Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa

Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa

This visa is for people whose marriage has been arranged through a recognised cultural tradition, and whose partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident. It allows you to enter New Zealand for up to three months — either to marry your partner here, or to join them following a cultural marriage ceremony held overseas.

Two Scenarios — One Visa

Marrying in New Zealand: You apply before the wedding. Once you arrive, the marriage must take place within three months.

Already married overseas: If your cultural wedding ceremony took place outside New Zealand, your visa application must be submitted within three months of that ceremony.

Does Your Marriage Qualify?

Under INZ policy, a culturally arranged marriage is one where the arrangements — including the initial selection of the couple — were made by persons other than the couple themselves, following an identified and recognised cultural tradition.

The relationship must also be genuine and intended to be maintained on a long-term and exclusive basis.

Evidence INZ looks for includes records of communication between parents, a go-between, or matchmaker; written accounts of how the arrangement was made; and any other documentation that establishes the cultural nature of the process.

Is Your Partner Eligible to Sponsor?

Your New Zealand citizen or resident partner must complete Form INZ 1146. They must also meet sponsorship eligibility requirements — specifically:

• They cannot have sponsored more than one previous partner for New Zealand residence
• They cannot have sponsored a partner within the last five years
• There is a lifetime limit of two partner sponsorships

These restrictions are assessed at the time of application.

What You Need to Apply

• Valid passport (at least three months validity beyond your planned departure)
• Evidence of the culturally arranged marriage (parent/matchmaker communications, cultural confirmation)
• Partner’s completed INZ 1146 sponsorship form
• Evidence of your genuine intention to marry and maintain the relationship
• Financial evidence — NZD $1,000 per month, or NZD $400 per month if accommodation has been prepaid
• Medical and police certificates if required
• Certified translations of any non-English documents

Visa cost: From NZD $441. Processing: 80% of applications decided within four weeks.

While You Are in New Zealand

You cannot work for a New Zealand employer on this visa. Remote work for an overseas employer is permitted. Study is allowed for up to three months within any 12-month period.

What Comes Next

Once you are living with your partner in a genuine and stable relationship, you can apply for a partnership-based visitor or work visa before your current visa expires. This opens a pathway toward long-term residence in New Zealand.

Why Applications Are Declined

The most common reasons are insufficient evidence of the cultural arrangement, questions about the genuineness of the relationship, a partner who does not meet sponsorship eligibility, or a missed three-month deadline. A well-prepared application addresses these points directly from the outset.

Speak With a Licensed Immigration Adviser

The evidence requirements for this visa are specific and the margin for error is narrow. IANZ’s Licensed Immigration Advisers have assisted many couples and families through this process — assessing eligibility, identifying the right evidence, and preparing applications that hold up under scrutiny.

This page provides general information only and does not constitute immigration advice under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Policy references: INZ Operational Manual V3.35, INZ 1146. Requirements are subject to change. For advice specific to your circumstances, contact a Licensed Immigration Adviser.