Partner Work Visas for International Graduates in New Zealand (2026)

## Quick Facts - **Partner work visa eligibility**: Partners of international graduates holding a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) or Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) may qualify for an open work visa with full work rights, as of 2026. - **Visa duration**: Partner work visas are typically granted for the same duration as the primary applicant's visa, ranging from 1 to 3 years for PSWV holders. - **Minimum wage requirement**: There is no minimum wage threshold for partner work visa holders—they can work in any role, for any employer, anywhere in New Zealand. - **Application fee**: The partner work visa application fee is NZD $1,210 as of 2026, plus a NZD $55 immigration levy and NZD $35 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) where applicable. - **Processing time**: Immigration New Zealand processes 80% of partner work visa applications within 60 working days (12 weeks) as of 2026, though times vary by complexity. - **Income evidence**: Partners must demonstrate their relationship is genuine and stable, but do not need to show individual income—they can rely on the primary applicant's income or savings. - **Pathway to residence**: Partners of skilled migrants or Green List workers may later qualify for residence through the Skilled Migrant Category or Family Partnership Category. ## Understanding Partner Work Visas for International Graduates New Zealand's immigration system recognises that international graduates often have partners who wish to accompany them during their post-study work period. As of 2026, the partner work visa framework provides clear pathways for partners of graduates holding eligible work visas to live, work, and study in New Zealand without restriction. This article explains the eligibility criteria, application process, and practical considerations for partners of international graduates. ### Who is eligible for a partner work visa? Partners of international graduates can apply for a partner work visa if the primary applicant holds one of the following visa types: - **Post Study Work Visa (PSWV)**: Available to graduates of Level 4–10 qualifications at NZQA-approved providers. The PSWV duration depends on qualification level: Level 7 bachelor's degrees and above receive 3 years; Level 4–6 diplomas receive 1–2 years depending on study duration. - **Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)**: The main work visa for graduates transitioning from a PSWV to employer-sponsored employment. AEWV holders must have a job offer from an accredited employer and meet the median wage threshold (NZD $31.61 per hour as of February 2026). - **Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa**: Graduates who have applied for residence under the 6-point system may hold an interim visa, during which their partner may also be eligible for a work visa. ### What rights does a partner work visa provide? Partner work visas issued to partners of international graduates are **open work visas**, meaning the holder can: - Work for any employer in New Zealand, in any occupation, at any wage level - Work full-time (no restriction on hours) - Study for up to 3 months per calendar year without needing a separate student visa - Include dependent children in their application, who can attend school as domestic students This is a significant advantage compared to the AEWV, which ties the holder to a specific employer and role. ## Eligibility Requirements for Partner Work Visas To qualify for a partner work visa, applicants must satisfy Immigration New Zealand that they meet the following criteria: ### Genuine and stable relationship Immigration New Zealand defines a genuine and stable relationship as one where the couple: - Has lived together for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before the application - Shares financial responsibilities (joint bank accounts, bills, or assets) - Has a shared household (joint tenancy agreements, utility bills) - Is recognised by family and friends (photographs, correspondence) - Has no evidence of a contrived arrangement Evidence typically includes: - Joint tenancy agreements or mortgage documents - Joint bank account statements showing regular transactions - Correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address - Photographs of the couple together over time - Statements from friends or family (less weight than documentary evidence) ### Character and health requirements Both the primary applicant and their partner must meet standard immigration character and health requirements: - **Police certificates**: Both partners must provide police certificates from any country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years - **Medical certificates**: Partners must undergo a medical examination if they intend to stay in New Zealand for more than 12 months, or if they have specific health conditions. The standard medical fee is NZD $300–$600 depending on the panel doctor - **Good character**: Any criminal convictions must be declared; minor offences may be waived, but serious offences can lead to visa decline ### Relationship to the primary applicant's visa The partner's visa application must be linked to the primary applicant's valid work visa. If the primary applicant's visa is under review (e.g., they have applied for a PSWV but not yet received it), the partner cannot apply until the primary visa is granted. Processing times for partner visas are separate from the primary visa, so couples should plan accordingly. ## Application Process and Timeline ### Step-by-step application process 1. **Primary applicant obtains their work visa**: The graduate must first secure their PSWV or AEWV before the partner can apply. Processing times for PSWV applications are typically 30–60 working days (6–12 weeks) as of 2026. 2. **Gather evidence**: Both partners compile documentation proving their genuine and stable relationship, including financial records, living arrangements, and personal correspondence. 3. **Complete the online application**: Use Immigration New Zealand's Immigration Online portal. The application form (INZ 1198 for partner of a worker) requires detailed information about both partners and their relationship history. 4. **Pay the fee**: As of 2026, the partner work visa application fee is NZD $1,210. Additional costs include NZD $55 immigration levy and NZD $35 IVL if the partner is from a visa-waiver country. Total minimum cost: approximately NZD $1,300. 5. **Submit supporting documents**: Upload all evidence through the online portal. Immigration New Zealand may request original documents or certified copies. 6. **Wait for processing**: 80% of applications are processed within 60 working days. However, complex cases—those with limited relationship evidence, past visa breaches, or character issues—can take 90–120 working days. 7. **Receive decision**: If approved, the partner work visa is typically granted for the same duration as the primary applicant's visa, with the same expiry date. ### Common reasons for visa decline - **Insufficient relationship evidence**: Couples who have not lived together for 12 months or cannot provide adequate proof may be declined. Short-term separations (e.g., for study or work) are acceptable if the relationship is otherwise genuine. - **Inconsistent information**: Discrepancies between the partner's application and the primary applicant's visa records (e.g., different addresses, conflicting employment details) can raise red flags. - **Health or character issues**: Undeclared medical conditions or criminal convictions can lead to decline, though Immigration New Zealand may request further information before making a final decision. ## Practical Considerations for Couples ### Financial planning While partner work visa holders do not need to meet a minimum income threshold, couples should budget for: - **Visa application fees**: NZD $1,210 per partner application - **Medical examinations**: NZD $300–$600 per person - **Police certificates**: NZD $20–$100 per country (depending on the issuing authority) - **Translation costs**: NZD $50–$150 per document if not in English - **Living costs**: Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of sufficient funds for the primary applicant's maintenance. As of 2026, the minimum living cost requirement for a student visa is NZD $20,000 per year per person, but for work visa holders, no specific minimum is mandated—though banks or landlords may require proof of income ### Employment opportunities for partners Partner work visa holders have unrestricted work rights, meaning they can: - Work in any industry, including those on the Green List - Work full-time immediately - Change employers without notifying Immigration New Zealand - Start their own business - Work remotely for overseas employers This flexibility is particularly valuable in regional areas where job opportunities may be limited. For example, partners in Christchurch can work in agriculture, while those in Auckland can access professional services roles. ### Access to public services Partner work visa holders are entitled to: - **Public healthcare**: Access to subsidised healthcare through the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) for accident-related injuries, and publicly funded healthcare if their visa is valid for 2 years or more - **Education**: Partners can study for up to 3 months per year without a student visa; longer study requires a separate student visa - **Banking and finance**: Partners can open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, and access KiwiSaver (if employed) ## Pathways to Residence for Partners ### Skilled Migrant Category (6-point system) Partners of PSWV or AEWV holders who later apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category may include their partner as a secondary applicant. The 6-point system awards points for: - **Qualification**: 3–6 points for Level 7–10 qualifications (NZQA-assessed) - **Income**: 3–6 points for earning 1.5x–3x the median wage (NZD $47.42–$94.83 per hour as of 2026) - **Skilled work experience in New Zealand**: 1–3 points for 1–3 years of full-time skilled work To be included in a residence application, the partner must still meet health and character requirements, but does not need a separate job offer. ### Green List pathways If the primary applicant works in a Green List occupation (e.g., registered nurse, engineer, ICT professional), they may qualify for Straight to Residence (Tier 1) or Work to Residence (Tier 2) pathways. Partners can be included as secondary applicants in these residence applications. ### Family Partnership Category Partners who do not qualify through the Skilled Migrant Category may apply for residence under the Family Partnership Category. This requires: - A genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months - The New Zealand citizen or resident partner to sponsor them - Meeting standard health and character requirements Processing times for Family Partnership Category applications are typically 6–12 months as of 2026. ## FAQ ### Q1: Can I apply for a partner work visa while my partner's PSWV application is still processing? No. The partner's work visa application can only be submitted after the primary applicant's PSWV or AEWV has been granted. If you apply earlier, Immigration New Zealand will return the application or place it on hold until the primary visa is issued. Plan for sequential processing: allow 6–12 weeks for the PSWV, then another 12 weeks for the partner visa. ### Q2: What happens if my relationship ends while I hold a partner work visa? If your relationship ends, your partner work visa remains valid until its expiry date. You do not need to leave New Zealand immediately. However, you cannot renew the partner work visa based on a relationship that no longer exists. You would need to apply for a different visa type (e.g., AEWV, PSWV if you are also a graduate, or a visitor visa) to remain lawfully in New Zealand. ### Q3: Do I need to meet the median wage requirement for my partner's work visa? No. Partner work visas do not have a minimum income requirement. The holder can work in any role, including part-time, casual, or minimum-wage positions. This is a key difference from the AEWV, which requires the primary applicant to meet the median wage threshold (NZD $31.61 per hour in 2026). ### Q4: Can my partner work while holding a visitor visa? No. Visitor visas do not permit work in New Zealand. If your partner arrives on a visitor visa while waiting for their partner work visa application to be processed, they cannot start working until the work visa is granted. Some couples choose to apply for a partner work visa before the primary applicant's PSWV expires to avoid a gap. ### Q5: How long does it take to process a partner work visa application? Immigration New Zealand aims to process 80% of partner work visa applications within 60 working days (12 weeks) as of 2026. However, applications with incomplete evidence, complex relationship histories, or health/character issues can take 90–120 working days. Online applications are generally faster than paper applications. ### Q6: Can I include my dependent children in my partner work visa application? Yes. Dependent children can be included as secondary applicants in a partner work visa application. They must meet health and character requirements (children under 17 do not need police certificates). Children included in the application can attend school as domestic students, meaning they pay the same fees as New Zealand residents (NZD $0–$2,000 per year depending on the school) rather than international student fees (NZD $10,000–$20,000 per year). ## Sources 1. Immigration New Zealand — Partner of a Worker Work Visa: eligibility, fees, and processing times (immigration.govt.nz) 2. Immigration New Zealand — Post Study Work Visa: requirements and duration (immigration.govt.nz) 3. Immigration New Zealand — Accredited Employer Work Visa: wage thresholds and employer accreditation (immigration.govt.nz) 4. Immigration New Zealand — Skilled Migrant Category: 6-point system for residence (immigration.govt.nz) 5. Immigration New Zealand — Green List Occupations: residence pathways for skilled workers (immigration.govt.nz) 6. Immigration New Zealand — Medical and character requirements for visa applicants (immigration.govt.nz) 7. New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) — Qualification recognition and Level assessment (nzqa.govt.nz) 8. Employment New Zealand — Minimum wage and median wage rates 2026 (employment.govt.nz) 9. Statistics New Zealand — Median weekly earnings from wages and salaries (stats.govt.nz) 10. Ministry of Education — School fees for domestic students (education.govt.nz)