Partnership visa changes make the dates of your evidence important

Couples preparing a partnership-based visa application need to check more than whether they have evidence of a genuine relationship. For specified visas, both partners must now be at least 18 yeras of age when the application is made, and Immigration New Zealand will consider partnership evidence only from after both people turned 18.

These new requirements took effect on 25 September 2026. They can change the timing for couples who began their relationship or started living together when either partner was younger.

What changes for residence applications?

A couple applying for partnership-based residence must show that they have lived together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months. Under the new rules, the qualifying period can begin only once both people are 18. Even where a couple lived together earlier, that earlier period cannot be used to meet the 12-month requirement for a dedicated partnership-based residence visa.

Temporary partnership visas do not have an explicit 12-month living-together requirement. Applicants still need enough acceptable relationship evidence from after both partners turned 18 to establish that they are living together in a genuine and stable relationship. Turning 18 does not necessarily make an immediate application ready.

The changes apply to specified dedicated partnership categories, including Partner of a New Zealander, Partner of a Worker and Partner of a Student visas. They do not apply to every application that includes a partner. Resident visa applications submitted before 25 September 2026 and visas already granted are not affected.

Partnership application points to check

• Visa category: Identify the exact visa before applying. The sponsor, supporting partner, living-together and evidence requirements may differ from those of another partnership visa.
• Ages and dates: Confirm when both partners turned 18. Separate evidence from before and after that date.
• Living together: Gather documents covering the relevant period at a shared address, such as tenancy records, bills or correspondence.
• Shared life: Include evidence of financial arrangements, responsibilities and recognition of the relationship where relevant. Photographs alone do not establish living together.
• Time apart: Explain any periods of separation, why they occurred and how the relationship continued.
• Supporting partner: Check that the partner meets the requirements to support the particular application.

A well prepared application tells a clear, dated story that matches the requirements of the visa sought. If the new age rule affects your timing, or you are unsure whether your evidence covers the required period, speak with New Zealand Immigration Partners before you submit.