Five Years Apart. A Partnership Visa Finally Approved.
- greaton Immigration™
- Nov 22
- 3 min read
A real long-distance partnership case and how Immigration New Zealand assessed it
General information only. Not individual legal advice.
For many couples, distance is temporary. For others, it becomes years of separation caused by work, family responsibilities, border restrictions, or cultural barriers.
This case involves a couple who lived apart for almost five years. Despite having a genuine and committed relationship, they faced the same question many long-distance couples worry about:
“Can a partnership visa be approved when we have not lived together for a long time?”
The answer is yes — but only when Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is satisfied that the partnership is genuine, stable, and supported by strong evidence, even if “living together” has been interrupted.
This article explains how INZ approached the case and what general factors are considered in similar long-distance situations.
Case Background
The applicants had been in a committed partnership for several years. Their separation was not by choice. It was the result of:
long-term work obligations in different countries
visa restrictions that prevented earlier travel
family and cultural expectations
financial limitations
global travel disruptions in previous years
Despite these challenges, they maintained consistent communication, long-term emotional support, and ongoing plans to reunite permanently in New Zealand.
How INZ Assesses Partnership Applications
According to INZ’s official instructions and guidance, a partnership must be:
genuine
stable
exclusive
intended to be maintained long-term
*Reference: INZ “Partnership and how to prove it”
Although “living together” is normally expected, INZ recognises that long-distance relationships and periods of separation can occur for legitimate reasons.
What matters is whether the couple can clearly explain:
Why they lived apart
How they maintained their relationship during separation
How they made decisions together
What long-term plans they shared
What evidence demonstrates their commitment
Key Challenges in This Case
This application faced several complexity points commonly seen in long-distance partner visa cases:
1. Extended time apart
Nearly five years of separation is significantly longer than typical partner visa applicants.
2. Limited evidence of living together
Because they lived in different countries, they did not have shared tenancy agreements or joint household bills.
3. Cultural constraints
Their cultural background placed limits on ways they could publicly express their partnership.
4. Immigration history considerations
Previous visa restrictions affected their ability to reunite earlier.
INZ requires clear, well-documented explanations for each issue to verify the relationship is authentic.
How the Application Was Prepared
*General process description — not individual advice
To address these challenges, the case preparation focused on presenting a full, coherent picture of the partnership using INZ’s assessment framework. This included:
1. Explaining the reasons for long-distance living
A chronological explanation showing why the couple had no practical ability to live together earlier.
2. Demonstrating ongoing communication
Evidence such as long-term chat history, call logs, shared photos, planning messages, and daily contact patterns.
3. Showing shared life decisions
Examples of financial support, joint planning for future relocation, and mutual commitments.
4. Proving visits and reunions
Travel records, photos, accommodation bookings, and documented time spent together.
5. Providing supporting statements
Personal statements explaining the relationship history, intentions, and future plans.
6. Presenting a clear and consistent narrative
All information aligned with INZ instructions and reflected a genuine, stable, long-term relationship.
Outcome
After a full assessment, Immigration New Zealand approved the partnership visa.
Although every case is different, this outcome shows that a long-distance relationship — even one lasting several years — can still meet INZ’s partnership requirements when the evidence clearly explains:
why the couple lived apart
how they stayed committed
what their long-term plans are
This case demonstrates that separation alone does not prevent a genuine partnership from being recognised.
Adviser Insights
*General Information Only
For applicants in long-distance or culturally sensitive partnerships, INZ often pays attention to:
clarity and consistency in relationship history
the reasons for separation
efforts to maintain the relationship
the quality, not only the quantity, of evidence
mutual commitment and future planning
Even if couples have limited joint documents, INZ can still approve a visa when all circumstances are properly explained and supported.
If you want general information about partnership visas, you can explore our guide here:
Partnership Visa Information
For personalised assistance, a licensed immigration adviser must review your situation. You can start by completing the form below.
Start Here
*This article is based on a real case but has been fully de-identified to protect privacy.
It provides general information and is not individual immigration advice.
We do not guarantee outcomes.
All immigration services are provided in accordance with the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 and the IAA Code of Conduct.
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