Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
The Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa allows the dependent child of a New Zealand citizen or resident to come to New Zealand and stay with their parent for up to nine months.
This visa can be useful where a child is not yet ready to apply for residence, is visiting a parent temporarily, or needs a temporary visa while longer-term immigration arrangements are being considered.
Who can apply?
The application must be supported by a parent who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
The child must be single and financially dependent on their parent. Children aged 17 or younger are regarded as financially dependent. Children aged 18 or 19 must have no children of their own and may need to provide evidence showing that they remain financially dependent.
A child aged between 20 and 24 may qualify in more limited circumstances where they have applied for, or are included in, an eligible New Zealand residence application.
Proving the parent-child relationship
Immigration New Zealand requires evidence establishing that the New Zealand citizen or resident is the child’s parent.
A birth certificate will commonly provide the principal evidence. Adoption papers or other official documents establishing the relationship may be required where appropriate.
For adopted children, the adoption must be recognised under New Zealand law before a visa can be granted on the basis of the adoptive parent-child relationship.
Custody and consent
Custody and guardianship can be particularly important where the child’s parents are separated or one parent remains overseas.
If a child is travelling alone or with only one parent, Immigration New Zealand may require evidence showing that the child has the legal right to leave their country of residence.
Depending on the circumstances, this could include custody or guardianship documents, a court order, or evidence of consent from the other parent.
How long can the child stay?
The Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa allows a child to stay in New Zealand for up to nine months.
The child must leave New Zealand before the visa expires unless another visa has been obtained.
Where the family intends the child to live permanently in New Zealand, it may also be appropriate to consider whether the child qualifies for a Dependent Child Resident Visa.
Can the child study?
A child holding this visitor visa can study in New Zealand for a limited period.
School-aged children can generally study for up to three months in a calendar year, while older children can study at a tertiary institution for up to three months in a 12-month period.
If the child intends to study for longer than three months, a student visa will generally be required.
Can the child work?
A visitor visa does not ordinarily provide general work rights.
However, special provisions may apply to some older dependent children who are waiting for a decision on an eligible residence application. Certain eligible children aged between 17 and 24 can apply for a variation of conditions allowing part-time work during the year and full-time work during the summer holiday period.
The particular requirements should be checked before the child undertakes any employment.
Financial requirements
The parent must have sufficient funds to support the child during their stay, or the child must have an acceptable sponsor.
Where the child’s expenses are being met directly, Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of at least NZD $1,000 for each month of the child’s stay, or NZD $400 per month where accommodation has already been paid for.
The child must also have a ticket to leave New Zealand, sufficient funds to purchase one, or appropriate sponsorship covering the cost of onward travel.
Health requirements
The child must meet the applicable health requirements.
Depending on the child’s age, country of residence, medical history and intended length of stay, Immigration New Zealand may require a chest X-ray or medical examination.
Children younger than 11 do not normally require a chest X-ray unless Immigration New Zealand requires a special report.
Character requirements
The child must meet the applicable character requirements.
Police certificates may be required for older children depending on their age and how long they have spent or intend to spend in New Zealand.
Any previous criminal, immigration or character issues should be considered before the application is submitted.
Genuine intentions
Immigration New Zealand must be satisfied that the child is genuinely coming to New Zealand for the purpose permitted by the visitor visa.
This includes being satisfied that the child intends to comply with the conditions of the visa and has appropriate arrangements to leave New Zealand when the visa expires.
What documents are required?
An application will commonly include the child’s passport and photograph, birth certificate or other evidence of the parent-child relationship, evidence of the parent’s New Zealand citizenship or residence, evidence of financial support, and evidence that the child can leave New Zealand at the end of the visit.
Custody, guardianship or parental consent documents may also be required where relevant.
Medical information and police certificates must be provided where the applicable requirements require them.
Documents that are not in English must be accompanied by acceptable English translations.
Applying from overseas
A child can apply for the visa while outside New Zealand and travel to New Zealand once the visa has been approved.
This can be particularly useful where a New Zealand citizen or resident parent is already living in New Zealand and their dependent child remains overseas.
Families should consider custody and consent requirements carefully before applying, particularly where the child’s other parent will remain overseas.
Is residence a better option?
Where the intention is for the child to settle permanently in New Zealand, the family should consider whether the child qualifies for a Dependent Child Resident Visa rather than relying solely on temporary visitor visas.
The Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa can nevertheless provide a useful temporary option, including where a residence application is being prepared or considered.
Preparing a strong application
A well-prepared application should clearly establish the parent-child relationship, the child’s dependency, the purpose of the visit, financial support and arrangements for the child’s departure from New Zealand.
Where parents are separated or the child normally lives overseas with the other parent, particular attention should be given to custody, guardianship and evidence establishing the child’s legal right to travel.
For eligible families, the Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa provides a practical way for a dependent child to spend an extended period living with their New Zealand citizen or resident parent in New Zealand.