Many Indian students take advantage of this exciting opportunity to study abroad in order to expand their horizons and improve their career prospects. Indians as well as other international students are drawn to New Zealand for their higher education because of its amazing landscapes, first-rate educational system, and hospitable culture. Understanding the visa application process is essential for students thinking about studying in New Zealand, especially if they intend to bring a spouse. This blog seeks to offer a thorough explanation of when and if spouses of students may submit a joint application for a study visa to New Zealand.
Understanding the New Zealand Study Visa
Let’s start by going over the fundamentals of the New Zealand study visa, also known as the Student Visa, before discussing whether or not spouses can apply with their students. With this visa, international students can attend a recognized institution in New Zealand full-time. Indian students must fulfill a number of requirements in order to be eligible for a New Zealand study visa, including:
Admission into a New Zealand institution
A legitimate offer of admission from a university in the country that has been authorized by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Financial Requirements
Evidence that you have enough money for living expenses, tuition, and your trip back to India.
Requirements for Health and Character
Meets New Zealand immigration standards for both health and character.
Health Insurance
Suitable health and travel coverage for the whole time you’re in New Zealand.
Are Spouses Eligible to Apply Together?
Yes, students are able to bring their spouses to New Zealand by applying for a visa. Spouses are permitted to accompany students while they are studying in New Zealand thanks to this provision. Spouses’ eligibility for a particular type of visa is based upon a number of factors, such as the length of the student’s education and the specifics of their marital status.
Student Visa for New Zealand
The spouse of a student visa holder in New Zealand may apply for either a work visa or a visitor visa, based on the spouse’s course and degree of study in the country.
The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) divides education in New Zealand into levels 1 through 10.
You can apply for a New Zealand Partnership-based Work Visa if your partner is enrolled in a Level 9 program or higher while they are in New Zealand. Master’s degrees, which can be earned through coursework or research, make up Level 9 programs. The Ph.D. program at Level 10 is equivalent to a doctorate.
You may still apply for a work visa if your spouse is enrolled in a program on the green list that is less advanced than Level 9. Among the initiatives on the Green List are:
- Engineering Technology Graduate Diploma Level 7
- Advanced Certificate in Building Project Management at Level 7
- Level 7 Graduate Diploma in Construction
- Level 7 Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education Teaching
You can apply for a Visitor Visa to New Zealand if your spouse’s program is not on the green list and is below Level 9.
Visa Options for Spouses
Visitor Visa
- Spouses may apply for a Visitor Visa to accompany the student.
- Spouses are permitted to remain in New Zealand for the length of the student’s course with a Visitor Visa.
Partner of a Student Visa
- If a student meets the necessary requirements, spouses are eligible to apply for a Partner of a Student Visa.
- During the student’s course, spouses are permitted to work full-time in New Zealand with this visa.
Requirements for Spouse Visa Applications
Indian applicants seeking a visa as a student’s spouse normally have to submit the following documents:
Need to be Living Together
Living together with your spouse for a certain amount of time is one of the main conditions for obtaining a New Zealand Spouse Visa. This requirement proves that the partnership is sincere.
Proof of Real Relationship
To demonstrate a genuine relationship, residing together might not be the only requirement for a New Zealand Spouse Visa. In order to substantiate the validity of your relationship, they might also ask for more proof, like letters, images, and records of your shared commitment.
Social Acceptance of Relationship
You can include photos of the social events and get-togethers you went to as a couple to demonstrate that your marriage is accepted by the community.
Marriage Photos
Marital photos, along with the various events that involve family and friends, give the impression that your relationship is solid and sincere.
Financial Interdependence
Both partners must rely on one another financially. Joint accounts, bank statements, and other documents are proof of this.
Valid New Zealand Partner Visa
The person you are traveling with must be eligible to apply for a New Zealand partner visa. This type of visa may be for permanent residency, employment, or study.
Identity Proof
In addition to the application, the candidate must provide identification. Your passport serves as identity verification here. It also demonstrates that your passport is still valid and you have no negative immigration history.
Health Certificate
Being in good health and being able to provide a health certificate with your application package is one of the requirements for a New Zealand Spouse Visa.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
You must submit a PCC Certificate in order to be granted a spouse visa, which requires good character.
Your Spouse is Eligible to Sponsor
Your spouse in New Zealand must meet additional qualifications in order to be qualified to sponsor the spouse visa application. At the time of the New Zealand spouse visa application, your spouse must have only sponsored one partner in the previous five years in order to be eligible to sponsor another.
Benefits of Applying Together
There are various benefits to applying for student and spouse visas together:
Simplified Process
By coordinating applications, the spouse and student visa processes can be completed more quickly.
Timeline Alignment
Helps timely travel plans by guaranteeing that both visas are processed and approved within a similar amount of time.
Family Support
This option improves the overall study abroad experience by allowing spouses to travel with students and explore New Zealand together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does a spouse visa to New Zealand require the IELTS exam?
No, a spouse is not required to take the IELTS exam in order to be eligible for a spouse visa to New Zealand. To ease the transition and improve communication with locals, it is advised to learn the English language before traveling to New Zealand.
How much time does it take to obtain a New Zealand partner visa?
For all categories, the processing period for a New Zealand spouse visa is between six and eight weeks.
In New Zealand, what is evidence of a true relationship?
You can provide a number of documents to attest to the sincerity and stability of your marriage. Living together is one of the key requirements, and other supporting documentation includes your marriage license, your wedding album, and images from events you both attended together. Documents proving financial interdependence, such as bank statements and accounts.
Can I apply from India for a spouse visa?
Indeed! Indian residents can apply for a New Zealand spouse visa with ease.
What is the duration of a spouse visa?
The spouse visa typically has the same validity as the spouse who is sponsoring it. For instance: Your work visa or visitor visa to New Zealand will expire simultaneously if your spouse is in the country on a student visa for the next three years, or until 2026.
West Highlander – Best Immigration Consultants for New Zealand
It’s crucial to remember that your application for a New Zealand spouse visa should be handled by a LIA Licensed Immigration Adviser. This is so that they can help partner visa applicants in New Zealand, as LIAs are authorized and knowledgeable in this area. They keep themselves informed about the most recent Immigration New Zealand policies. Get in touch with West Highlander if you intend to apply for a spouse visa to New Zealand. You can get guidance through the process from the Director, Ms. Parwinder Kaur, who is a Licensed Immigration Adviser with experience.