New Zealand has become one of the most popular study destinations for international students, and Indian applicants are no exception. For Indian students planning to study in New Zealand, bringing their partner along can be an important consideration. Fortunately, New Zealand offers visa options for partners of student visa holders, allowing them to join their significant other during their studies. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the New Zealand Student Partner Visa in 2025, including the required documents, visa types, and eligibility criteria, specifically for Indian applicants.
What is the New Zealand Student Partner Visa?
The New Zealand Student Partner Visa allows the partner of a student visa holder to visit or work in New Zealand, depending on the type of visa they apply for. There are two main visa categories for partners:
Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
This visa allows the partner of a New Zealand student to visit the country during the student’s study period. It is typically issued for the same duration as the student visa, meaning you can stay in New Zealand for as long as your partner’s study program lasts.
Partner of a Student Work Visa
This visa allows the partner to work in New Zealand for the same duration as the student’s visa, giving them the opportunity to earn an income while living together in New Zealand.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Applicants
To be eligible for a New Zealand Student Partner Visa, Indian applicants must meet the following requirements:
Relationship Requirements
The applicant must be in a genuine and stable relationship with the New Zealand student visa holder.
Student Visa Holder’s Eligibility
The partner’s visa application is only valid if the New Zealand student visa holder is studying at an accredited institution and is enrolled in a full-time study program.
Proof of Relationship
This includes proof of cohabitation, shared finances, and time spent together.
Types of New Zealand Student Partner Visas
Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
- Eligibility: Available to the partners of New Zealand students who hold a valid student visa.
- Duration: The visa is valid for the same length of time as the student’s student visa.
- Cost: From NZD 341 (as of 2025).
- Processing Time: Typically, 80% of applications are processed within 11 weeks.
This visa allows the partner of the student to enter New Zealand temporarily. The holder can stay for the same duration as the student but cannot work. The Partner of a Student Visitor Visa is ideal for those who want to live with their partner during their studies but do not plan to work in New Zealand.
Partner of a Student Work Visa
- Eligibility: Available to the partners of students who are enrolled in an eligible Level 7 or 8 qualification, or any Level 9 or 10 qualification.
- Cost: From NZD 1,630 (as of 2025).
- Processing Time: Processing times for this visa may be longer due to work rights considerations.
If the student is enrolled in a high-level qualification, their partner can apply for a work visa, enabling them to work full-time in New Zealand. This visa is highly beneficial for partners who wish to gain professional experience or support themselves financially while living in New Zealand.
Documents Required for the 2025 Student Partner Visa
To ensure a smooth and successful application, it is essential to provide the correct documentation. Here’s a detailed list of documents you will need to submit when applying for a New Zealand Student Partner Visa.
Identity Documents
- Passport: Ensure that you provide either 1 passport photo for online applications or 2 for paper applications.
- Passport Copy: For online applications, you will need to upload a copy of your passport. For paper applications, you must submit your original passport or a certified copy.
Tip: Always check that your passport is valid beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand to avoid complications.
Proof of Relationship
You must provide clear evidence that you are in a genuine and stable relationship with the New Zealand student visa holder. Acceptable forms of evidence include:
- Marriage Certificate
- Relationship Evidence: This can include joint bank account statements, shared lease agreements, utility bills in both names, photographs, emails, and social media communications.
If you are under 18, parental consent for your partnership may be required.
Tip: Make sure to include evidence of time spent together, such as joint travel, shared activities, or communications over a period of time.
Health Documents
You must be in good health to be eligible for a New Zealand visa. The specific health documents you need depend on the length of your stay:
- Medical Certificate: This may be required if you are planning to stay in New Zealand for more than 12 months. If your stay is shorter than 6 months, you generally do not need a medical certificate.
- Chest X-ray: If you plan to stay for longer than 6 months, a chest X-ray may be required.
Tip: Be prepared for a medical examination or chest X-ray if requested by immigration authorities.
Character Documents
To prove you are of good character, you may need to provide police certificates from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more since the age of 17. These certificates must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
- If you are aged 17 and over and will stay in New Zealand for more than 24 months, police certificates are mandatory.
- If you are the partner of a PhD student, you are not required to provide a police certificate if you have previously submitted one in the past 36 months.
Tip: Ensure that police certificates are in English or come with an official translation.
Genuine Intentions
Immigration authorities will assess whether you genuinely intend to comply with the conditions of your visa. They will consider:
- All documentation you submit.
- Your personal circumstances.
- Any previous interactions with New Zealand immigration.
Supporting Documents from Your Partner
Your New Zealand student partner must support your visa application by providing the following:
- Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146), which must be completed by your partner.
- Evidence of your partner’s student visa status.
- Proof that your partner can financially support you during your stay in New Zealand.
Financial Evidence
You must show that you have enough funds to support yourself or that your New Zealand partner can support you. This can include:
- Bank Statements: Showing sufficient funds.
- Sponsorship or Affidavits of Support: Your partner or another sponsor may provide these documents.
Tip: Make sure to provide clear financial documentation, as immigration authorities will require proof of your ability to financially sustain yourself while in New Zealand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing documents, especially proof of your relationship or financial evidence, can lead to delays or rejection of your visa.
- Incorrect Translations: Police certificates or other documents not in English must be accompanied by an English translation.
- Failure to Prove a Genuine Relationship: Ensure that you provide sufficient evidence that your relationship is genuine and stable.
Processing Time and Visa Fees
- Partner of a Student Visitor Visa: Processing time is typically 11 weeks for 80% of applications, with a fee starting from NZD 341.
- Partner of a Student Work Visa: Processing times may be longer due to work rights eligibility, with fees starting from NZD 1,630.
The New Zealand Student Partner Visa provides an excellent opportunity for partners of Indian students to live together in New Zealand. Whether you’re applying for a Visitor Visa or a Work Visa, it’s crucial to submit accurate and comprehensive documentation. By following the steps outlined in this blog and preparing your documents well in advance, you can increase your chances of a smooth and successful application process.
West Highlander Immigration
If you’re unsure about any part of your application, consider consulting a professional immigration advisor like West Highlander Immigration to guide you through the process.