I have known my partner for a long time, and we communicate via phone and e-mail. However, we have never actually met in person. How can we secure a partner visa?

You must have previously met your partner, and there are no exceptions to this requirement. Normally, you must have also lived together for at least one year. You may wish to obtain a temporary visa for your partner to come to New Zealand or travel to your partner’s home country temporarily to satisfy this requirement.

Next question:

Does the application have to be made from within New Zealand?