[sunkist]

Hi everyone,

I want to sponsor my partner for a Visitor Visa with the intention that once he is in New Zealand, I will then sponsor him for work visa under the Family Stream category and then eventually for permanent resident. Is this possible? From what I've gathered, fees are cheaper in NZ and processing time is faster. But on the downside, you can't still be sure if things are going to run smoothly. Would he encounter any problem at the NZ immigration?

OR

Should I just go straight to sponsoring him for an open work visa?

Thanks in advance.

[Trigirl]

which country is your partner from? many countries have agreements with NZ which means their citizens are granted automatic visitor visas on arrival.

family stream is for residence visas - not for work visas. you can't sponsor your partner for a work visa or a visitors visa. but you may be able to sponsor your partner for residence - there is info on the requirements on the NZIS site here http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/live/partner/canisponsormypartner/

[sunkist]

He's not from a visa-free country...

From the NZIS website:
Can a partner of NZ citizen/resident work in NZ?
A partner of a NZ Citizen/Resident may apply for Partnership Work permit/visa, if the couple meets the application requirements. This work application does not require a job offer to be processed. You should consider applying for this visa/permit if:
1. You are thinking about living here with your NZ partner, but want to experience NZ life for a while first
2. You want to apply for residence to join your NZ partner here, but have not yet met the 12 month living together requirement
3. Your residence is still undecided, but you would like to remain (and work) here with your NZ partner during this process.

The Family Stream
The Family Stream policies enable the following people to undertake temporary employment in New Zealand:
• The partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, and partners of Long Term Business Visa/Permit holders, whose ultimate intention is likely to be residence.
• The partners of holders of work visas and permits.
• The partners of holders of student visas and/or permits, who meet specific requirements

[Trigirl]

sorry - i hadn't come across those before.

in that case you know far more than me about it - hope someone is along soon to advise you further.