations, overstays, or legal issues in New Zealand. Providing accurate details and adhering to all visa conditions is crucial to avoid rejection.

New Zealand Spouse Visa Processing Time from India

Applicants often worry about the time it takes to receive their New Zealand spouse visa. On average, processing takes about 43 days, with 90% of applications being assessed within 65 days. Applicants should plan accordingly, keeping the processing timelines in mind before submitting their applications.