Dependent Child Visitor Visa

Dependent Child Visitor Visa

If you are in New Zealand on a temporary visa — or moving to New Zealand — you can bring your dependent child with you. Whether your child qualifies, and for how long, depends on their age, their relationship to you, and the type of visa you hold.

Does Your Child Qualify?

Age eligibility differs depending on whether you hold a temporary visa or a residence class visa.

If you hold a temporary visa (work, student, or visitor):

• Your child must be 19 or under, single, and financially dependent on you
• If your child is 18 or 19, they cannot have children of their own
• Children aged 20 or over cannot be included under dependent child provisions

If you hold a New Zealand residence class visa:

• Your child must be 24 or under and single
• If your child is 18 or over, they cannot have children of their own
• Children aged 21 to 24 must also be financially dependent on you

In all cases, your child must be single — not married, not in a de facto relationship.

Core Conditions

For your child’s visitor visa to be approved, you must intend to remain in New Zealand for the same period your child is applying to stay, and you must formally support the application.

An initial stay of up to nine months is granted. Further extensions are possible, with total stays of up to two years available in appropriate circumstances.

If One Parent Is Not Coming

If a child under 16 is travelling to New Zealand without one of their parents, and the stay will be 12 months or longer, you will need to provide custody documentation or a consent letter from the non-accompanying parent. This applies to both the visa application and arrival at the New Zealand border.

Adopted Children

As of September 2025, INZ recognises adoptions for visa purposes in three categories only: adoptions from Hague Convention countries, adoptions from countries exempt under New Zealand law, and customary adoptions. If your child’s adoption falls outside these categories, seek specific advice before applying.

Work and Study Rights

Dependent children are not eligible for work visas. However, children aged 17 to 24 who have applied for a Dependent Child Resident Visa and are awaiting an outcome may be eligible to work up to 20 hours per week, plus full-time between 1 December and 31 January each year.

Children may study in New Zealand on a visitor visa for up to three months in any 12-month period.

What You Need to Apply

• Your child’s birth certificate or adoption documentation
• Evidence of your New Zealand visa or citizenship/residence status
• Evidence of financial dependency (for children aged 18 and over)
• Consent letter or custody documentation if one parent is not accompanying (for children under 16, stays of 12+ months)
• Medical and character documentation if required
• Certified translations of any non-English documents

Get the Right Assessment First

Dependent child eligibility can be complicated — particularly for older children, blended families, or situations where custody arrangements are involved. A misjudged application based on the wrong age threshold or visa category can mean a refusal and a delay that affects the whole family.

IANZ’s Licensed Immigration Advisers assess your specific family circumstances against current INZ policy before any application is prepared.

This page provides general information only and does not constitute immigration advice under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Policy references: INZ Operational Manual V3.20. Requirements are subject to change. For advice specific to your circumstances, contact a Licensed Immigration Adviser.