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.