New Zealand is a popular destination for families looking to provide their children with a high-quality education. If you are an Indian parent planning to bring your dependent child to study in New Zealand at the primary or secondary school level, the Dependent Child Student Visa is the pathway you’ll need to follow. This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about the visa requirements, the application process, and essential tips to make the process as smooth as possible.
What is a Dependent Child Student Visa?
The Dependent Child Student Visa allows children of parents who hold a valid work or student visa to join them in New Zealand and study at a primary or secondary school. It is designed specifically for children under the age of 19 who are financially dependent on their parents.
The most attractive feature of this visa is that the child is treated as a domestic student for school fees, meaning they will not be required to pay international tuition fees. This can be a major financial relief for families looking to educate their children in New Zealand.
Key Benefits of the Dependent Child Student Visa:
- Stay Duration: The visa is valid for the same length of time as the parent’s visa.
- School Enrollment: The child can attend primary or secondary school in New Zealand.
- No Tuition Fees: The child can be enrolled in a New Zealand school as a domestic student, meaning there will be no international student tuition fees.
- Work and Study Rights: Dependent children can study full-time but are not automatically allowed to work during their stay unless they are aged 16 or 17 and meet specific work criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Applicants
To qualify for a Dependent Child Student Visa, both the parent and the child must meet certain requirements:
Child’s Eligibility
- Financial Dependency: The child must be financially dependent on the parent or legal guardian. This generally applies to children aged 17 or under, although for children aged 18-19, you will need to provide proof of their financial dependency, such as school receipts or bank records.
- Health: The child must be in good health. In some cases, the child may need to undergo a medical examination or chest x-ray to prove this.
- Character: If the child is 17 or older, they may need to provide a police certificate to prove that they are of good character.
- Educational Intentions: The child must genuinely intend to study at a primary or secondary school in New Zealand and comply with the conditions of the visa.
Parent’s Eligibility
- Visa Status: The parent must hold a valid New Zealand work or student visa. The length of the child’s visa will be tied to the parent’s visa duration.
- Financial Capability: The parent must show that they have sufficient income to support their child while in New Zealand. This includes covering living costs, health insurance, and travel expenses.
- Accommodation: The parent must have stable accommodation in New Zealand to accommodate the child during their stay.
Required Documents for Application
To apply for the Dependent Child Student Visa, the following documents will need to be submitted:
For the Child
- Passport: A valid passport or certificate of identity.
- Proof of Relationship: A birth certificate, adoption papers, or any other legal document that proves the relationship between the child and the parent.
- Medical and Health Documents: If required, the child may need to undergo a medical examination, and/or chest x-ray to prove they are in good health.
- Police Clearance: For children aged 17 or older, a police certificate must be provided to show that the child has a clean criminal record.
- Proof of Enrollment: The child must be enrolled in a New Zealand school (primary or secondary level).
- Financial Evidence: Proof of financial dependency, such as bank statements or evidence of allowance paid to the child by the parent.
For the Parent(s)
- Valid Visa Copy: A copy of the parent’s work or student visa for New Zealand.
- Financial Documents: Pay slips, employment contracts, tax records, or bank statements that prove the parent can support the child financially.
- Accommodation Details: Evidence of where the family will live in New Zealand (e.g., rental agreements or proof of home ownership).
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here is how you can apply for the Dependent Child Student Visa:
- Prepare Your Documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents listed above. Keep in mind that documents must either be in English or translated into English by a certified translator.
- Apply Online or by Paper: You can apply for the visa online through the New Zealand Immigration website or by using a paper-based application form. Online applications tend to be processed faster.
- Pay the Application Fee: The visa application fee for a Dependent Child Student Visa starts at NZD 750.
- Submit Your Application: Submit the application along with all required documents. If applying online, upload scanned copies of all documents. If applying by paper, ensure that you send certified copies of documents.
- Wait for the Decision: The immigration authorities will process your application. Typically, 80% of applications are processed within 9 weeks, but it’s always wise to apply well in advance to avoid any delays.
- Receive the Visa: Once your application is approved, you will receive the visa, and the child can travel to New Zealand to begin their studies.
Key Conditions and Additional Requirements
Minimum Income for Parent
Parents applying under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) must earn at least NZD 43,322.76 per year before tax to be eligible to sponsor a dependent child. This ensures that the parent can financially support the child during their stay in New Zealand.
Health Care and Insurance
As part of the visa application, parents must declare that they will cover their child’s medical expenses if the child is not entitled to free healthcare in New Zealand. It is highly recommended to purchase comprehensive medical insurance for the child for the duration of their stay.
Evidence of Funds for the Child
Parents must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support their child. The required funds are NZD 17,000 per year for living expenses or NZD 1,417 for each month the child will be in New Zealand.
Sponsorship Requirements
If required, the parent can use a sponsor to show financial capability. The sponsor must prove they have sufficient funds to support the child, which could include providing bank statements, pay slips, or other documents.
Onward Travel
If the parent holds a work visa, they must show that they have plans for the child to leave New Zealand at the end of their stay. This could be through a travel ticket or evidence of sufficient funds to purchase a ticket.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
- Submit Accurate and Complete Documents: Ensure that all documents are clear, authentic, and complete. This will avoid delays or complications in processing.
- Ensure Financial Proof is Adequate: Be prepared to show that you can financially support your child throughout their stay in New Zealand, including tuition, living costs, and medical expenses.
- Health and Police Checks: Make sure the health checks and police certificates (for children 17 and older) are done well in advance.
- Start Early: It’s always advisable to begin the visa application process as early as possible to account for any unexpected delays or additional documentation requests.
The Dependent Child Student Visa is an excellent pathway for Indian families who want to provide their children with a top-tier education in New Zealand. With careful preparation and the right documents, the application process can be relatively straightforward. By ensuring that you meet all the eligibility criteria and submit complete, accurate information, you can help your child secure a visa to study in New Zealand and enjoy the benefits of a world-class education.
Start early, gather your documents, and stay informed about any updates to New Zealand’s immigration policies to ensure a successful application.
FAQs
Can my child apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa if they are already in New Zealand?
Yes, your child can apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa while in New Zealand as long as they meet all eligibility requirements.
What happens if my child turns 19 before the visa is approved?
If your child turns 19 during the application process, they will no longer qualify for the Dependent Child Student Visa, as the maximum age limit is 19. Make sure to apply before their 19th birthday.
Can my child work while studying in New Zealand?
The Dependent Child Student Visa does not automatically grant work rights. However, children aged 16 or 17 may be eligible to work under certain conditions.
West Highlander Immigration
If you’re unsure about the visa process, consider consulting an immigration advisor like Ms. Parwinder Kaur who is a Licensed Immigration Advisor to guide you through the application.