New Zealand updates the form workers use to support their partners’ visas

Who needs the November support form

Immigration New Zealand links a November 2026 edition of Form INZ 1146 from the Partner of a Worker Work Visa page. This guide covers applicants seeking their own work visa based on living with a partner who holds or is applying for an eligible New Zealand work visa. The partner completes the support form and gives it to the applicant to include in the separate application.

The November edition directs holders of work visas and people applying for them to complete sections A and B and sign the declaration in section D. The September 2025 edition placed that declaration in section E. Use the file currently linked from the visa page when preparing a new submission. Section A identifies the applicant and section B records the supporter’s details and visa basis. Check that each name matches the relevant passport before uploading the form.

Both partners must be at least 18 when the application is made. Immigration New Zealand’s September notice explains that it assesses only relationship evidence from when both people were adults. Temporary partnership visas have no explicit 12-month cohabitation minimum, but applicants still need sufficient evidence of a genuine and stable relationship and must be living together when they apply. The November form incorporates the age rule already in effect from 25 September.

Check whether the supporting worker’s visa qualifies

For Accredited Employer Work Visa holders, the Immigration New Zealand family guide directs readers to the scenario matching their job, skill level and pay. Working holiday, Peak Seasonal and Global Workforce Seasonal visas are among the excluded categories. Check the visa’s actual name and conditions, especially where the supporter describes their permission simply as a work visa.

The March immigration instructions in Amendment Circular 2026-01 show, for example, a NZD 28 hourly threshold for a qualifying ANZSCO skill level 1, 2 or 3 role. The instructions also address certain National Occupation List roles and set separate rules for other jobs. If the supporting worker is relying on a pay rise since their visa was granted, the circular calls for evidence of the new rate. Examples include a contract or employer letter together with payslips, salary transactions on bank statements or an Inland Revenue income summary.

Gather evidence for the shared home and the applicant

The partnership evidence guide explains how to document a shared address over time. A joint rental agreement can establish the home, and dated correspondence addressed to each partner there can help show when they were living there together. Choose documents that cover the same periods. Evidence of a shared bank account in use or other joint commitments can help show how the relationship operates. If work or family circumstances led to a period apart, explain its dates, why it happened and how the relationship continued during it.

Use the work visa page for the applicant’s passport copy, photo, funds and any health or character documents. The health guide explains that the examination required depends on factors including intended stay and previous certificates. Where an examination is required, follow the instructions for using an approved panel physician and providing the certificate or eMedical reference.

Check the police certificate guide if the total stay across visits will reach 24 months. New certificates, when required, generally need to be under six months old at filing. The July notice says required certificates should be supplied upfront. It provides a separate procedure for certificates from Fiji, Hong Kong and Israel, where the issuing authorities send the document directly to Immigration New Zealand.

File the application and check status before expiry

The product page links to the online application and lists a charge from NZD 1,630. A couple can file both visa applications around the same time. The partner’s visa can be granted only after the supporting worker’s visa is approved.

An applicant already in New Zealand should check their current expiry before filing. The Interim Visa guide says the new temporary application must be received and accepted for processing before the current visa expires for the applicant to be considered for an Interim Visa. Any interim work rights depend on the old and requested visa types. Read the conditions before accepting employment and check travel plans because the interim permission ends on departure from New Zealand.