R2.1.15 When may partners included in an application be granted a residence class visa?
a. For a 'partner' included in an application to be granted a residence class visa an immigration officer must be satisfied that they meet 'partnership' instructions which are:
i that the principal applicant and partner are living together in a genuine and stable partnership (see F2.10.1); and
See previous instructions: R2.1 Effective 19/08/2013 R2.1 Effective 30/07/2012 R2.1 Effective 29/11/2010

Residence INZ Operational Manual
ii that the couple have been living together in such a relationship for 12 months or more at the time the application is assessed; and
iii that the partnership meets the minimum requirements for the recognition of partnerships set out at F2.15 in that:
the couple were both aged 18 years or older at the time the application for residence class visa was made, or if aged 16 or 17 years old have the support of their parent(s) or guardian(s); and
the couple have met prior to the application being made; and
they are not close relatives (see F2.15(d)).
b. When assessing if the duration of the partnership requirement in a. ii above is met immigration officers may include any period immediately prior to any marriage where they are satisfied the couple was living together in an interdependent partnership akin to a marriage.
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