Family & Dependent Visas in New Zealand: Everything You Need to Know – Globexa Immigration
Families are central to life, and for many migrants the ability to bring dependents (partners, children) or reunite with them is a key concern. Globexa Immigration helps you navigate New Zealand’s immigration system, offering guidance on visa pathways designed for dependents and family members. Below is a comprehensive overview.
1. What is a “Dependent” or “Family” Visa?
A dependent or family visa allows family members (spouse/partner, children, sometimes parents) of someone living, working, or studying in New Zealand (or of a New Zealand citizen/resident) to join them. Depending on the visa, the family member may:
Join permanently (residence).
Stay temporarily, e.g., while the main visa-holder works or studies.
Apply as a visitor, student, or work visa-holder, depending on the category.
Globexa Immigration advises clients on the best visa type based on their circumstances to ensure a smooth process.
2. Key Categories & Visa Types
Here are the main visa types related to dependents and family in New Zealand:
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | Duration / What It Allows | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dependent Child Resident Visa | Children of NZ citizens or residents | Indefinite stay (residence) | Child must be single, financially dependent if older, age ≤ 24 if meeting criteria |
| Child of a Worker Visitor Visa | Dependent children of a person holding an appropriate worker visa | Same duration as the parent’s work visa; study allowed up to 3 months | Parent must have required work visa; child must be single, dependent |
| Dependent Child Student Visa | Children (up to certain age) of parents who have work or student visas, wanting to study in primary or secondary school in NZ | Valid for the duration of the parent’s visa | Child aged ≤ 19; must meet financial dependency; parent must hold qualifying visa |
| Bringing Family on Work Visas | Partners and dependent children of people with work visas | The family visas typically last as long as the principal visa-holder’s visa | Sometimes income thresholds, proof of partnership, and job skill/role criteria apply. Some work visas don’t allow bringing dependents. |
| Visitor / Parent Visas | Parents, grandparents; sometimes partners who are not eligible for work or student dependent visas | Visitor-type stay; duration depends on category; the newer “Parent Boost Visitor Visa” allows multi‑entry stays for longer periods | Must meet eligibility criteria; sometimes income/support requirements; health, character checks; sponsor must be NZ citizen/resident or hold qualifying visa |
Globexa Immigration can help determine which visa category is suitable for your family.
3. Defining “Dependent” / “Family”
To qualify under most dependent/family visa types, certain definitions and conditions need to be met:
Dependent child: Usually must be single, financially dependent, and under certain age thresholds. For a resident visa, children up to age 24 may qualify if they are single and, if older, financially dependent.
Temporary visas (student, visitor) for children: often under 19, or up to 19 if still single and reliant on parents.
Partner / Spouse: There’s a need to prove a genuine relationship or partnership, sometimes financial dependence (or the ability for sponsor to support).
Income / financial thresholds: For many work‑visa holders who want to bring dependents, there are minimum income requirements.
Residency requirement: For dependent children under Resident visas, the parent/citizen/resident sponsor often must be residing in NZ as their main place of residence.
Globexa Immigration assists applicants in proving dependency, meeting income requirements, and submitting accurate documentation.
4. Process: How to Apply
Here’s how Globexa Immigration guides clients through the dependent/family visa application:
Check visa eligibility
Determine your eligibility based on work, student, visitor, or residence status.Gather required documents
Documents may include proof of relationship, financial dependency, main visa-holder status, income evidence, residence proof, health checks, and certified translations.Submit the visa application
Applications are submitted through Immigration New Zealand’s online system. Globexa Immigration ensures that applications are complete and correctly filed to avoid delays.Await decision
Immigration NZ may request additional information. Globexa Immigration helps clients respond quickly and accurately.If granted
Visa holders receive their visa and can travel to NZ, adhering to all visa conditions.
5. Common Issues / Things to Watch Out For
Income thresholds: Falling below required income can cause delays or refusals.
Visa type restrictions: Not all work visas allow dependents.
Age & marital status of children: Eligibility can change as children grow older or marry.
Changes in visa policy: Rules, income thresholds, and visa types can change frequently.
Proof of genuine relationship: Crucial for partners/spouses.
Dependents’ visas often tied to main visa: Visa expiration or loss of status for the main holder affects dependents.
Globexa Immigration helps clients avoid these common pitfalls.
6. Recent Updates
Parent Boost Visitor Visa: Parents of NZ citizens/residents can now stay up to 5 years, with possible renewal extending stay up to 10 years.
Pay thresholds remain important for work visa holders bringing dependents.
Globexa Immigration stays up to date on all policy changes to provide accurate guidance.
7. Practical Tips & Advice from Globexa Immigration
Plan early — gather documents and proofs well in advance.
Certified translations — required for non-English documents.
Maintain your status — the main visa-holder must comply with visa conditions.
Monitor policy changes — immigration rules evolve frequently.
Seek professional help — for complex family structures, older dependent children, or borderline cases, Globexa Immigration ensures your application is strong.
Conclusion
Family & dependent visas are one of the most important parts of New Zealand’s immigration system. They allow families to stay together, support each other, and contribute to society. With Globexa Immigration, you get expert guidance to navigate eligibility, documentation, and changing regulations, ensuring the best chance of success for your family’s move to New Zealand.
