PARTNER VISA FOR NEW ZEALAND CITIZENS

In a committed relationship with someone who’s not a Kiwi or Australian? If you’re a New Zealand citizen living in Australia, your partner may be eligible for a Partner Visa to join or stay with you.

Two Main Options:

• Subclass 820/801 (Onshore) – If your partner is already in Australia.
• Subclass 309/100 (Offshore) – If your partner is applying from outside Australia.

These visas are for spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

Who’s an “Eligible NZ Citizen”?

To sponsor a partner, you must be a protected Special Category Visa (SCV) holder, meaning:

• You were living in Australia on or before 26 February 2001, or
• You lived in Australia for at least 12 months between 1994 and 2001, or
• You later became a permanent resident or citizen.

If you’re not a protected SCV holder, you may first need to apply for a permanent visa or citizenship before you can sponsor your partner.

What the Visa Offers:

• The right for your partner to live, work, and study in Australia.
• Access to Medicare (in most cases).
• A two-stage process: temporary visa first, then permanent residency after around 2 years (if the relationship is ongoing).

Steps to Apply:

1. Show proof of your genuine relationship – This includes joint finances, living arrangements, social proof, etc.
2. Submit the application – Apply online with supporting evidence.
3. Complete medicals and police checks.
4. Wait for processing – Partner visas can take 12–24 months or longer.