New Zealand | Visa duration extended for partners of New Zealand citizens

The New Zealand government is increasing the maximum duration of work and visitor visas for partners of New Zealand citizens and residence class visa holders.

Key Points:

• Partners must have been living together for at least 12 months to qualify.
• The maximum duration for work and visitor visas will increase to three years, from the previous two-year maximum duration.
• The policy change will apply to applications received after Oct. 1 as well as applications submitted before that date that have not received a decision.

Additional Information: Current visa holders will not have their visas automatically extended and will need to submit a new application to receive the longer duration. The government intends the change to provide additional flexibility for partners of New Zealand citizens.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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