For Indian couples who have recently tied the knot in a traditional arranged marriage or those planning to marry in New Zealand, the Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa offers a valuable opportunity to live with your New Zealand citizen spouse. This visa allows Indian nationals to enter New Zealand to either marry their partner or join them if they have already married abroad. This visitor visa is specifically designed for individuals who have had their marriage arranged according to cultural traditions. It permits a stay of up to 3 months, during which couples can either marry in New Zealand or begin living together if the marriage has already taken place overseas. The marriage arrangement must be facilitated by someone other than the couple themselves, such as family members or a matchmaker.
Benefits of Culturally Arranged Marriage Spouse Visitor Visa
This spouse visa opens several doors for individuals. If you’re planning to marry in New Zealand, this visa allows you to enter the country with the purpose of getting married within 3 months of your arrival. This provides ample time for you to prepare for your wedding and settle into the country. If you are already married and your spouse is a New Zealand resident or citizen, this visa lets you join them in New Zealand. It’s designed to help reunite couples and support family unity, ensuring you can live together and start your life in New Zealand. After you have settled into life together in New Zealand, you have the option to apply for a partnership visa. This spouse visa category is intended for those who wish to build a more permanent life together and often allows for longer-term residency or even pathways to citizenship, depending on your circumstances and the visa conditions.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, the marriage must adhere to specific cultural traditions and meet certain legal, health, and financial conditions. Below are the essential factors to consider before applying:
Cultural Tradition and Arrangement: Your marriage must be arranged by a third party, such as a family or a matchmaker, in line with cultural norms. The arrangement cannot be made by you or your spouse. Supporting documents can include communication records between families or matchmakers, proof of public recognition of the arrangement or ceremony, or written confirmation from a third party, such as a cultural or religious leader, affirming that the arrangement follows cultural traditions.
Legal Requirements: To qualify for this spouse visa, there must be no legal hindrance to your marriage. This means neither you nor your spouse should already be married to someone else, and you must not be close relatives. Legal documents, including marriage certificates, must reflect that your marriage is legitimate and recognized.
Health and Character Requirements: You must be in good health and of good character to be eligible for the visa. Depending on the length of your stay, you may be asked to provide medical certificates or undergo health examinations. You will also need police certificates if your stay in New Zealand totals 24 months or more, including any time spent there on previous visas. However, police certificates are generally not required for individuals under the age of 16.
Genuine Intentions: Your application must prove that you genuinely intend to honor the conditions of the visa. This includes your marriage being genuine, intended to be long-term, and exclusive. Immigration authorities will assess the authenticity of your relationship based on the documents you provide, your circumstances, and any previous visa applications you may have submitted.
Spouse Visa New Zealand Requirements
Proof of Identity: You must provide a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay, and one or two acceptable photos depending on whether you apply online or on paper. Original or certified copies of your passport must be provided for paper applications.
Financial Evidence: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. You will have to provide proof of at least NZD 1,000 each month, or NZD 400 if your stay is paid for in advance. Acceptable financial documentation includes bank statements, pre-paid accommodation receipts, credit card statements, and a sponsorship form (if you have a sponsor).
Onward Travel: You must have a return ticket or show sufficient funds to purchase one. Alternatively, if you have a sponsor, they must provide evidence that they can cover the cost of your return travel.
Make sure all documents not in English must be translated by certified professionals. If you wish to bring dependent children, separate applications must be submitted for them, along with proof of your relationship and their good health.
Role of Your Spouse
Since the spouse visa is based on your relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, your spouse plays a significant role in the process. They must be 18 years or older (or 16-17 with parental consent). They should also provide proof of their New Zealand citizenship or residency, such as a passport, birth certificate, or residence visa. They need to meet character requirements, which include not having convictions for domestic violence or sexual offenses. Moreover, your spouse must be able to support your application. This involves submitting documents like recent bank statements or employment agreements to show they can provide for you during your stay. If your spouse has supported previous visa applications, there are restrictions on how many they can sponsor, ensuring the relationship is genuine.
Partner Visa New Zealand Cost
Immigration New Zealand processes 80% of applications within 8 weeks. The cost for this spouse visa is NZD 246, which includes an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of NZD 35. For Indian couples looking to begin their married life in New Zealand, the Culturally Arranged Marriage Spouse Visitor Visa provides an excellent opportunity to unite and eventually apply for a partnership visa. By adhering to the cultural, legal, and financial criteria, this visa can be a smooth gateway to a new chapter in your life.
West Highlander Immigration – Consultants for New Zealand Spouse Visa
West Highlander Immigration, the best visa consultancy in Chandigarh specializing in New Zealand immigration, has been assisting clients with New Zealand spouse and partner residency visas for over 19 years. Since its inception in 2005, the consultancy has established a strong track record of successful applications. Led by Ms. Parwinder Kaur, a licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) and the company’s director, West Highlander provides expert guidance to couples aiming to relocate to New Zealand. For those seeking reliable and experienced support in navigating the spouse visa process, West Highlander offers dedicated assistance to help make your dream of living in New Zealand with your partner a reality. Reach out to us to start your journey towards a new life in New Zealand.