What is a Refugee Family Support Resident Visa?
The Refugee Family Support Resident Visa is a way for refugees in New Zealand to bring their family members from other countries to live with them.
Purpose
This visa recognises how important it is for refugees to have their family close to them as they settle into their new life in New Zealand.
Visa Charges (NZ Immigration)
NZD $0
Processing Time
Within 3 Months
Length of Stay
Indefinite
Quota
600 visas per year
Criteria for the Visa
Refugees settled in New Zealand can bring their family members, even if they don’t qualify for other visas.
Sponsorship Requirements
The refugee in New Zealand must meet specific criteria to sponsor family members.
To qualify as a sponsor under the Refugee Family Support Category, a few specific criteria must be met:
– You must have gotten New Zealand residence because you’re a refugee, protected person, Afghan interpreter, or Afghan evacuee (under the Afghan Emergency resettlement category), or be the partner or dependent child of such individuals.
– You shouldn’t have sponsored anyone under the Refugee Family Support Category or Refugee Family Quota before.
– You must be at least 18 years old and living in New Zealand.
– You must meet specific tier one or tier two criteria.
Additionally, sponsors must:
– Be a New Zealand citizen or have a New Zealand resident or permanent resident visa.
– Live in New Zealand throughout the sponsorship term, unless exempted.
– Not aim to profit from sponsorship.
– Have no history of immigration law offences.
– Not owe any debts to the Crown or third parties from previous sponsorships.
– Not have violated sponsorship obligations before.
– Not be going through insolvency procedures or bankruptcy.
– Not face deportation or be serving a jail sentence for a criminal conviction.
Reach out to us today, to find out how we can assist you in reaching your immigration goals.
Settlement Process
Follow the below steps for settling your family in New Zealand.
Step 1: Register
Sponsors fill out a form and agree to look after their family’s housing needs.
Step 2: Apply
Family members complete their application for residence.
Step 3: Review
Immigration officials review the applications.
Step 4: Approval
If everything checks out, applications get approved.
Step 5: Housing Plan
Sponsors create a plan for where their family will live, with help from settlement service providers.
Step 6: Travel
Once housing is sorted, immigration officials arrange flights.
Step 7: Preparation
Sponsors get ready for their family’s arrival, getting advice from local settlement service providers.
Step 8: Family Arrives
Settlement service providers or sponsors arrange for the family to visit upon arrival, connecting them with community programs and necessary services.
Step 9: Orientation
Families can join optional community programs to get to know their new surroundings.
Step 10: Ongoing Support
Settlement service providers stay on hand to offer help and guidance as the family settles into life in New Zealand.
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Refugee Family Support Resident Visa at ICL
At ICL Immigration, here’s how we help you in the visa process.
Step 1: Check if You Qualify
We see if you meet the visa requirements.
Step 2: Get Your Papers Together
We assist in collecting and organizing all the needed documents.
Step 3: Help with Applications
We guide you through every step to make sure your application goes smoothly.
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Client Testimonials
“I would like to thank ICL Immigration from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my essential skills work visa. Immigration NZ had many questions and keep finding problems with my employment offer and say that my job is not a mid-skilled one. Somehow, Nirmala Murthy and ICL immigration get me the 3-year essential skilled work visa that I needed. Very supportive, helpful and available - I will trust them with anything and recommend them to everyone who need any help with a visa or immigration matter.”
“Nirmala and her team worked very hard to get my work visa and her knowledge of the immigration system is very valuable when applying. I felt she worked very hard as my application required a fast turnaround and she would get back to me as soon as she could if I had any questions. Would use her services again.”
"I'd like to thank ICL Immigration from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my work visa. I will trust ICL with all my future visas and recommend them to everyone who needs any help with a visa or other immigration matters"
“I would highly recommend this place for anyone who is looking for professional service and excellent results”
"I would very much recommend Nirmala, ICL Consultancies because of the highly professional working attitude and the friendly atmosphere. She made sure to keep in touch with us every step of the way, and it was great working with her. Keep up the good work, all the best."
“It was great to work with ICL for my residency application process, Nirmala has been very helpful through the process, proper guidance, proper documentation and recommendation letter write up, flexible appointments after working hours even, answering queries even on weekends, it's motherly care! I believe all these are possible from her many years of experience and of course attitude and passion. Quality service in less expensive if we can compare the market. I would recommend anyone to go with ICL.”
“Getting the visa and the right course in New Zealand was not easy. Nirmala from ICL Immigration helped a lot. She made difficult things simple for me. Very thankful for her help and advice, always there to support me. 5 Stars.”
“Very glad I chose ICL to help me with my student admission. Many things I was unsure about but they understood my goal of coming to NZ and patiently answered all my questions. They guided me to choose the best course. I am very happy - you should contact them if you want to study in NZ.”
"I was very stressed about all the visa stuff and finding the right course to study in New Zealand, but Nirmala from ICL Immigration made it all easy. She answered all my questions and I am very happy I found them. Thanks ICL Team!"
Success Stories
FAQs
Who qualifies as a sponsor for this visa?
Refugees with permanent residency or citizenship in New Zealand.
What family members can be sponsored?
It includes immediate family members and, in some cases, extended family.
How is the annual quota determined?
The quota is set by the New Zealand government.
What factors influence the application's success?
The completeness of the application, the sponsor's circumstances, and the family relationship.
Can a refugee sponsor more than one family member?
Yes, but it's subject to certain conditions.
Is there a timeframe for the sponsor to have been in New Zealand?
Yes, sponsors typically need to have been residents for a certain period.
How long does the visa process take?
Varies based on quota availability and application complexity.
Does the sponsor need to demonstrate financial stability?
Yes, they must prove they can support the family member.
How often is the quota reviewed?
The quota is typically reviewed annually.
Can the visa be declined?
Yes, if it doesn't meet the criteria or if the quota is full.
Are there any specific health requirements?
Yes, standard health requirements apply.
Can the visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes, it can be a pathway to residency.
What if the family circumstances change during the application?
Inform INZ or your consultant immediately.
How does ICL Immigration help in this visa process?
We provide comprehensive support from initial consultation to final submission.
Can the family members work in New Zealand?
Yes, upon obtaining the visa, they can work.
What happens if the sponsor's refugee status changes?
It could impact the visa application.
Is legal representation required?
While not mandatory, professional guidance can be beneficial.
What if the family member has special needs?
Special circumstances are considered on a case-by-case basis.
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.
