Partnership interviews can be a decisive factor – either contributing to the success or failure of your Partner visa application. Today’s blog topic delves into the importance of interviews in any Partnership resident visa application. The outcome of the interview could either help the application move forward positively or lead to its decline depending on the information you and your partner provide to Immigration NZ (“INZ”) during the interview.
As outlined in Immigration Instruction F2.25(a), “immigration officers will usually conduct an interview with both the principal applicant and their partner to determine whether the couple is living together in a partnership that is genuine and stable.” These interviews may take place either in person or over the phone.
Recently, we encountered a case where a lawfully married couple, despite living together for several years, had their residence application put at risk due to poor performance in their partnership interview with INZ. In our view, these concerns could have been avoided if the applicants had been properly prepared, and they had received guidance on how to approach the interview process.
Be prepared!
Partnership interviews are much like job interviews. Just as you would prepare for a job interview by building confidence, understanding the key points to discuss, and anticipating questions, the same approach applies here. Even without knowing the exact questions, being well-prepared is crucial. If you come across as nervous, unprepared, or uncertain about the subject matter, you risk losing the job opportunity. Similarly, in a partnership interview, you are expected to confidently answer questions and demonstrate a thorough understanding of your relationship.
Some of the important things to know before attending an interview are:
- Interpreter – If English is not your first language, it’s essential to have an interpreter. In a recent case, significant miscommunication occurred due to language and cultural differences. The applicant believed she could express herself adequately in English, but misunderstandings arose. For instance, when trying to explain that she and her partner chose to live alone, she mistakenly used “I” instead of “we.” This confusion stemmed from cultural norms in which some languages use “I” in family context situations where both people are implied. Unfortunately, this led INZ to wrongly conclude that the couple were living apart. This example underscores the importance of precise language. Misinterpretations can happen, so having an interpreter ensures you fully understand the questions and can respond accurately.
- Honesty – Always provide truthful answers during the interview. Avoid lying or guessing when you don’t remember details. It’s perfectly acceptable to say, “I don’t remember” or “I don’t know.” Trying to make up an answer can have serious consequences, as providing false or misleading information to INZ can become a significant character issue that may be difficult to rectify.
- Confidence – It is important to be confident and firm in your answers. Do not panic and stay calm. If you are saying the truth, then you have nothing to hide and your natural confidence will shine through.
- Keep it simple – Keep your answers short and simple. In a recent interview, the applicants gave lengthy, off-topic responses, which led INZ to ask more questions and raise concerns. Long, complex answers can weaken your credibility. It’s best to stick to the point to avoid unnecessary complications.
- Knowledge – Familiarise yourself with your relationship details and the documents you have submitted to INZ. If you don’t remember everything, take time to review them before the interview. Just like a job candidate must be prepared to discuss their most recent roles and qualifications; you should be ready to discuss your relationship and daily living circumstances. If you cannot clearly explain these details, it may lead INZ to question the validity of your partnership.
Get professional advice
Seeking professional advice before attending a partnership interview can be highly beneficial, especially if it’s your first interview or if English isn’t your first language. An immigration lawyer or a licensed immigration adviser can guide you through the process—helping you prepare for the types of questions you may face, emphasizing the importance of honest and concise answers, and ensuring you have an interpreter if needed.
Don’t risk going into the interview unprepared. Reach out to us if you need expert assistance to boost your chances of success.