New Zealand resident visa general eligibility requirements

1. As a New Zealand sponsor, you must be either a citizen or lawful permanent resident of New Zealand. If you are a permanent resident of New Zealand who has been out of the country for an extended period of time, and your permanent resident status is considered abandoned, you must first obtain permission to return to New Zealand (Returning Resident’s Visa). Australian citizens permanently residing in New Zealand may qualify to sponsor a foreign national if they can establish that New Zealand is their primary place of residence.  
2. As a New Zealand sponsor, you are prohibited from sponsoring more than two foreign nationals for a residence visa at any time. If you have sponsored a foreign national in the past, at least five years must have passed before you can sponsor another individual for a spouse or partner visa.
3. As a New Zealand sponsor, if you were brought to New Zealand on a marriage or partner visa, at least five years must have passed before you can apply to bring a foreign national to New Zealand. In addition, you are not allowed to bring more than one person to New Zealand under this visa category.
4. As a New Zealand sponsor, you must meet the character requirements. Any prior conviction involving domestic violence or any convictions of a sexual nature may prevent you from sponsoring a foreign national to come to New Zealand.
5. You and your partner must be legally married, or in a de facto or civil partnership determined by New Zealand migration law to be equivalent to marriage.
6. You must have met your wife, husband, or partner in person, and must have both been living together in an ongoing and stable relationship for at least 12 months immediately prior to filing your application.
7. You and your spouse or partner must prove that your relationship is bona fide, and that you intend to continue living together after a residence visa has been granted.
8. You and your wife, husband, or partner must be at least 18 years old, or must have signed parental consent in hand if you are between the ages of 16 and 18.
9. Your foreign spouse or partner must be deemed to be of good moral character. Prior criminal history may result in a denial of the residence visa or permit application.
10. Your foreign partner must meet certain health requirements. Conditions such as HIV, hepatitis, and certain types of other communicable diseases may result in rejection of the visa application.

     

New Zealand resident visas: application and interview process

See also:

New Zealand resident visa assessment form  *Reply within 24 hours

New Zealand resident visa quick self-assessment Do I qualify?