Work Visa for Partners of Military Visa Holders

At a glance

Partners of military visa holders may be granted a work visa and entry permission for the same period as the military visa. [WF5] The visa provides open work rights (any occupation, any location, any employer), multiple entry travel conditions, and permission for self‑employment, without the need to provide a job offer, evidence of funds, or onward travel arrangements. [WF5]

How to apply

Applicants must lodge an application in the prescribed manner for a temporary entry class visa. [WF5] They must meet the lodgement requirements for temporary entry class (see E4), be a bona fide applicant (E5), and satisfy health (A4.5) and character (A5.5) requirements. [WF5]

The following exemptions apply: [WF5]

• no requirement to provide evidence of funds or sponsorship
• no requirement to meet onward travel requirements
• no job offer is required

To qualify, the applicant must: [WF5]

• be the partner (as defined in E4.1.20) of a person who holds, is eligible to hold, or is deemed to hold a military visa
• be living together with that partner in a genuine and stable partnership at the time of application
• comply with the minimum requirements for recognition of partnerships (see E4.5.15 and F2.15)
• have the military visa holder’s support for the application

Evidence of the relationship and that the couple are living together must be provided in the forms described at E4.5.35. [WF5]

The immigration officer must also be satisfied that the applicant’s partner holds a military visa, is eligible to be granted a military visa, or is deemed to be granted a military visa. [WF5]

Eligibility criteria

Basic eligibility

• The applicant must be the partner (E4.1.20) of a military visa holder, or of a person eligible to be granted a military visa, or deemed to hold one. [WF5]
• The partnership must be genuine and stable, and the couple must be living together. [WF5]
• The minimum requirements for recognition of partnerships (E4.5.15, F2.15) must be met. [WF5]
• The supporting partner must support the application. [WF5]

Application requirements

• The applicant must meet temporary entry class lodging, bona fide, health, and character requirements, except as exempted. [WF5]

Exemptions

• Funds or sponsorship requirements do not apply. [WF5]
• Onward travel requirements are waived. [WF5]
• No job offer is necessary. [WF5]

Evidence

• Evidence of the relationship and proof that the couple are living together in a genuine and stable partnership, as set out at E4.5.35, must be provided. [WF5]

Military visa status of the partner

• The immigration officer must be satisfied that the applicant’s partner holds a military visa, is eligible, or is deemed to hold one. [WF5]

Conditions of grant

• The work visa is endorsed with conditions allowing work in any occupation, for any employer, and in any location. [WF5]
• The visa allows travel to New Zealand on multiple journeys. [WF5]
• Self‑employment is permitted, but the visa holder must not employ others, either directly or indirectly through a business they own or operate. [WF5]

Interpretation & edge cases

• Open work rights: The visa is not restricted to a particular employer, occupation, or region. The holder may undertake any lawful employment. [WF5]
• Multiple entry: The visa allows re‑entry to New Zealand on multiple occasions during its validity. [WF5]
• Self‑employment restriction: While self‑employment is allowed, the holder cannot hire staff, contract labour, or otherwise engage workers. This prohibition covers indirect arrangements such as employing through a company. [WF5]
• Evidence of partnership: The standard partnership evidence rules under E4.5 apply; for a full description see Temporary Entry for Partners and Dependent Children. [WF5]
• Alternative visitor visa pathway: Partners of military visa holders may also be eligible for a visitor visa under V3.125 as described in the Military Visa page. The two visa types are separate and not mutually exclusive.

Citations

• WF5 — Work visas for partners of holders of military visas