Introduction

Do you want your dependent children to join you in New Zealand?

You may add them to your visa application if they depend on you financially, are single and fall in the right age bracket. They may also qualify for Visas for Dependent Children by virtue of their relationship with you – whether you are making a new visa application, are already on a valid visa or are a New Zealand citizen.

What are the qualification criteria for Visas for Dependent Children?

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) grants New Zealand Dependent Child Visas only to children who are single. There are a lot of other parameters to be considered as well – for instance, the rules vary based on the kind of visa you seek:

Dependent Child Visa for Resident Visas

If you have a New Zealand resident visa, the following conditions need to be met by your children for them to qualify for a Dependent Child Visa, based on their age:

  • Under 17: The child must be single
  • 18-20: The child must be single and not have any kids
  • 21-24: The child must be single, not have any kids and must be financially dependent on an adult

If the child is more than 16 years old, he/she must meet the requirements for English language fluency.

Your child’s eligibility may also depend on factors such as Family Quota, Samoa Quota Scheme, Pacific Access Category and Refugee Family Support Category.

If your children qualified for a Dependent Child Visa when you applied for your residence, and you did not include them in your visa application, you will need to explain why you did not do so.

There may be cases where your children may not qualify for a Dependent Child Visa. However, they may still apply for a separate visa to come to New Zealand.

Once your dependent children are granted their Dependent Child Resident Visas, they can live and study in New Zealand indefinitely; they may also seek employment if they are working age.

Dependent Child Visa for Temporary Visas

If you have a New Zealand temporary visa, the following conditions need to be met by your children for them to qualify for a Dependent Child Visa, based on their age:

  • Under 17: The child must be single and must be financially dependent on you or/and your partner
  • 18-20: The child must be single, not have any kids and must be financially dependent on you or/and your partner

Note that INZ does not allow Dependent Child Visas for all work visa categories.

Neither can children beyond 20 years of age be part of the parent’s visitor visa application, nor can they apply for a visitor or student visa based on their relationship to the prime applicant. However, they may still apply for a separate visa to come to New Zealand.

The complex nature of eligibility requirements for Dependent Child Visas makes it hard to determine the right path. Professional Visa Solutions has a lot of experience with Dependent Children Visas for both resident and temporary categories. Book a consultation and let us help you with your case.

Dependent Child Visa for Worker Visitor Visa

If your kid’s Dependent Child Visa is based on your New Zealand Work Visa, the length of their stay is the same as your visa. While they are in the country, they can:

  • Explore the "land of the long white cloud" as a visitor
  • Study for 3 months or less. They will need a student visa to study for a longer duration

Dependent Child Student Visa

New Zealand does not allow dependent children of people in the country on non-resident visas to attend regular primary, intermediate and secondary school unless they obtain a Dependent Child Student Visa. Note that INZ does not allow you to apply for Dependent Child Student Visas if you fall under certain visa categories.

The length of stay on a Dependent Child Student Visa is tied to the parent’s visa. With a Dependent Child Student Visa, your child can attend primary or secondary schools in the country. They may even be treated as domestic students so they can access free schooling.

However, if your child wants to attend school at the tertiary level, he/she will need to obtain a New Zealand Student Visa.

If you are on a student visa, your dependent children will qualify for a Dependent Child visa only if you are:

  • On a scholarship attached to an aid programme, and
  • You are a PhD student at a recognised university or an approved exchange student

The rules governing Visas for Dependent Children get increasingly complicated as you dig deeper. A lot of factors go into deciding what your dependent children can do while they live in New Zealand.

Do not end up choosing the wrong immigration path for your children. Work with our Auckland based team of immigration experts to determine the best visa option for your child. Book a consultation and let our licensed immigration team help you determine the best visa option for your dependent children.

What is the cost and time to obtain Visas for Dependent Children?

The time taken by INZ to process Dependent Child Visas largely depends on the kind of visa held by the parent. Temporary Dependent Children Visa applications may get processed in a few weeks, whereas applications based on resident visas may take months.

The application process for Dependent Children Visas is also quite involved; it needs a lot of evidence to be adequately furnished to get a favourable response from the INZ.

Our team of licensed immigration experts is dedicated to helping our clients achieve their New Zealand immigration dream at the lowest prices. We contain our costs by determining all the supporting documentation and evidence needed for your case upfront. This way, you do not have to worry about surprises later in the process.

We have handled a lot of complicated Dependent Child Visa situations successfully and are determined to provide you with the most cost-effective solution for your child's visa. Book a consultation today to speak with our licensed immigration advisers.