If your ultimate goal is to live together permanently in NZ, the overseas partner will need to obtain a resident visa. There is a specific residence category available to such applicants, called Partnership policy. There are a set of requirements that the couple must meet before residence can be granted.
The overseas partner may also apply for a Partnership work visa, if:
If you are waiting for the residence decision in NZ, please note that the overseas partner must be on a valid visa at all times, which in some cases means that you may need to apply for a further work visa, if your current one is about to expire.
The process of renewing temporary visa is the same as when you applied for it the first time - your officer will need to see all of the evidence again, to make sure you still meet the policy requirements.
If the overseas partner wishes to study in NZ, before residence is finalised, they must apply for a student visa. In this case, general student policy must be met, and international school fees may be payable.
This answer was last updated on 1 March, 2013.
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