To apply for entry to New Zealand as a partner, two forms need to be completed: the form for partners supporting partnership-based temporary entry applications and a Application for Residence form.

To bring a dependent child to live in New Zealand, you can either apply for a Visitor’s Visa for the child for the period you will be here, up to two years, or apply for residence in New Zealand for the child by completing the Application for Residence form.

To come to New Zealand under the parent or sibling and adult child categories, you will need to apply for residence by completing the Application for Residence form.
 

The Application Process:

As soon as your application has been accepted for processing, Immigration New Zealand will send you an acknowledgement letter telling you either the name of the officer looking after your application and how to contact them, or the likely date that an officer will be available to assess your application.

In the acknowledgement letter you may also be asked to provide further information or documents. Immigration New Zealand may also return original documents like passports and birth certificates at this stage.

The work involved in processing your application typically involves:

• checking your application against immigration policy requirements
• assessing what benefits or potential risks to New Zealand are involved
• verifying any information and documents you have provided
• confirming details of your relationship with your partner or family members.

Before making a decision on your application, Immigration New Zealand may also ask you to: 

• produce other photographs, documents and information
• undergo a further medical examination or appear for an interview.
   

How Long Will it Take?

The time it will take to process your application can vary depending on: 

• the requirements of the immigration policy you are applying under 
• the completeness of your application 
• how easily Immigration New Zealand can check the information you provide 
• how well and how quickly you respond to any concerns raised with you.

Processing times can also vary between offices. When your application is accepted, Immigration New Zealand will either give you a decision, or send you a letter to advise how long the processing time is predicted to be.

The amount of verification your application requires can affect the amount of time it takes to process your application. Applications that require the most verification; for example work permit or residence applications, typically take the longest to process.

You may need to provide further information before a decision can be made on your application, which will also add to the processing time.