Dependent Child Visas
Bringing Your Children to New Zealand
For families embarking on a new life or an extended stay in New Zealand, ensuring your children can join you is paramount. New Zealand offers various visa options for dependent children, whether your goal is for them to live permanently, study, or simply visit.
At ZFS NZ, we understand the importance of keeping families together. We specialise in guiding parents through the specific requirements for each type of dependent child visa, making the process as smooth as possible.
Defining a 'Dependent Child' in New Zealand Immigration
Immigration New Zealand has specific criteria for what constitutes a 'dependent child', which can vary slightly depending on the visa category (temporary vs. resident) and their age:
Generally, aged 24 or younger.
Single: They must not be married or in a civil union, or in a de facto relationship.
No children of their own: If aged 18 or older.
Financially Dependent: For children aged 18-24, they usually need to be "totally or substantially reliant on an adult (their parent or other family member) for financial support." For those under 18, financial dependency is generally assumed.
Our Dependent Child Visa Services
We assist with a range of dependent child visa categories:
1. Dependent Child Resident Visa
This visa is for children whose parent(s) are New Zealand citizens or hold a New Zealand resident visa. It allows your child to live, work, and study indefinitely in New Zealand, securing their permanent future alongside you.
Who is it for?
Children (typically aged 24 or younger) of a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Key Requirements:
Parent's Status: You, as the supporting parent, must be a New Zealand citizen or a holder of a New Zealand resident visa and live in New Zealand.
Relationship: You must be the legal parent of the child and have the legal right to remove them from their home country. (If separated/divorced, custody documents are crucial).
Dependency: The child must meet the 'dependent child' definition, including age, marital status, and financial dependency (if applicable for their age group).
Health & Character: The child must meet New Zealand's health and character requirements.
English Language: If the child is aged 16 or older and included in certain residence applications (like SMC), they may need to meet English language requirements.
Benefits:
Permanent residence in New Zealand.
Full rights to live, work, and study.
Access to public healthcare and education.
Pathway to New Zealand citizenship.
2. Dependent Child Student Visa
This visa allows the dependent children of eligible temporary visa holders (e.g., those on certain work visas or student visas) to attend primary or secondary school in New Zealand, often as domestic students, without paying international student fees.
Who is it for?
Children (typically aged 19 or younger) of parents who hold specific New Zealand work or student visas.
Key Requirements:
Parent's Visa: The parent must hold a valid New Zealand work or student visa that permits them to support a dependent child's student visa.
Age & Schooling: The child must be school-aged (usually 5 to 19 years old) and intending to study at a primary or secondary school. For tertiary study, a separate Fee-Paying Student Visa is usually required.
Dependency: The child must meet the 'dependent child' definition, including being single and financially dependent on the parent.
Health & Character: The child must meet New Zealand's health and character requirements.
Financial Support: The parent must have sufficient funds to support the child's living expenses in New Zealand.
Benefits:
Access to New Zealand's high-quality primary and secondary education system.
Ability to study as a domestic student (exempt from international fees) for eligible children.
Keeping families together while the parent works or studies.
Visa duration matches the parent's eligible visa.
3. Dependent Child Visitor Visa
This visa allows dependent children to visit their parent(s) in New Zealand for a temporary period. It's suitable for holidays, family visits, or short-term study (up to 3 months).
Who is it for?
Children (typically aged 19 or younger, or up to 24 if applying as part of certain residence visa applications) of New Zealand citizens, residents, or temporary visa holders.
Key Requirements:
Parent's Status: The parent can be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or holder of a specific temporary work or student visa.
Dependency: The child must meet the 'dependent child' definition, including being single and financially dependent. For those aged 18-19, no children of their own. For those aged 20-24, they must be part of an eligible residence visa application.
Genuine Intent to Visit: The child must genuinely intend to visit and depart New Zealand at the end of their stay.
Onward Travel: Evidence of an onward or return ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase one.
Sufficient Funds: Proof of funds to support the child's stay, or an acceptable sponsor.
Health & Character: The child must meet New Zealand's health and character requirements.
Benefits:
Allows children to join parents for holidays or family gatherings.
Permits short-term study (up to 3 months) in a New Zealand school.
Maintains family unity during temporary stays.
General Considerations for All Dependent Child Visas
Legal Custody: For children aged 15 or younger, the parent applying must have the legal right to remove the child from their home country. If parents are separated or divorced, legal documents (e.g., custody orders, consent from the other parent) are essential.
Identity: All applicants must provide proof of identity (birth certificate, passport).
Bona Fide: For temporary visas, Immigration New Zealand will assess whether the child has a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand and will comply with visa conditions.
How ZFS NZ Can Help Your Family
Navigating the nuances of dependent child visas can be complex, particularly with varying age limits, dependency definitions, and specific requirements for each category. Our expertise ensures your application is robust and addresses all Immigration New Zealand criteria. We provide:
Personalised Eligibility Assessment: We'll assess your family's unique situation to determine the most appropriate visa pathway for your child.
Comprehensive Documentation Support: Detailed checklists and meticulous preparation of all required documents, including birth certificates, custody papers, financial evidence, health certificates, and police clearances.
Dependency Evidence Guidance: Expert advice on how to best demonstrate financial dependency for older children.
Application Preparation & Submission: Meticulous completion and submission of your child's visa application(s).
Liaison with INZ: Managing all communication with Immigration New Zealand on your behalf, promptly responding to any requests for further information.
Ongoing Support: We're with your family every step of the way, from initial consultation to visa approval and beyond.
Ready to bring your children to New Zealand? Contact ZFS NZ today for a comprehensive consultation on New Zealand's Dependent Child Visas. Let our Auckland-based Licensed Immigration Adviser expertise help unite your family in Aotearoa.