Can become a citizen of new zealand by marriage

Yes, it is possible to become a citizen of New Zealand through marriage to a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Here are the general requirements and process:

Eligibility:

  1. You must be married to a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
  2. Your spouse must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident at the time of application.
  3. You must have been married to your spouse for at least 3 years (or 5 years if you are applying under the "partner" category).
  4. You must meet the English language requirements (see below).
  5. You must meet the character and health requirements.

Application process:

  1. Submit an application to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) using the "Partner" category.
  2. Provide evidence of your marriage, including a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
  3. Provide proof of your relationship with your spouse, such as joint bank statements, photos, and letters.
  4. Pass a background check and provide biometric data (fingerprints).
  5. Take a language test to demonstrate your English language skills (see below).
  6. Attend an interview with an INZ officer, if required.
  7. Wait for the outcome of your application, which may take several months.

English language requirements:

  1. You must demonstrate a level of English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent).
  2. You may be exempt from taking a language test if you have a degree or diploma from a New Zealand university or a recognized institution.

Additional requirements:

  1. You may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of income, employment, or education.
  2. You may need to attend an interview with an INZ officer to discuss your application.
  3. You may need to provide biometric data (fingerprints) as part of the application process.

Processing times:

The processing time for a partner visa application can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the workload of INZ. However, on average, it can take around 12-18 months for the application to be processed.

Note:

It's important to note that becoming a citizen of New Zealand through marriage is a complex process, and there are many factors that can affect the outcome of your application. It's recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer or expert to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and to help you navigate the application process.