About Bringing Family with Your Student Visa in New Zealand

As a student in New Zealand, you might be able to assist your partner and children with visa applications. We have listed below the types of visas you can expect to support your dependents while you study.

Visitor Visas

Partner of a Student Visitor Visa

The Partner of a Student Visitor Visa lets students' partners stay in New Zealand while the student is studying. This visa lasts as long as the student's visa and allows multiple entries, great for couples wanting to stay together while studying.


Length of Stay: Same as the student's visa.

Cost: Starts from NZD 700.

Processing Time: Around ten weeks for 80% of applications.

Eligibility Criteria

Primary Applicant: Must be enrolled full-time in a New Zealand study program.

Relationship Proof: Evidence of a genuine and stable relationship required.


Visa Benefits
  • Duration: Matches the student's visa.
  • Travel: Allows multiple entries into New Zealand during the visa period.

Child of a Student Visitor Visa

The Child of a Student Visitor Visa lets kids of students come to New Zealand with their parents while they're studying. This visa lasts as long as the parent's visa and lets kids under 19 years old go to primary and secondary school as local students.


Length of Stay: Same as the parent's visa.

Cost: Starts from NZD 375.

Processing Time: Around eight weeks for 80% of applications.

Age Limit: Must be 19 years old or younger.


Eligibility Criteria

Primary Applicant: Must be a child of a student enrolled full-time in a study program.

Age Limit: Usually under 17; exceptions for kids up to 20 years old if dependent.


Visa Benefits

Duration: Matches the parent's visa.

Education: Access to primary and secondary school as local students.


Application Requirements

Documents: Birth certificate, proof of relationship, copy of parent’s visa, proof of enough money.

Application Fee: A fee is needed; check our website for current rates.


Important Notes

Tertiary Education: Kids needing college and not eligible for the 2021 Resident Visa might need a 'Fee Paying Student Visa'.

Visa Approval: Depends on verifying documents and the relationship.

Work Visa

Partner of a Student Work Visa

The Partner of a Student Work Visa lets the spouse or Partner of a student studying in New Zealand work in any job for any employer all over the country. This visa lasts as long as the student’s study visa. You don’t need a job offer to apply for it, which gives couples flexibility while living in New Zealand during the student's study time.


Length of Stay: Matches the student’s visa.

Cost: Starts from NZD 700.

Processing Time: About ten weeks for 80% of applications.


Benefits

Employment: Work in any job anywhere in New Zealand.

Study: Allowed to study for up to 3 months.


Things to Note

Job Offer: Not needed for visa application.

Dependent Children: They can't be included in this visa application, but they can apply based on their relationship with you.

Specific Conditions for Supporting Family Visas

There are some conditions you need to be aware of while applying for a visa for your family as a student in New Zealand.

PhD and MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Students

Can support visitor, work, and student visas.

Students with Qualifications at Level 9 or 10, or on the Green List

Can support visitor and work visas.

Students under Approved Exchange Schemes

Can support visitor and student visas.

Other Qualifications

Only able to support visitor visas for partners and children.

Reach out to us today, to find out how we can assist you in reaching your immigration goals.

Partner’s Role in Supporting Visas

Other than yourself, your Partner can also play a role in applying for supporting visas.

Partners on a Work Visa can Support

In some cases, if you help with a work visa for your Partner, they can then assist with student visas for your dependent children.
For example, aiding a work visa under a Long Term Skill Shortage List qualification enables your Partner to back student visas for your children.

Process at ICL

The ICL process is designed to make it easy for families who want to move to New Zealand for study, making sure everything is clear and understandable.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We talk about your situation, including your Partner’s work visa and relationship details. We check if you qualify and explain how to apply for the visa, what you need, and how long it might take.

Step 2: Service Agreement

We sign a detailed agreement to make sure we both understand what we’ll do.

Step 3: Prepare for Application

We help you gather all the documents you need and fill out the application form correctly.

Step 4: Submitting the Application

You give the application to Immigration New Zealand with our help, make sure it’s done right, and keep a copy.

Step 5: Awaiting the Decision

We keep track of your application and tell you about any updates

Step 6: Visa Approval

If your visa is approved, we let you know and help you with the next steps for coming to New Zealand and getting settled.

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FAQs

What types of visas can I support if I hold a student visa in New Zealand?

You can support the following types of visas for your family:

  • Visitor Visas: For partners and children, allow them to stay for your student visa.

  • Work Visas: Specifically, the Partner of a Student Work Visa, which allows your Partner to work in New Zealand while you study.

  • Student Visas for Dependent Children: You can allow your dependent children to study in primary and secondary schools in New Zealand as domestic students.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Partner of a Student Visitor Visa?

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be enrolled in a full-time study program in New Zealand.

  • Provide evidence of a genuine and stable relationship with your Partner.

How much does applying for the Partner of a Student Visitor Visa cost?

The cost starts at NZD 700. For the current fee, please check the official immigration website or contact ICL Immigration.

What is the processing time for a Child of a Student Visitor Visa?

The processing time for this visa is generally within eight weeks for 80% of applications.

What are the age limits for the Child on a Student Visitor Visa?

Typically, the Child must be under 17 years old. However, there are exceptions for dependent children up to 20 years old.

Can I include my dependent children in my Partner of a Student Work Visa application?

No, dependent children cannot be included in the Partner of a Student Work Visa application. They must apply for their visas based on their relationship with you.

What if my Child wants to pursue tertiary education?

Suppose your Child wishes to pursue tertiary education and you are not eligible for the 2021 Resident Visa. In that case, they may need to apply for a 'Fee Paying Student Visa' instead.

What does the initial consultation at ICL Immigration involve?

The initial consultation involves discussing your situation, assessing eligibility for supporting family visas and explaining the visa application process, requirements, and timeline.

What happens after my visa application is approved?

ICL Immigration will notify you of the visa approval and guide you on the next steps for moving to and settling in New Zealand, including any necessary follow-up documentation or procedures.

Disclaimer: The information provided is subject to change based on New Zealand government policies. For the most current information, please refer to Immigration New Zealand or contact ICL Immigration for updated guidance.

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