A partnership-based visa will enable you to join your partner in New Zealand if they hold a temporary visa, i.e. a Student Visa or Work visa or if your partner is a New Zealand resident or citizen.
Visa rejections can significantly setback achieving your dream of living together in New Zealand. Therefore, knowing and understanding the common mistakes that applicants make when applying for a partnership-based visa is helpful.
This article will discuss things you should be mindful of and avoid to improve your chances of a successful visa outcome.
One of the most common mistakes when applying for a partnership-based visa is applying under an incorrect category. E.g. Applying for a Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa just because the couple had an arranged marriage and did not check what the specific requirements prescribed by Immigration New Zealand for this visa category were. It is very important to be aware of the immigration requirements for the visa category you are applying under, as applying under the wrong category can lead to your application being declined.
Incomplete or inadequate supporting documents are the primary reason for visa rejection. Often, applicants make the mistake of not familiarising themselves with the immigration requirements and submitting insufficient evidence of their relationship, which may result in an undesirable outcome of their visa application.
While preparing a visa application, ensure that you understand what the immigration instructions require, identify the various documents that can demonstrate the fulfilment of these requirements and then gather all the necessary supporting documents. All these steps need to be followed before applying. Some of the basic documentation that would need to be provided may include but is not limited to:
It is important to remember that an immigration officer will assess your application based on the quality and accuracy of the information submitted, so ensure your documentation is accurate, comprehensive, up-to-date and verifiable.
Ensure that the information provided is complete, everything adds up, and the documents provided do not contradict each other. If an immigration officer is unable to connect the dots, it may have an adverse impact on the application. Essentially, the onus is on the application to ensure they meet all the immigration requirements.
Click here to learn more about the documents required for an NZ partnership-based visa application
Inconsistencies or discrepancies in the submitted documents can jeopardise your visa application. Inconsistencies raise red flags for immigration officers and may createconcerns regarding the genuineness of the relationship.
It’s best to discuss the complete timeline to ensure no information is missed. Take time to review and double-check all the information you provide. Especially:
Relationship histories are an important part of the application as it gives the immigration officer an overview of your entire relationship. A relationship history usually includes information about how you and your partner met, how the relationship progressed and how it has been maintained. Key events in your relationship must also be included in the write-up. An accurate and reasonable chronology of events is an important aspect. Getting the chronology wrong can lead to an adverse outcome on the application. Sometimes, the information in the statement does not align with the evidence provided. It’s best to take the help of a Licensed Immigration Adviser to portray your relationship in the best way possible.
To obtain a partnership-based visa, you must demonstrate a genuine, stable, credible and ongoing relationship. Providing a marriage certificate or a few photographs of both together is not enough.
Some common mistakes made by applicants include:
Ensure substantiating your relationship with detailed descriptions of your partnership, explanations of any gaps in cohabitation and proof of long-term commitments to each other.
Many times, applicants make the mistake of withholding vital information from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) when submitting documentary evidence or when being interviewed either intentionally or in error (E.g. Not declaring previous relationships or withholding information regarding any adverse immigration history). Disclose all material information, including previous convictions, if any, no matter how minor they are, as INZ conducts its own internal checks and the truth is bound to come out.
The reason for withholding the information varies from person to person. Doing so is likely to have a negative impact on your applicationas it raises character concerns and can lead to your application being declined.
Failure to disclose vital information is taken very seriously by INZ. It’s best to be honest and straightforward when applying for any visa.
Sometimes a couple’s circumstances may change after the partnership-based visa application is lodged. (E.g. the relationship status changes, the supporting partner returns to the home country to be with the applicant for a long period etc.) Not updating INZ about the change in circumstances or forgetting to do so is a common mistake made by applicants, which may have a negative impact on the outcome of the application.
Sometimes, an immigration officer may request additional information or clarification when processing an application by sending a Request for Information (RFI) or Potentially Prejudicial Information (PPI) letter.
An RFI is a formal request made by Immigration New Zealand for requesting additional documents/ information from applicants to properly assess the application.
A PPI is a letter sent by Immigration New Zealand highlighting concerns that may have a negative impact on the application and gives the applicant an opportunity to comment/ provide an explanation before a final decision on the application is made.
Not responding to the letter on time i.e. missing the deadline for responding or not providing sufficient evidence and/or explanation to mitigate the concernsis a very common mistake made by applicants which can lead to an application being declined.
Applying for a Partnership-Based Visa can be time-consuming due to the thorough assessment process. Failing to account for the processing time and planning important life events around it can lead to disappointment. Take note of the average visa processing times and plan accordingly.
Navigating the complex immigration process can be challenging, and making mistakes in your application may lead to unwanted delays or rejections. Consider seeking assistance from Licensed Immigration Advisers (LIAs), like us, who have vast experience in partnership-based visa applications. We at Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. can provide valuable insights and support to ensure a higher likelihood of success.
A lot of time, energy and money is wasted when a partnership-based isa application is declined because of the above-mentioned mistakes. It also takes an emotional toll on the couple. Disappointment can be avoided if the application is done correctly right from the start.
By being cautious and avoiding these common mistakes, you stand a better chance of receiving a positive outcome on your partnership-based visa application. Keep your dreams of building a life together in New Zealand alive by being thorough, accurate and well-informed throughout the application process.
You may think that applying for a partnership-based visa on your own will help you save money, but if you make any of the above mistakes, your application can get declined, and you can end up disappointed. Engaging the services of experienced Licensed Immigration Advisers like us can save you from wasting your time and money and also save you from disappointment.
If you need help with a partnership-based visa application, please fill out this form.
You can also email Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd at [email protected] or call on +64 09 3790219.
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.