New Zealand Family Visas for Parents & Children

Bringing your family to New Zealand is a dream shared by many migrants — but understanding which New Zealand family visa is right for your situation can be challenging. Whether you're hoping to reunite with your parents, bring your children to join you, or support a dependent child to study in New Zealand, the family visa options are varied and complex.

At Intergate Emigration, we specialise in helping families navigate New Zealand’s immigration system. Our licensed immigration advisers are experienced in dealing with Parent and Child visa applications and are here to ensure that your application has the best possible chance of success.

Types of visa available:

> Parent Retirement Resident Visa

> Parent Resident Visa

> Dependent Child Student Visa

> Child of a Worker Visitor Visa

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Parent Retirement Resident Visa for New Zealand

This visa is an attractive option for parents of New Zealand residents or citizens who are financially independent and can make a significant investment in New Zealand.

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Key eligibility criteria:

• Your adult child must be a New Zealand citizen or resident
• You must invest at least NZD 1 million in New Zealand for four years
• You must show NZD 500,000 in settlement funds and a minimum annual income of NZD 60,000
• Meet health and character requirements

Risks and mistakes to avoid:

• Misinterpreting what qualifies as a compliant investment.
• Failure to keep the investment for the required duration.
• Inadequate evidence of financial capability or income.

This visa can be ideal for financially secure parents, but the financial thresholds are strictly enforced and can be difficult to interpret without professional advice.

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Parent Resident Visa for New Zealand (New Zealand Family Reunification)

This visa is one of the most sought-after options for parents wanting to migrate to New Zealand permanently, but it’s also highly competitive due to annual quotas.

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Key features:

• Requires sponsorship by an adult New Zealand citizen or resident.
• Your sponsoring child must meet a specific income threshold.
• Limited spaces available each year under a capped system.

Important considerations:

• Wait times can be lengthy, often several years due to high demand and low quotas.
• Applications are frequently declined due to income miscalculations, incorrect sponsorship documentation, or missing health/character requirements.

If you are looking at family migration to New Zealand for your parents, timing and correct preparation are crucial - especially under the capped system.

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Dependent Child Student Visa

This visa allows dependent children of New Zealand work visa or resident visa holders to study at primary or secondary schools in New Zealand.

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Visa conditions:

• Your child must be 19 years or younger, single, and financially dependent
• A valid enrolment in a New Zealand school is required
• Usually valid for the same duration as the parent’s visa

Risks of decline:

• Applying after the child has turned 20
• Insufficient evidence of dependency or unclear relationship documentation
• Applying under the wrong visa stream

This is a great option for families wishing to educate their children in New Zealand, but timing and supporting documentation are critical.

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Child of a Worker Visitor Visa

This visa allows the dependent children of temporary work visa holders to live in New Zealand while their parent works.

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Eligibility includes:

• Your child must be 19 years or younger, single, and financially dependent
• Parent must hold a valid work visa (essential skills, accredited employer, etc.)
• Proof of the parent-child relationship is essential
• The parent must meet the annual income threshold to support their child`s visa

Challenges applicants often face:

• Misunderstanding age/dependency rules
• Application timing—submitting too early or too late
• Incomplete relationship or sponsorship documents

This visa enables families to stay together in New Zealand temporarily, but it does not allow the child to study unless they apply for a separate student visa.

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Common Mistakes in New Zealand Family Visa Applications

Unfortunately, many applications are delayed or declined due to preventable errors. We routinely see mistakes like:

• Misunderstanding financial requirements for the Parent Retirement Visa.
• Applying too late for a Dependent Child Visa after a child becomes ineligible.
• Submitting incorrect or insufficient documentation.
• Using outdated forms or information due to frequent policy changes.
• Failing to prove the ongoing dependency of adult children.

Each family visa category has its own set of rules, and failure to comply with even a single requirement can result in your application being rejected or delayed - wasting time, money, and opportunity.