Join Your Parents in New Zealand

If you are a parent in New Zealand on a temporary visa or are a New Zealand resident or citizen, your dependent children may be eligible to join you on a Visitor Visa, Student Visa, or Resident Visa depending on your status and their age.

Who is Considered a Dependent Child?

A child is considered dependent if they are:

• Single

• Financially reliant on their parents

• Under the specified age limits (explained below)

Visa Options Based on the Parent’s Status

1. If the parent holds a temporary visa (e.g., work or student visa):

• Children may qualify for a Student Visa or Visitor Visa, depending on:

  • The type of visa held by the parent

  • The conditions of that visa

  • The age of the child

• Children cannot apply for a work visa as dependents.

Minimum income requirement:
If a parent holds an EAWV Work Visa, they must earn to meet the INZ policy at the time of applying visa to sponsor dependent children for visitor or student visas.

2. If the parent is a New Zealand resident or citizen:

• Children may be eligible for a Resident Visa under the Dependent Child category, or a Visitor Visa (up to 9 months) as a dependent of a resident or citizen.

Age Criteria

For Temporary Visas:

• 17 or under: Must be single and financially dependent can be joined in the parent visa application

• 18–19: Must be single, have no children, and be financially dependent can be joined in the parent visa application

• 20 and over: Not eligible under the dependent child category, but may apply for a visa on their own

For Resident Visas:

• 17 or under: Must be single

• 18–20: Must be single with no children

• 21–24: Must be single, have no children, and be financially dependent

Other Requirements:

• All dependent children must meet health, character, and (where required) financial criteria.

Need Help Applying?

Understanding which visa to apply for and what documents are required can be confusing. Our Immigration Team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Contact us today to learn more about the Dependent Child Visa category, eligibility requirements, and how we can assist with your application.