International students in New Zealand can now support visa applications for their immediate family members, depending on the type of qualification they are studying. The changes apply to both visitor and longer-term visas for partners and children.
Immigration New Zealand has confirmed that students with a valid visa are eligible to support visitor visas for their partner and dependent children. In certain cases, they may also support work visas for partners and student visas for their children, based on the level and type of study.
Types of Visas Family Members Can Apply For
All holders of a student visa, regardless of the program, may support:
- Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
- Child of a Student Visitor Visa
These visas allow partners and children to live in New Zealand temporarily during the student’s study period.
If the student is enrolled in an eligible qualification, they may also support:
- Partner of a Student Work Visa
- Dependent Child Student Visa
Study Program Determines Eligibility
The ability to support family visas depends on the qualification being pursued. Immigration New Zealand uses the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework to assess eligibility.
Students can support a work visa for a partner if they are studying:
- A Level 9 or 10 qualification (Master’s or Doctoral degree)
- A Level 7 or 8 qualification listed on the Green List
- A Level 7 qualification listed on the Post Study Work Visa eligibility list
- A Level 7 or 8 qualification on the Long-Term Skill Shortage List, if the course began on or before 7 September 2022.
Students can support student visas for dependent children if they are studying:
- A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- A program under a New Zealand Government-approved exchange scheme
- A program funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) New Zealand Scholarship, excluding short-term or English language training scholarships
The specific qualification or program must appear on official government lists. Links to these lists are available on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Alternative Pathways for Family Visas
In cases where the student is only eligible to support a partner’s work visa, the partner may then support student visas for the children.
For example, a student enrolled in a Level 8 qualification listed on the Green List can support a Partner of a Student Work Visa. That partner, holding a valid work visa, may, in turn, support student visa applications for their children.
Visa Duration and Required Documentation
All family visas supported under this policy are generally aligned with the length of the primary student visa. If the student visa expires or the family relationship ends, associated visas may also expire or require reassessment.
To apply for a partner or child visa, applicants must submit evidence of:
- A legally recognised marriage or de facto partnership
- Dependent status of children, including age and financial reliance
If a child is already studying in New Zealand, a parent or legal guardian may apply for a Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa to reside with and care for the child. This visa is linked to the duration of the child’s education.
Further details, application criteria, and qualification lists are available at immigration.govt.nz.
