There is excellent news if you are the partner of a citizen of New Zealand or holder of a resident visa. The government of New Zealand has announced an extension of the two-year visa period to three years for partners of citizens and residents. On October 1, 2024, this new regulation will take effect for partners who have lived with their Kiwi counterparts for a minimum of a year.

"The maximum length of time for work and visitor visas for spouses of New Zealand citizens or holders of residence class visas who have been cohabiting for a minimum of 12 months has been modified by the government." This has been extended from two to three years," a statement from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) stated.

This will better coincide with the visa periods granted to partners of temporary migrants and allow couples more time to save for residence application fees.