AEWV Partner Visa Requirements NZ (2026): Eligibility Guide
Learn the requirements for an AEWV Partner Visa in New Zealand. Check eligibility, income rules, required documents and how to prepare your application.
Planning to bring your partner to New Zealand?
If you're living in New Zealand on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), your partner may also be eligible to join you.
Before they apply, both you and your partner must meet Immigration New Zealand's requirements.
There are two visas your partner can apply for:
Partner of a Worker Work Visa
Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
This guide explains the eligibility requirements for both the Partner of a Worker Work Visa and Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa, including the income rules, supporting documents and evidence you'll need to prepare your application with confidence.
What are the partner visa requirements?
To bring your partner to New Zealand on your Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), both of you must meet Immigration New Zealand's requirements.
You (the AEWV holder) must:
Hold an eligible Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Meet the income requirements, if they apply.
Continue meeting your AEWV visa conditions.
Your partner must:
Be in a genuine and stable relationship with you.
Meet the health and character requirements.
Show they have enough financial support or an acceptable sponsor, if required.
The exact requirements depend on whether your partner is applying for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa or a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa.
Requirements for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa
If your partner wants to work in New Zealand, they'll usually need a Partner of a Worker Work Visa. Before they apply, both you and your partner must meet Immigration New Zealand's eligibility requirements.
Requirements for a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
If your partner wants to live with you in New Zealand but doesn't plan to work, they may be eligible for a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa. Many of the requirements are the same as a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, but there are some important differences in the eligibility and income requirements.
How do you prove your relationship?
Immigration New Zealand must be satisfied that you and your partner are in a genuine and stable relationship. The more evidence you can provide from different parts of your life together, the stronger your application may be.
Living together | Financial commitment | Social recognition | Shared responsibilities |
Show that you've lived together as a couple. | Show that you share your finances or support each other financially. | Show that other people recognise your relationship. | Show that you've built a life together. |
Examples: • Joint lease or tenancy agreement • Shared address • Utility bills | Examples: • Joint bank accounts • Shared household expenses • Joint assets or insurance | Examples: • Photos together • Travel history • Messages or correspondence • Statements from family and friends |
Health and character requirements
Both Partner of a Worker Work Visa and Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa applicants must meet Immigration New Zealand's health and character requirements.
Health requirements
You may need to complete a medical examination, a chest X-ray, or both, depending on how long you plan to stay in New Zealand and your personal circumstances. Any medical documents you submit must still be valid when you lodge your application.
Character requirements
You may need to provide police certificates if you're required to meet New Zealand's character requirements. These are generally required from countries where you've lived for a specified period, and they must be valid when you apply. If you're applying from the Philippines, you'll usually need to provide an NBI Clearance as your police certificate.
Common reasons partner visa applications are declined
Even if you've received a job offer and hold an eligible AEWV, your partner's application can still be declined if the requirements aren't fully met. Before applying, check that you've prepared the right documents and supporting evidence.
Relationship doesn't meet the requirements | Income requirements aren't met |
Immigration New Zealand isn't satisfied that your relationship is genuine and stable, or there isn't enough evidence to support your application. | The supporting AEWV holder doesn't meet the income requirements for the partner visa being applied for. |
Missing supporting documents | Health or character requirements aren't met |
Required documents are missing, incomplete or out of date, which may delay or affect the outcome of the application. | The applicant doesn't meet New Zealand's health or character requirements, or doesn't provide the requested medical or police certificates. |
Incorrect or misleading information | |
Providing false, inconsistent or misleading information can lead to a visa being declined and may affect future visa applications. |
Before you apply: Double-check your documents and supporting evidence to make sure your application is complete. Preparing everything correctly the first time can help avoid unnecessary delays or a declined application.
Plan your family's move with IDP
Bringing your partner to New Zealand is about more than applying for a visa. It's an opportunity to plan your family's future, whether that means building your career, continuing your education or working towards permanent residence.
At IDP, we can help you make informed decisions at every stage of your journey.
We can help you:
Understand your family's visa options.
Prepare for IELTS if you need it for your AEWV.
Explore study options for your partner.
Find education pathways for your family.
Plan your long-term migration goals.
Whether you're applying for your first visa or planning your next step, IDP is here to support you.
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa?
To qualify, you must hold an eligible AEWV and meet any applicable income requirements. Your partner must also meet the relationship, health, character and financial requirements set by Immigration New Zealand.
What are the requirements for a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa?
You must hold an eligible AEWV, and your partner must meet the relationship, health, character and financial requirements. Income requirements may also apply depending on your circumstances.
Does my partner need to prove English?
No. Immigration New Zealand doesn't currently require partners applying for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa or Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa to provide an English language test.
How do we prove our relationship?
You'll usually need evidence that your relationship is genuine and stable. This may include documents showing you've lived together, shared finances, travelled together or built a life together.
Do we need to be married?
No. Married couples, civil union partners and de facto partners can all be eligible, provided they meet Immigration New Zealand's relationship requirements.
What income do I need to support my partner?
The income requirement depends on the type of partner visa your partner is applying for and your AEWV. Some Partner Work Visa applications have minimum income requirements, while these only apply in certain situations for Partner Visitor Visas.
What documents do we need?
Most applications require passports, relationship evidence, a copy of your AEWV, and health or character documents where applicable. Some applicants may also need to provide proof of income and certified English translations.
Can my children come with us?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, your dependent children may be eligible for a Dependent Child Student Visa or a Child of a Worker Visitor Visa.
What happens if I change jobs?
Changing jobs doesn't automatically affect your partner's current visa, but it may affect your ability to support future applications or renewals if your visa conditions, occupation or income change.
What happens if my AEWV expires?
Your partner's visa is usually linked to your AEWV. If your AEWV expires, your partner may also need to apply for another visa or become eligible under a different immigration pathway to remain in New Zealand.