We know leaving is hard. When your visa depends on your partner, it can feel impossible. But there is hope. New Zealand offers a special path to safety for victims of family violence.
It isn’t about paperwork – it’s about your right to live free from fear. Let’s walk through this together in plain language that makes sense when you’re stressed.
๐ Could This Be Your Path to Safety?
You might qualify if:
โ You’re in NZ on a visa tied to your partner (like a work or student visa)
โ Your abusive partner is a NZ citizen or resident
โ You have any proof of what happened (don’t worry – we’ll explain)
Even if:
- Your visa has expired
- You have no police reports
- You’re scared about what happens next
There are people ready to help you figure this out.
(๐ก You’re not alone. Over 1,200 people have used this visa to find safety since 2018.)
๐ A New Beginning: How This Visa Supports You
| Benefit | What It Means For You | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Residency | Live in NZ indefinitely without relying on your abuser | Freedom to rebuild your life without fear of deportation |
| Work Rights | Take any job, start a business, or retrain | Financial independence = safer choices |
| Healthcare Access | Full eligibility for NZโs healthcare system | Healing physically and emotionally |
| Education for You & Kids | Domestic tuition rates for you; free schooling for children 5-18 | A brighter future for your family |
| Path to Citizenship | Eligible after 5 years as resident | Belonging to a country that protects you |
| No Sponsor Needed | No requirement to involve your abuser | Complete separation is possible |
| Includes Dependent Children | Under 24s can be part of your application | Keeping your family safe together |
| Social Support Access | Work & Income benefits if needed | Safety net while you get back on your feet |
๐ “But How Do I Prove It?” – Real Answers
You might think:
“I never went to the police…”
“It was mostly emotional abuse…”
“I deleted all the messages…”
Good news: Many types of proof work:
โ Doctor or counsellor notes
โ Emails/texts (even if you only have screenshots)
โ Letters from Women’s Refuge or other support services
โ Photos of injuries or damaged property
โ Statements from friends who knew what was happening
(๐ Safety tip: If collecting proof feels risky, call 0800 REFUGE first. They can help you plan safely.)
๐ Your Safety-First: Document Checklist
| Type of Document | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Abuse | Police reports, protection orders, incident numbers | If you didnโt report, thatโs okay โ see below |
| Medical Records | Doctorโs notes, hospital records, photos of injuries | Even old records count |
| Support Letters | From Womenโs Refuge, counselors, social workers | They can write these for you |
| Digital Evidence | Screenshots of threats, emails, damaged property photos | Save to a secret email/cloud |
| Relationship Proof | Joint bills, old visa applications, marriage certificates | Shows you were together |
| Statements | Your written account (in your own words), friend/family letters | โI felt scared whenโฆโ is enough |
๐ธ Visa Costs & Financial Support Options
| Fee Type | Standard Cost (NZD) | Good News | Ways to Reduce Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $2,120 | Waived if you can’t afford it | Ask INZ about a “fee waiver” – they approve these often for abuse cases |
| Police Certificates | ~$150 per country | Sometimes not required | Case officers can use discretion if unsafe to obtain |
| Medical Checks | ~$400 | May be deferred | If recent checks exist, you might reuse them |
| Translations | Varies | Free help available | Community Law can connect you with pro bono translators |
๐ค๏ธ The Journey to Safety: Step by Step
- First, breathe – This feels big, but you don’t have to do everything at once
- Reach out quietly – Call Women’s Refuge from a safe phone (they won’t pressure you)
- Start small – Maybe save one text message today
- Get proper help – Support workers know all the tricks abusers use with visas
- Apply when ready – There’s no rush; your safety comes first
(โณ The process takes time, but once approved – you get to stay in NZ permanently, free from your abuser.)
๐ A Note If You’re Scared Right Now
We know you might be:
- Worried about money
- Scared they’ll find out
- Unsure if it’s “bad enough” to count
Please hear this:
๐น Services are free and confidential
๐น No one will contact your abuser
๐น Even “just” emotional abuse counts
๐น Your kids can be included in your application
(๐ค You don’t have to make any decisions today. Just knowing your options is a brave first step.)
๐ Who Can Help Today?
For immediate safety:
๐ Women’s Refuge – 0800 REFUGE (733 843) *(24/7,ไปไปฌไผ่ฏดไธญๆ)*
For visa questions:
๐ Immigration NZ – 0508 558 855 (Ask about “family violence visa” – they’re trained to help)
For free legal advice:
๐ Community Law – Check local centres at communitylaw.org.nz
(๐ฑ These services exist for people exactly in your situation. You won’t be the first person calling with these fears.)
๐ You Deserve More Than Survival
This visa exists because New Zealand believes:
- No one should stay in danger because of immigration papers
- Your safety matters more than any relationship
- There is life after abuse
The following steps vary for each individual. Maybe yours is:
- Bookmarking this page for later
- Calling a helpline to ask questions
- Telling one safe person what’s happening
โ ๏ธ Important Considerations About This Visa
| Limitation | What This Means | Workarounds & Support |
|---|---|---|
| Must prove past relationship | Need evidence you lived with a NZ partner | Joint bills, photos, or statements from friends can help |
| No automatic right to return | If you leave NZ after approval, youโll need a returning resident visa | Apply for permanent residency after 2 years to remove this |
| Processing times vary | Can take several months (though urgent cases prioritized) | Womenโs Refuge can help with temporary housing/support |
| Health/character checks still apply | But exceptions exist for abuse-related offenses | Disclose everything upfront – case officers understand trauma |
| Canโt include extended family | Only dependent children can be included | Other visas may be options for parents/siblings |
Whatever you choose today, know this: The safety door is open when you’re ready.
(If you’re reading this at 3 am, should you stay or go? Trust that small voice saying you deserve better. Help is here when you’re ready.)
You are worth protecting.
Your children are worth protecting.
Your future self is waiting.
Contact Visas Abroad – A trusted Immigration Consultant Services; for more information
Contact Details: +91 9990744666
Mail to: info@VisasAbroad.com
Visit: VisasAbroad.com