New Zealand has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking quality education. Each year, thousands of Indian students make the move to study in New Zealand, and many of them bring along their families, especially their children. If you’re an Indian student who holds a New Zealand study visa and is considering bringing your dependent child with you, it’s important to understand the visa options available for them.
In this blog, we’ll explore two main visa categories for dependent children: the Visitor Visa and the Student Visa, helping you decide which one best suits your child’s situation.
New Zealand Study Visa and Dependent Children
Before diving into the specifics of visitor and student visas for dependent children, it’s important to understand what a New Zealand study visa entails and how dependent children are defined.
- New Zealand Student Visa: If you’re an Indian student who has been granted a study visa, you’re authorized to stay in New Zealand for the duration of your course. The visa is typically issued based on full-time enrolment in a recognized education provider, such as a university, polytechnic, or other accredited institution.
- Dependent Children: In the context of New Zealand immigration law, a dependent child is typically defined as a child under the age of 19 who is financially dependent on the parent(s) holding a study visa. These children can either accompany the primary visa holder or follow them later.
Visitor Visa for Dependent Children
A Visitor Visa allows your child to stay in New Zealand temporarily but doesn’t grant them the right to work or study full-time. This visa is ideal if your child is accompanying you to New Zealand but does not intend to attend school for more than 3 months during their stay.
A visitor visa is a short-term visa designed for individuals who wish to stay in New Zealand temporarily for purposes such as tourism, visiting family, or accompanying a study visa holder. The visitor visa typically allows stays of up to the same duration as the length of the parent’s study visa (though the duration can vary based on specific circumstances).
Eligibility for Parent on NZ Study Visa to Sponsor Visitor Visa for Dependent Children
To be eligible to sponsor your dependent child for a visitor visa, you should be studying either of the following two degrees:
- Masters by Research (Level 9)
- Doctoral Program (Level 10)
Student Visa for Dependent Children
If your child intends to study full-time in New Zealand, a Student Visa may be the more appropriate option. This visa allows dependent children to attend primary or secondary school, depending on their age and the course they wish to pursue.
A Student Visa for a dependent child allows them to study full-time at a recognized New Zealand educational institution, ranging from primary to secondary schools. If your child is school-aged, this visa provides an opportunity for them to receive a quality education in New Zealand alongside you, their parent, who holds the study visa.
Eligibility for Parent on NZ Study Visa to Sponsor Student Visa for Dependent Children
In case your child is older than five years and intends to attend school in New Zealand full-time, you may not be able to sponsor them directly. However, you can instead, depending on the degree you are pursuing sponsor a work visa for your spouse. Your child’s student visa to New Zealand may thereafter be supported by your spouse.
Documents Required for Dependent Child of NZ Study Visa Holder
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate or adoption certificate).
- The parent’s valid study visa and proof of enrolment in a New Zealand educational institution.
- Proof of financial ability to support the child (bank statements, sponsorship letters).
- Health insurance or evidence of medical coverage (depending on the child’s nationality).
- Application fee payment and visa form submission.
Visitor Visa vs. Student Visa for Dependent Children
The main differences between the Visitor Visa and the Student Visa for dependent children boil down to the purpose of the visa, the right to study, and the duration of stay.
| Feature | Visitor Visa | Student Visa |
| Purpose | Stay as a visitor, no full-time study rights. | Full-time study at a recognized school. |
| Study Rights | Study full-time for 3 months. | Full-time study is permitted with no tuition fee for school. |
| Sponsor | Can be sponsored by parent with New Zealand student visa, depending on the level of their educational degree | Depending on educational degree level, parent with student visa could sponsor a work visa for spouse who can then sponsor the student visa for their child |
| Duration | Duration based on the educational course (typically long-term). | |
Which New Zealand Visa is Right for Your Child?
The decision between a visitor visa and a student visa depends largely on your child’s educational goals and your family’s circumstances:
- Visitor Visa: Ideal if your child is accompanying you to New Zealand but does not need to study full-time. It’s a short-term solution for children who may be too young to attend school or who plan to stay in New Zealand only for a short time.
- Student Visa: If your child is of school-going age and will be attending a New Zealand school, this visa is the appropriate choice. It grants your child the right to study giving them a more integrated experience in New Zealand.
Guide to Applying for the New Zealand Visa for Dependent Child
Whether you choose the visitor visa or student visa for your child, the application process generally involves the following steps:
- Determine the Appropriate Visa: Review the eligibility criteria and choose the visa that suits your child’s situation.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents, including proof of relationship, parent’s study visa, financial documents, school enrolment (for student visa), and any health checks.
- Complete the Application: Submit the visa application online or on paper, depending on the type of visa.
- Pay Application Fees: Both visa types require payment of an application fee, which varies depending on the visa.
- Wait for Approval: Immigration New Zealand will process the application.
Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Be Thorough with Documentation: Ensure that you provide all necessary documents to avoid delays or rejections.
- Meet the Financial Requirements: Be prepared to show that you can financially support your child’s stay in New Zealand, including tuition, accommodation, and living costs.
- Apply Early: Visa processing times can take several weeks, so apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Consult an Expert: If you’re unsure about which visa to apply for, consider consulting with an immigration expert or consultant.
Choosing between a Visitor Visa and a Student Visa for your dependent child depends on their age, educational goals, and the duration of your stay in New Zealand. If your child is not intending to study, a visitor visa might be sufficient. However, if your child is of school-going age and intends to study in New Zealand, a student visa is the better option. By carefully assessing your child’s needs and circumstances, you can make the right choice and ensure a smooth transition to New Zealand for both you and your child.
West Highlander Immigration – New Zealand Visa for Dependent Child
At West Highlander Immigration, we specialize in helping families navigate the complexities of New Zealand’s immigration process, including securing visas for dependent children. Whether you’re applying for a Visitor Visa to bring your child along while you study or a Student Visa for your child to attend school in New Zealand, we will help in all the different cases. We ensure that all the necessary documentation is prepared correctly, help you meet financial and health requirements, and offer advice on the best visa option based on your unique situation. With our in-depth knowledge of New Zealand’s immigration laws, we aim to make the visa process as smooth and stress-free as possible.