Policy verified from immigration.govt.nz as of 2026-04-13
The New Zealand Dependent Child Student Visa allows children under 19 who are dependents of work or student visa holders to attend primary and secondary school in New Zealand as domestic students. The parent must demonstrate sufficient financial support.
Source: immigration.govt.nz — 2026-04-13
Who Is Eligible
This visa is for children under 19 years of age who are genuine dependents of a parent holding a valid work visa or student visa in New Zealand. It allows them to enrol in New Zealand primary and secondary schools as domestic students — meaning lower fees than international rates.
Key Requirements
- Child must be under 19 years old
- Parent or guardian must hold a valid work or student visa in New Zealand
- Child must be a genuine dependent of the visa-holding parent
- Parent must demonstrate sufficient financial support for the child
- Medical and character clearances as required by INZ
Required Documentation
- Birth certificate or proof of relationship to parent
- Valid passport for the child
- Proof of parental visa status in New Zealand
- School enrolment letter or acceptance from a NZ school
- Evidence of financial capacity to support the child
- Medical and character clearances if required
Study Options
Dependent children can enrol in:
- Primary school programmes
- Secondary school programmes
Both are treated as domestic student enrolments, which typically means significantly lower fees than international student rates.
How ProVisas Helps
- We assess your family's eligibility and advise on the best timing for your child's application
- We prepare the application with all required evidence of relationship and financial capacity
- We coordinate your child's visa with your own visa timeline to avoid gaps
- We handle communication with INZ on your family's behalf
Timing is critical with dependent visas — your child's visa is linked to your own. A licensed adviser ensures both applications are aligned and there are no gaps that could disrupt your child's schooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child must be under 19 years of age and a genuine dependent of a parent who holds a valid work or student visa in New Zealand.
Dependent children on this visa study as domestic students at primary and secondary schools, which means lower fees than international student rates.
You need your child's birth certificate, passport, proof of your relationship, evidence of your own valid visa status, proof of financial capacity, school enrolment or acceptance letter, and medical/character clearances if required.
Work rights depend on the specific visa conditions. Most dependent child student visa holders are primarily expected to be in full-time education.
Your child's visa is linked to your visa status. If your visa expires or is not renewed, your child's visa conditions will also be affected. ProVisas can help you plan visa timing to avoid disruption.
