05/12/2016
Residence Visa - Family (Parent / Partner / Child)
There are now three family categories of visa; Partner, Parent and Dependent Child. Until May 2012 it was possible to apply for a Sibling or Adult Child visa but these have now been removed.
Parent
The Parent Category, similar to that of Skilled Migrants, requires the applicant to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If the EOI is accepted, the applicant will be Invited to Apply (ITA). To submit an EOI, the applicant must be of good health and character, have no dependent children, have an eligible child to sponsor the applicant and meet the English language requirements. There are two Tiers of the Parent Category;
• Tier One; this is the priority category, takes approx six months to have the EOI selected and then approximately a further six months to have the application processed.
• Tier Two; this is the third priority for processing, after Parent Category applications under the old rules (ie before May 2012). It is estimated that applications under this category will take up to seven years, but in reality it may be even longer.
Please note that with effect from 12 October 2016, Immigration New Zealand have suspended any further draws from the pool. This means that those who don't already have an ITA will not be able to apply for at least two years while they review this category.
Check here for the previous draws: INZ Parent Draw
Partner
As the wife/husband/partner of a New Zealand Citizen or Resident the applicant may apply for a Residence Class Visa, subject to certain criteria.
1. Your New Zealand partner must be eligible (and willing) to sponsor you.
2. You have been living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months.
3. You must meet the minimum requirements of a partnership eg you are not related.
4. You (and any dependent children applying with you) must meet the health and character requirements.
Dependent Child
In order to apply (and be successful) as a Dependent Child there are a number of criteria to be met:
1. You qulify by age and circumstances as 'dependent' ie 17 and younger and substantially dependent on an adult, or, you are 18-20, single, with no children of your own, or you are 21-24, single with no children of your own and totally or substantially dependent on an adult for financial support.
2. A parent must be permanently and lawfully in New Zealand eg Permanent Resident / Citizen.
3. You were declared on your parents residence visa application or born (or adopted) since.
4. You meet the health and character requirements.
Our fee for a Family visa is NZ$3,000* excluding Immigration New Zealand's fees, medical or other fees (where applicable).
Please contact us for further information and assistance with Family Visas.
