Temporary entry class visa for partners and dependent children

Sets the eligibility, evidence, partnership tests, and visitor visa grant rules for partners and dependent children of student or work visa holders.

Status: active
Updated: 2026-05-01
Sources: E4.5E7.45F2.15U8.20U8.25V3.10V3.15V3.20WF3WF3.1WF3.5WF4WF4.1WF4.5U11WM5.1WR7.20

At a glance

E4.5 outlines who qualifies as a partner or dependent child for a temporary entry class visa, the evidence required, and the tests for a genuine and stable partnership. [E4.5] Supporting partners must also meet character requirements under E7.45, including no convictions for family violence or sexual offences unless a waiver is granted. [E7.45] V3.20 sets the visitor visa grant rules for dependent children of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders, including maximum stay of 9 months, evidence requirements, and work rights for those awaiting a residence decision. [V3.20] Partners of student visa holders may apply for a work visa under WF4. [WF4] Partners of New Zealand scholarship students may apply under WF4.5 without a job offer, subject to post-scholarship restrictions. [WF4.5] Partners of South Island Contribution work visa holders may be granted an open work visa, and dependent children may be granted student, visitor, or work visas under WR7.20. [WR7.20]

Definition

Eligibility of dependent children (E4.5.1)

A dependent child may be eligible for a temporary entry class visa if their parent is:

a principal applicant for a temporary entry class visa;
a non-principal applicant partner included in an application (not a dependent child of the principal applicant);
a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder. [E4.5]

The visa type granted to a dependent child must be appropriate to their needs as specified in student or visitor instructions for dependants. [E4.5] The dependent child can only be granted a visa if the parent's application is approved. [E4.5]

A temporary visa will not normally be granted to a dependent child on the basis of a parent who is liable for deportation or has deportation liability suspended, except where the child already held a temporary visa on that basis when the parent became liable for deportation. [E4.5] Work rights previously held under certain provisions do not affect eligibility for a further temporary visa as a dependent child. [E4.5]

Dependent children of student visa holders (U8.25)

Dependent children (see E4.1) who wish to study in New Zealand may be granted student visas if their parent is a student visa holder who is:

any person who is in New Zealand to study under an exchange programme approved by the New Zealand Government; or
a foreign student enrolled in any Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in a New Zealand university; or
any person who is the holder of a New Zealand scholarship administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. [U8.25]

Such dependent children are regarded as domestic students for the purpose of all tuition fees at primary and secondary schools for the period of the parent's student visa (see U3.35). [U8.25] They may be granted student visas without having to produce evidence of enrolment. [U8.25] Guarantees of accommodation and evidence of maintenance funds are required (see U3.20). [U8.25]

Eligibility of partners (E4.5.5)

A person may be eligible for a temporary entry class visa on the basis of being the partner of:

a principal applicant for a temporary entry class visa;
a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder;
an applicant for, or holder of, a student, work or military visa. [E4.5]

The visa type granted may come from Family Stream Work instructions, student instructions for dependants, or visitor instructions for dependants. [E4.5] To be granted a visa, an immigration officer must be satisfied that:

the couple are living together in a genuine and stable partnership (see E4.5.25 and E4.5.30);
they meet the minimum requirements for recognition of partnerships (E4.5.15 and F2.15); [E4.5][F2.15]
the partner supports the application;
the partner meets character requirements for partners supporting partnership-based temporary entry applications (E7.45);
for partners of NZ citizens/residence holders, the supporting partner will be eligible to support a residence class visa application within 12 months of the grant. [E4.5]

The onus of proving the partnership is genuine and stable lies with the couple. [E4.5] A person will not normally be granted a temporary visa based on a relationship with a partner liable for deportation or with deportation liability suspended, except where a temporary visa was already held on that basis at the time the partner became liable for deportation. [E4.5]

Character requirements for supporting partners (E7.45)

Supporting partners of partnership-based temporary entry applications must meet the character requirements set out at E7.45, or be granted a character waiver. [E7.45]

Who is covered

The character requirement applies to a supporting partner who:

is a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder at any time since turning 17; or
has held a work (WF3) or student (WF4) visa in the seven years before the partnership application is made. [E7.45]

If such a supporting partner has been convicted of any offence involving family violence or of a sexual nature (whether in New Zealand or overseas), they will not meet the character requirement unless granted a character waiver. [E7.45] If the supporting partner does not meet the requirement, the application may be declined. [E7.45]

Note: 'Family violence' has the meaning in s.9 of the Family Violence Act 2018. [E7.45] New Zealand convictions may be covered by the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004 — see A5.5.1. [E7.45]

Partnership-based temporary entry applications

The character requirement applies to applications made under the following immigration instructions (except where the principal applicant is a dependent child):

culturally arranged marriage (V3.35);
partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders (V3.15, WF2);
partners and dependent children of student or work visa holders (E4.5);
work instructions for dependants (WF2, WF4);
student instructions for partners and dependent children of diplomatic, consular or official staff (U8.10);
visitor instructions for dependants (V3.10, V3.15);
COVID-19 Support Restricted Temporary Entry instructions (H5, H6). [E7.45]

Partners of military visa holders do not need to meet the supporting partner character requirement. [E7.45]

Evidence of meeting the character requirement

Character checks may be carried out if there is an indication that a supporting partner aged 17 or over may not meet the character requirement. [E7.45] Where a check is required, an immigration officer may:

obtain a New Zealand police certificate on the partner's behalf;
request an overseas police certificate from the partner. [E7.45]

If a police certificate is not available from a country, the supporting partner must provide a statutory declaration in English and the partner's first language that:

details attempts to obtain the certificate;
states whether they have been convicted, found guilty, or charged with any offences against the law of that country;
is corroborated by other character-confirming information. [E7.45]

See A5.10 for full information on police certificates. [E7.45]

Character waiver

Immigration officers must not automatically decline a partnership-based temporary entry application because the supporting partner does not meet the character requirement. [E7.45] They must consider whether the surrounding circumstances are compelling enough to justify a waiver, including:

the seriousness of the offence (generally indicated by the term of imprisonment or size of the fine);
whether there is more than one offence;
how long ago the offending occurred. [E7.45]

Officers must also take into account any advice from the National Office of INZ and any submissions from the applicant or supporting partner. [E7.45] The officer must record the consideration of all factors and the reasons for the decision. [E7.45]

A decision to waive the character requirement must be made by either a seconded immigration officer or an officer with Schedule 1–3 delegations. [E7.45]

Evidential requirements for dependent children (E4.5.10)

Evidence of the child's relationship to the parent must be provided as:

original birth certificate showing parent names; or
original adoption papers proving legal adoption; or
for custom adoption, a separate declaration by adoptive parents stating date and country of adoption, in addition to any declaration on the application form. [E4.5]

Minimum requirements for recognition of partnerships (E4.5.15)

A partnership meets the minimum requirements if:

both partners were 18 or older at the time of application, or 16-17 with parental/guardian support;
they have met before the application;
they are not close relatives (see F2.15 for the definition of prohibited relationships). [E4.5][F2.15]

Evidential requirements for partners (E4.5.20)

Partner evidence must include:

evidence of the relationship and that they are living together in a genuine and stable relationship (types listed in E4.5.35);
a completed Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146) from the supporting partner. [E4.5]

For visitor visa applications where a partner is a secondary applicant, a declaration from both parties may be accepted as evidence of living together (see E4.5.35(b)). [E4.5]

Definition of 'genuine and stable' partnership (E4.5.25)

A partnership is genuine and stable if:

it is genuine, having been entered into with the intention of being maintained on a long-term and exclusive basis; and
it is stable because it is likely to endure. [E4.5]

Definition of 'living together' (E4.5.30)

The principal applicant and partner are considered living together if they share the same home as partners (as defined in instructions for who may be included). [E4.5] Living together does NOT include:

time spent in each other's homes while maintaining separate residences;
shared accommodation during holidays;
flatmate arrangements;
any arrangements not reflecting the factors in E4.5.35(a). [E4.5]

Determining genuine and stable partnership (E4.5.35)

When assessing whether a couple are living together in a genuine and stable partnership, immigration officers consider factors such as:

duration of relationship;
existence, nature, and extent of common residence;
financial dependence/interdependence and arrangements;
common ownership, use, acquisition of property;
degree of commitment to a shared life;
children of the partnership and common care;
performance of common household duties;
reputation and public aspects of the relationship. [E4.5]

Evidence of shared home may include joint ownership, tenancy agreements, rental receipts, correspondence to both at same address. [E4.5] Evidence of genuine and stable partnership may include marriage/civil union certificates, children's birth certificates, communication, photographs, public recognition, emotional and exclusive commitment, financial interdependence (joint accounts, shared income, joint assets/liabilities, utilities accounts, mutual financial arrangements). [E4.5]

A visa must not be granted unless the immigration officer is satisfied, having considered all four elements (credibility, living together, genuine partnership, stable partnership) independently and together. [E4.5]

Periods of separation do not automatically lead to decline. Officers determine if there are genuine and compelling reasons (family/education/employment commitments, duration of relationship and length apart, efforts made to be together) only if the couple can demonstrate they lived together before the separation. [E4.5] The presence or absence of any specific document is not determinative; each case is decided on all evidence provided, which may include interview evidence up to the date of final decision. [E4.5]

Visitor visa grant rules for partners and dependent children (V3.10)

Subject to E4.5, partners of student or work visa holders may be granted visitor visas appropriate to their needs for the currency of the partner's visa, and similarly for dependent children. [V3.10] However, partners and dependent children are not eligible if the supporting partner or parent holds a visa under one of the following excluded categories:

Foreign Crew of Fishing Vessels (WJ)
Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) (WH1)
Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) (WH3)
Skilled Migrant Category Job Search (WR5)
Working Holiday Schemes (WI2)
Domestic staff of diplomatic, consular or official staff (WI4)
Seasonal workers under Specific Purpose Instructions
Seasonal workers under seasonal AEWV pathways (see WA1.10(a)(ii)) [V3.10]

Partners and dependent children of people granted work to residence visas must meet the health (A4) and character (A5) requirements applicable to residence class visa applications. [V3.10]

For a Migrant Exploitation Protection work visa (MEPV) holder, a partner or dependent child may be granted a visitor visa only if, when they apply, they are in New Zealand on a visa granted on the basis of the visa held by the MEPV holder immediately before the MEPV, and the visa duration must match the MEPV holder's visa without multiple entry travel conditions. [V3.10]

Partners and children of Accredited Employer work visa and Specific Purpose work visa holders

Partners and dependent children of an Accredited Employer work visa (AEWV) holder or a Specific Purpose work visa (SPV) holder under the NOL subcategory (see WS2.1.1(o), effective 8 September 2025) may be granted a visitor visa if the supporting partner or parent meets one of the following criteria: [V3.10]

the role is classified as ANZSCO skill level 1, 2 or 3 (including roles treated at a higher level under WA3.16(d) at the Job Check); or
the role is classified as NOL skill level 1, 2 or 3 and listed at Appendix 20; or
the role is paid at or above 1.5 times the Skilled Migrant Category median wage; or
the role is on the Green List and the AEWV holder meets the applicable Green List requirements; or
the role is in acceptable employment under the Transport Sector or Care Sector Work to Residence policies, without requiring 24 months of work in New Zealand. [V3.10]

An application submitted before 6 October 2024 and not decided by that date may be assessed under these provisions. [V3.10]

Partners and dependent children of an AEWV holder in a role at ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 cannot be granted a visitor visa as a partner or dependent child, unless on 26 June 2024 they held a visa as a dependent of the AEWV holder, had an application in progress on that date that was subsequently granted, or the AEWV holder meets one of the higher criteria (wage, Green List, sector). [V3.10]

For dependent children of an AEWV or SPV (NOL) holder, the supporting work visa holder must meet the minimum income threshold specified at V3.10.10 (see below). [V3.10] A transitional exception applies if the supporting work visa holder(s) met the previous income threshold on 9 March 2025, and on that date the child held a visa or had applied, the parent(s) held an AEWV or Essential Skills work visa (or applied for an AEWV subsequently granted), and the maximum continuous stay period had not been reached. [V3.10]

Dependent children of Essential Skills work visa holders

A dependent child of an Essential Skills work visa holder (granted after 30 November 2009) will be granted a visitor visa only if the minimum income threshold is met. [V3.10] The threshold does not apply if the parent(s) held any temporary work visa before 30 November 2009 and have remained on a valid visa continuously since that date. [V3.10] Dependent children born in New Zealand after 30 November 2009 are not tested against the threshold until the parent(s) next applies for an Essential Skills work visa. [V3.10]

Minimum income threshold (V3.10.10)

The minimum income threshold for dependent children of work visa holders is NZ$58,240 gross per annum, to be met wholly by the salary or wages of the parent(s) holding an AEWV, SPV under the NOL subcategory, or an Essential Skills work visa. [V3.10] Evidence of current salary or wages must be provided. [V3.10] Employment-related allowances are excluded and the threshold is calculated on the basis of no more than 40 hours' work per week. [V3.10] Where both parents hold such visas, their incomes may be combined. [V3.10] If a visa application is declined and the dependent child becomes unlawful, the parent(s) may become liable for deportation; similarly, if the parent(s) do not maintain the threshold, both the child and parent(s) may become liable for deportation. [V3.10]

Dependent children of Religious Worker visa holders

Dependent children of a Religious Worker work visa holder may be granted student or visitor visas (see V3.10 or U8.20) if either:

the minimum income threshold is met by the Religious Worker visa holder and their partner; or
the religious organisation sponsoring the principal applicant agrees to sponsor the dependent children. [WM5.1]

The child's visa application will be assessed against the criteria set out in V3.10.15 or U8.20.10. [WM5.1] If the child's visa application is declined and the child becomes unlawful, the parents holding work visas under Religious Worker instructions may be liable for deportation. [WM5.1] It is a condition of both the dependent child's visa and the parents' visas that the parents must maintain the minimum income threshold for the duration of the child's visa (unless the sponsoring organisation has undertaken to sponsor the children). If the threshold is not maintained, the parents and child may be liable for deportation. [WM5.1]

Note: The income of both parents may be combined; employment-related allowances are excluded, and the threshold is calculated on the basis of no more than 40 hours' work per week. [WM5.1]

A transitional exemption applies to families that met the previous income threshold as at 9 March 2025, held or had applied for the relevant visas, and had not reached the maximum continuous stay period. [V3.10]

Dependent children awaiting outcome of a family residence visa application

Dependent children who apply for a visitor visa as a child of a work visa holder and are aged between 17 and 24 (inclusive) may be granted work rights allowing up to 25 hours per week and full-time work during the summer holiday period (1 December–31 January inclusive annually) if: [V3.10]

they are aged 17 and have completed year 13 of secondary school (or overseas equivalent) at the time of application; and
they are included as a dependent child in an application for residence under one of: Partnership Category (F2), Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SM), Skilled Migrant Category Visa (SR3), Green List Straight to Residence (SR4), Green List Work to Residence (SR5), Care Workforce Work to Residence (SR6), or Transport Sector Work to Residence (SR7). [V3.10]

Despite E7.10(a)(ii), immigration officers may apply these instructions to eligible dependent children awaiting the outcome of a family residence application submitted before 3 November 2025 and not yet decided. [V3.10] Part-time work undertaken under these conditions will not affect the assessment of financial dependence for residence purposes (see R2.1.30(f)). [V3.10]

Visitor visa for partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders (V3.15)

Partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders may be granted a visitor visa under V3.15 if they are living together in a genuine and stable relationship, the NZ partner intends to be in New Zealand for the same period, and supports the application.[V3.15] The NZ partner must also comply with minimum requirements for recognition of partnerships (see E4.5.15, F2.15) and meet the character requirements for supporting partners at E7.45 (see Character requirements for supporting partners).[V3.15]

Duration of visas (V3.15.1): The maximum total stay under these instructions is 36 months from the date the first partnership visa was granted onshore, or from the first arrival date if granted offshore.[V3.15] For couples who have lived together for 12 months or more at assessment, a visitor visa may be granted for the length of intended stay, up to 36 months.[V3.15] For couples who have lived together for less than 12 months, the first visa must not exceed 12 months; further visas may be granted up to the 36-month cap if during the first visa an application for residence under Partnership Category is made and the applicant wishes to remain pending decision, or the couple wish to spend more time in NZ and an immigration officer is satisfied they remain in a genuine and stable partnership.[V3.15] Despite the general rule that applications are decided under the instructions in force at application date, applications made before 1 October 2024 and still undecided on that date may be granted a visitor visa for up to 36 months (if the couple had lived together 12+ months), even if the prior maximum was 24 months.[V3.15]

Support eligibility (V3.15.5): When assessing the application, immigration officers must consider whether the NZ partner will be eligible to support a partnership-based residence class visa application (see F2.10.10) within 12 months of the grant. If the NZ partner would not be eligible, the visitor visa application may be declined.[V3.15]

Evidential requirements (V3.15.10): Officers must sight evidence of the supporting partner's NZ citizenship or residence, the relationship, that the couple are living together in a genuine and stable partnership (see E4.5.35 for types of evidence), a completed Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146), and evidence that both intend to live in NZ for the same period.[V3.15] If requested, the applicant must also provide a written declaration from the NZ partner confirming eligibility to support and compliance with minimum partnership requirements.[V3.15]

Visitor visa for dependent children of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders (V3.20)

Dependent children of a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder may be granted a visitor visa authorising a maximum stay of 9 months from their date of arrival, provided that the parent intends to stay in New Zealand during the same period and supports the application. [V3.20]

If the dependent child applies to stay longer than 9 months, immigration officers may consider granting further visas allowing a total stay of up to 2 years, as long as the above requirements continue to be met. [V3.20]

Adoption limitation: Where the applicant is subject to an overseas adoption order described in sections 17(1) and 17(2) of the Adoption Act 1955, a visa cannot be granted under these instructions unless the adoption is from an 'exempt country' (see section 17(3)(b) and (4) of the Adoption Act 1955). In such cases there is no discretion to grant a visa under V3.20, though an immigration officer may consider granting a visa under other temporary entry categories. [V3.20]

Evidence requirements (V3.20.1)

Immigration officers must sight evidence of the following: [V3.20]

the New Zealand citizenship or residence status of the applicant's parent;
documents confirming the applicant's relationship with the parent (see [E4.5] for acceptable evidence);
that the applicant and parent intend to stay in New Zealand during the same period;
that the New Zealand parent supports the application.

Dependent children awaiting outcome of a family residence visa application (V3.20.5)

Dependent children who have applied for a visitor visa under V3.20 may be granted work rights allowing them to work up to 25 hours per week and full‑time during the summer holiday period (1 December–31 January inclusive annually), provided they: [V3.20]

meet age requirements (aged between 17 and 24 years inclusive when they apply);
if aged 17, have provided evidence of successful completion of year 13 of secondary school (or the overseas equivalent); and
have applied for residence under the Dependent Child Resident Visa category (F5).

Immigration officers may apply these instructions to any eligible dependent child awaiting the outcome of a family residence visa application that was submitted before 3 November 2025 and has not yet been decided. [V3.20] Part‑time work undertaken under these conditions will not affect the assessment of financial dependence for residence purposes. [V3.20]

Work visas for partners of work visa holders (WF3)

In addition to visitor visas under V3.10, partners of work visa holders may apply for a work visa under the instructions at WF3. [WF3] The WF3.1 provisions set out who is eligible, the conditions, and duration.

Partners of people granted a work visa allowing a stay in New Zealand of more than six months may be granted a multiple entry work visa, unless the supporting partner's visa falls under one of the excluded categories: [WF3.1]

Essential Skills where employment is paid below $25.29 per hour (or lower-skilled if application made before 27 July 2020);
Foreign crew of fishing vessels (WJ);
Working Holiday Scheme (WI2);
Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) (WH1);
Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE) (WH3);
Skilled Migrant Category Job Search (WR5);
domestic staff of diplomatic, consular, or official staff (WI4);
seasonal workers under Specific Purpose Instructions;
seasonal workers under seasonal AEWV pathways (see WA1.10(a)(ii)). [WF3.1]

Despite this general rule, the eligibility of partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders and Specific Purpose work visa holders under the NOL subcategory (effective 8 September 2025) is set out in WF3.1.5 below. [WF3.1]

A partner of a Migrant Exploitation Protection work visa (MEPV) holder may be granted a work visa only if the partner is in New Zealand on a visa granted on the basis of the visa held by the MEPV holder immediately before the MEPV. The work visa, if granted, mirrors the MEPV duration, allows work for any employer (no full‑time requirement), and excludes multiple entry travel conditions. [WF3.1]

Work visas granted under these instructions run for the same period as the supporting partner's work visa, subject to the generic requirements at E4.5. [WF3.1] Partners of work‑to‑residence visa holders must meet the health (A4) and character (A5) requirements for residence class visa applications. [WF3.1]

The work visa may be endorsed with conditions allowing the holder to undertake any work in any occupation in any location. [WF3.1] Self‑employment is permitted, but the visa holder cannot employ others, either directly or indirectly through a business they own. [WF3.1]

A transitional provision applies to applications under WF3.1.5 that were submitted before 2 December and not decided by that date: they may be granted with conditions allowing work for any employer and without a full‑time employment requirement, even if the instructions in force at the time required employment restrictions. [WF3.1]

WF3.1.5 Partners of certain work visa holders

A work visa may be granted to the partner of an AEWV holder or a Specific Purpose work visa holder under the NOL subcategory if the supporting visa holder: [WF3.1]

holds a role classified at ANZSCO skill level 1, 2 or 3 (including roles treated at a higher level under WA3.16(d) at the Job Check) and is paid at least $28.00 per hour; or
holds a role classified at NOL skill level 1, 2 or 3 listed at Appendix 20 and is paid at least $28.00 per hour; or
is paid at least $52.50 per hour for any role; or
is paid at least $35.00 per hour in a role on the Green List and meets the applicable Green List requirements (see Appendix 13); or
is in acceptable employment under the Transport Sector or Care Sector Work to Residence policies (as defined in SR6.10 or SR7.10) and paid at least $28.00 per hour (or the relevant sector agreement wage, if higher), without the need for 24 months' work in New Zealand. [WF3.1]

The wage thresholds reflect June 2025 median wage data: $28.00 per hour (80%), $35.00 per hour (100%), and $52.50 per hour (150%). [WF3.1]

For applications submitted before 6 October and undecided on that date, the exception in (b)(iii) (Care/Transport sector without 24‑month requirement) may be applied. [WF3.1]

A partner of an AEWV holder in an ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 role, or a partner of an Essential Skills work visa holder, may be granted a work visa if, on 26 June 2024, the applicant held a relationship‑based visa supported by the AEWV holder or had a pending application for such a visa that was subsequently granted, and the supporting partner is paid at least $26.85 per hour. [WF3.1] A partner of an Essential Skills work visa holder paid at least $28.00 per hour may also be granted a work visa. [WF3.1]

Remuneration determination (WF3.1.5.1)

When assessing whether the supporting partner meets the remuneration requirements, the immigration officer may rely on evidence provided with the supporting partner's own work visa application (for AEWV, SPV NOL, or Essential Skills holders). [WF3.1] If the supporting partner's pay has increased since the visa was granted, the applicant must supply evidence such as an employment agreement or employer letter confirming the new rate, together with bank statements, an Inland Revenue summary of income, or payslips. [WF3.1] The officer may also request additional evidence. [WF3.1] The supporting partner's remuneration may be assessed against the median wage threshold in place either at the time their work visa was granted or at the time of the partner's application, whichever is more favourable to the applicant. [WF3.1]

Making an application (WF3.5)

Applications under WF3 must be made in the prescribed manner under E4.40. However, an appropriately delegated immigration officer may waive: (1) the application fee, Immigration Levy, and International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy; (2) the requirement to produce evidence of funds or sponsorship; and (3) the requirement to produce evidence of travel tickets or onward travel arrangements. [WF3.5]

Work visas for partners of student visa holders (WF4)

Partners of holders of student visas may apply for a multiple entry work visa under WF4 if the student partner holds: [WF4.1]

a student visa to study a level 7 or 8 qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) that is specified either in the Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list or the Green List (Appendix 13); or
a student visa to study a degree level 9 or 10 qualification on the NZQF; or
a student visa for a level 7 or 8 qualification that was on the previous Long Term Skill Shortage List, provided study for that qualification commenced before 7 September 2022.

For qualifications under the first and third bullet points, the qualification must be on the applicable list at the time the work visa application is submitted. [WF4.1]

Work visas granted under WF4.1 will be issued for the same duration as the student visa held by the partner, subject to the generic requirements at E4.5. [WF4.1] The visa may be endorsed to allow the holder to work in any occupation, for any employer, and in any location. [WF4.1]

Self‑employment is permitted, but the visa holder must not employ others, either directly or indirectly through a business they own. [WF4.1]

Applicants must show they have NZ$4,200 available for maintenance during their stay. [WF4.1]

If the student partner later changes to a course that no longer meets the eligibility requirements, the work visa holder will no longer qualify under these instructions and may become liable for deportation. [WF4.1]

Work visas for partners of New Zealand scholarship students (WF4.5)

Partners of New Zealand scholarship students (as defined under [U11]) may be granted a work visa under WF4.5, valid for the duration of the student's scholarship, unless the scholarship student holds a student visa under a Short Term Training Scholarship or an English Language Training for Officials scheme. [WF4.5][U11]

Applicants must complete the required form, pay the fee and immigration levy, and meet the generic requirements at E4.5.5. [WF4.5] A job offer is not required. [WF4.5]

A work visa granted under these instructions may be endorsed with conditions allowing the holder to undertake any work in any occupation and any location. [WF4.5] Self‑employment is permitted, but the holder cannot employ others, directly or indirectly through a business they own. [WF4.5]

Applicants must demonstrate they have NZ$4,200 available for maintenance during their stay in New Zealand. [WF4.5]

Post-scholarship restrictions: Partners are not eligible for a temporary entry class visa during the two‑year period after the student completes their scholarship, unless they have written approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Education New Zealand (a short‑term visitor visa is the only exception). [WF4.5][U11] For scholarships of twelve months or less under the Short Term Training or English Language Training for Officials schemes, the restriction period is one year. [WF4.5][U11]

Partners and dependent children of South Island Contribution work visa holders (WR7.20)

Eligible partners of South Island Contribution work visa holders may be granted an open work visa, valid for the same length of time as the principal applicant (see [WF3.1] for general eligibility criteria). [WR7.20]

Dependent children may be granted student, visitor, or work visas, valid for the same length of time as the principal applicant, if they: [WR7.20]

meet the definition of a dependent child set out at E4.1.10; and
meet residence health and character requirements; and
meet the requirements of:
- U8.20 (if applying for a student visa); or
- V3.10 (if applying for a visitor visa); or
- WR7.20.1 (if applying for a work visa).

Work visas for dependent children of South Island Contribution work visa holders (WR7.20.1)

Dependent children of South Island Contribution work visa holders may be granted work visas allowing work in the South Island for any employer if they meet the requirements above and: [WR7.20]

are aged under 20 years old; and
have completed compulsory schooling (up to age 16); and
are currently dependent (see E4.1.10).

Note: Children assessed as dependent and granted a work visa under these instructions will continue to be considered dependent if a subsequent application is made under the South Island Contribution residence from work instructions. [WR7.20]

Application in decisions

Immigration officers must apply these requirements to any temporary entry class visa application involving a partner or dependent child. The onus is on the applicant to provide sufficient evidence. The partnership assessment is holistic and must consider all four elements together. [E4.5] When assessing a partnership-based temporary entry application, officers must also ensure the supporting partner meets the character requirement under E7.45, or exercise the discretion to grant a waiver after considering all relevant factors. [E7.45]

Interpretation & edge cases

Deportation liability exceptions: Both dependent children and partners may exceptionally be granted a further temporary visa despite a parent/partner being liable for deportation if they had already held a visa based on the relationship before the liability attached. [E4.5]
Periods of separation: The instructions explicitly allow for genuine and compelling reasons for living apart, but require prior cohabitation to be demonstrated. [E4.5]
Evidential flexibility: Visitor visa secondary applicants can rely on declarations rather than full documentary evidence. [E4.5]
Work rights: Previously held part-time work rights do not count against eligibility for a further dependent child visa. [E4.5]
The definitions of partnership (genuine and stable, living together) apply specifically to temporary entry class visa assessments and may be consistent with but distinct from residence instructions. [E4.5]
Supporting partner character waiver: Officers must not automatically decline if the supporting partner has a family violence or sexual offence conviction; they must weigh the seriousness, number, and age of offences, and consider any submissions. The waiver decision must be recorded and can only be made by a seconded officer or officer with Schedule 1–3 delegations. [E7.45]
Clean Slate: New Zealand convictions covered by the Clean Slate Act may not be used against the supporting partner, but if voluntarily disclosed, the information can be considered. [E7.45]
Dependent children of work visa holders may be subject to additional eligibility requirements for a student visa under U8.20 [U8.20]. See Student Visa for details.
Adoption and V3.20: A dependent child subject to an overseas adoption order from a non‑exempt country cannot be granted a visa under V3.20; immigration officers may explore other temporary visa categories. [V3.20]
Scholarship partner post-completion restrictions: Partners of New Zealand scholarship students face a two‑year (or one‑year for short‑term training/language of 12 months or less) ineligibility for a temporary entry class visa after the student completes their scholarship, unless they obtain written approval from MFAT or Education NZ; only a short‑term visitor visa is exempt. [WF4.5][U11]
South Island Contribution dependent children: Dependent children assessed as dependent and granted a work visa under WR7.20.1 continue to be considered dependent if a subsequent residence application is made under the South Island Contribution residence from work instructions. [WR7.20]