1. What is the purpose of the New Zealand Dependent Child Visa?
The purpose of the New Zealand Dependent Child Visa is to allow dependent children of New Zealand citizens or residents to live with their parents in New Zealand. This visa enables children to join their parents who are already living in New Zealand and to continue their family life together in the country. Dependent children are typically under the age of 24 and are unmarried. The visa allows these children to reside in New Zealand for an extended period of time, ensuring they can be with their parents and benefit from living in New Zealand.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the Dependent Child Visa?
To be eligible to apply for the Dependent Child Visa in New Zealand, the following criteria must be met:
1. The applicant must be the dependent child of a New Zealand citizen, resident, or holder of a work or student visa.
2. The child must be under the age of 24 and financially dependent on the parent residing in New Zealand.
3. The applicant must not be married, in a civil union, or have a partner.
4. The child must be of good health and character and must meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements.
5. The applicant must have suitable accommodation and financial support for their stay in New Zealand.
6. The parent applying for the visa must meet New Zealand’s visa requirements.
It is important to carefully review and ensure that all eligibility criteria are met before submitting an application for the Dependent Child Visa in New Zealand.
3. How can I prove that my child is dependent on me for support?
To prove that your child is dependent on you for support when applying for a New Zealand Dependent Child Visa (Form INZ 1013), you can provide various forms of evidence, including:
1. Financial Support: Submit documentation showing that you are financially supporting your child, such as bank statements, income tax returns, or evidence of regular financial assistance.
2. Housing: Provide proof that your child resides with you, such as a lease agreement or utility bills in their name.
3. Education: If your child is of school-going age, include school enrollment documents or educational expenses paid on their behalf.
4. Medical: Show that you cover your child’s medical expenses or have them listed under your health insurance policy.
5. Affidavits: Obtain sworn statements from reliable sources attesting to your child’s dependency on you for care and support.
6. Any other relevant documentation demonstrating the extent of your child’s reliance on you for their well-being and necessities.
4. What are the requirements for the sponsor of a Dependent Child Visa applicant?
To sponsor a Dependent Child Visa applicant in New Zealand, the sponsor must meet the following requirements:
1. Relationship: The sponsor must be the child’s parent, legal guardian, or a person who has been granted custody or guardianship of the child.
2. Residence: The sponsor must be a New Zealand citizen or resident, or hold a work, student, or visitor visa that allows them to stay in New Zealand for at least 2 years.
3. Financial Support: The sponsor must show they have the means to provide financial support to the child, including accommodation, healthcare, education, and any other necessary expenses.
4. Good Character: The sponsor must not have a criminal record or have been convicted of certain offenses, and must meet the health requirements set by Immigration New Zealand.
Overall, the sponsor plays a crucial role in supporting and caring for the dependent child during their stay in New Zealand, and meeting these requirements is essential for the successful application of the Dependent Child Visa.
5. Can I include more than one child in the application?
Yes, you can include more than one child in your application for a New Zealand Dependent Child Visa (Form INZ 1013). When completing the application form, you will have the opportunity to provide information for each child you wish to include as a dependent. It is important to ensure that you provide accurate and complete details for each child, including their personal information, relationship to the principal applicant, and any relevant documentation to support their inclusion in the application. Additionally, you may need to meet specific eligibility requirements for each child, so it is advisable to carefully review the visa application guidelines to ensure all criteria are met for each dependent child included in your application.
6. Is there an age limit for dependent children applying for this visa?
Yes, there is an age limit for dependent children applying for the New Zealand Dependent Child Visa (Form INZ 1013). To be eligible as a dependent child, the individual must be under the age of 24 years at the time of application. It is important to note that once the child turns 24 years old, they are no longer considered eligible to apply under this visa category. However, there are some exceptions to this age limit for children who have a mental or physical disability that renders them completely dependent on their parent(s) for care and support. In such cases, the child may still be considered a dependent and eligible for the visa beyond the age of 24 years.
7. What documents are required to support the application?
When applying for a New Zealand Dependent Child Visa (Form INZ 1013), several documents are required to support the application. These may include but are not limited to:
1. Proof of the child’s relationship to the primary applicant, such as birth certificates or adoption papers.
2. Valid passports for the child and the primary applicant.
3. Evidence of the primary applicant’s immigration status in New Zealand.
4. Medical and police clearance certificates for both the child and the primary applicant.
5. Proof of financial support and accommodation for the child in New Zealand.
6. Any additional documents requested by Immigration New Zealand to demonstrate eligibility for the visa.
It is important to carefully review the specific requirements outlined by Immigration New Zealand and ensure that all necessary documents are included with the application to avoid delays or possible rejection.
8. Is there a minimum income requirement for the sponsor?
Yes, there is a minimum income requirement for sponsors applying for a New Zealand Dependent Child Visa. The sponsor must demonstrate that they have enough income to support themselves as well as their dependents in New Zealand. While there is no specific income threshold mentioned in the official guidelines, it is expected that the sponsor must have a stable and sufficient income to provide for the living expenses of the dependent child. This includes accommodation, food, education, healthcare, and other necessities. The immigration authorities will assess the sponsor’s financial situation as part of the visa application process to ensure that the dependent child will be adequately cared for during their stay in New Zealand.
9. What is the processing time for the Dependent Child Visa application?
The processing time for a Dependent Child Visa application for New Zealand can vary depending on various factors such as the volume of applications being processed, the completeness of the application submitted, and individual circumstances. On average, the processing time for a Dependent Child Visa application can range from 3 to 6 months. It is important for applicants to submit a complete application with all required documents to avoid delays in processing. Applicants can also check the current processing times on the official website of Immigration New Zealand for the most up-to-date information.
10. Can a child work or study in New Zealand on this visa?
Yes, a child who holds a New Zealand Dependent Child Visa (Form INZ 1013) is allowed to study in New Zealand without needing to apply for a separate student visa. However, there are restrictions on the employment rights of dependent children under this visa. They are not permitted to work in a full-time job unless they apply for and obtain a work visa or a variation of conditions on their dependent child visa. They may engage in part-time or casual work while studying, provided they meet the necessary criteria and have obtained the appropriate permissions from Immigration New Zealand. It is important for dependent children on this visa, and their parents or guardians, to understand and comply with the visa conditions to ensure they are legally working or studying in New Zealand.
11. How long is the Dependent Child Visa valid for?
The Dependent Child Visa for New Zealand is typically valid for a period of up to two years. This visa allows the dependent child to live in New Zealand with their parent or legal guardian who holds a valid visa, such as a work, student, or resident visa. It is important to note that the duration of the visa can vary depending on the circumstances of the application and the type of visa held by the parent or legal guardian. In some cases, the visa may be granted for a shorter or longer period based on individual factors. It is crucial to check the specific terms and conditions of the visa grant to understand the exact duration of validity for the Dependent Child Visa.
12. Can the visa be extended or renewed?
Yes, the New Zealand Dependent Child Visa can be extended or renewed under specific circumstances. The visa may be extended if the child is under 17 years old and still dependent on the principal visa holder. Supporting evidence of continued dependence, such as financial support and care, may be required during the extension application process. It’s important to submit the extension application before the current visa expires to avoid any gaps in the child’s legal status in New Zealand. Renewal of the Dependent Child Visa is also possible if the child continues to meet the eligibility criteria and is still dependent on the principal visa holder. The renewal application should be lodged before the current visa expires, and all necessary documents must be provided to support the child’s ongoing dependent status. It is recommended to consult with an immigration advisor or lawyer for guidance on the extension or renewal process to ensure a smooth application process.
13. What are the health and character requirements for this visa?
1. Health Requirements: For the New Zealand Dependent Child Visa (Form INZ 1013), all applicants must meet certain health requirements. This includes undergoing a medical examination to assess if the dependent child has any medical conditions that could pose a threat to public health or be a significant burden on the New Zealand healthcare system. Certain medical conditions, such as infectious diseases like tuberculosis, may result in a visa being declined or conditions being imposed.
2. Character Requirements: Applicants for the Dependent Child Visa must also meet the character requirements set by Immigration New Zealand. This involves providing police certificates or police clearances from all countries where the dependent child has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, since turning 17. The purpose of this is to ensure that the child does not have a criminal record or poses a risk to New Zealand’s security or public order.
It is essential to carefully review and understand these health and character requirements before applying for the New Zealand Dependent Child Visa to ensure eligibility and avoid any potential issues during the application process.
14. Can I apply for permanent residency for my child through this visa?
No. The New Zealand Dependent Child Visa (Form INZ 1013) does not lead to permanent residency for the child. This visa allows a dependent child to live with their parent(s) in New Zealand for a specific period of time based on the parent’s immigration status. If the parent(s) hold a resident visa or citizenship in New Zealand, the child can be included in the residence application as a dependent. However, the child will not automatically receive permanent residency through this specific dependent child visa. To obtain permanent residency for a child, the parent(s) would need to explore other pathways such as applying for a residence visa for the child separately.
15. Are there any restrictions on travel outside of New Zealand with this visa?
1. Yes, there are restrictions on travel outside New Zealand with the Dependent Child Visa. When granted this visa, the dependent child is given permission to reside in New Zealand as the dependent of their parent(s) who hold a valid New Zealand visa. However, this visa does not provide automatic permission for the dependent child to travel in and out of New Zealand freely.
2. The key restriction is that the dependent child must not be absent from New Zealand for a continuous period of more than three months in any 12-month period. If the child needs to travel for an extended period exceeding this timeframe, they are required to seek permission from Immigration New Zealand in advance to avoid any potential visa complications.
3. It is crucial for the dependent child and their parent(s) to comply with these travel restrictions to ensure that their visa remains valid and they maintain their immigration status in New Zealand. Failure to adhere to these restrictions could result in the visa being revoked or future visa applications being negatively impacted.
16. What happens if the child turns 18 while on this visa?
When a child on a New Zealand Dependent Child Visa turns 18, they are no longer eligible to remain on the visa as a dependent. At this point, they would need to apply for an appropriate visa in their own right to continue living in New Zealand legally. The options available to them would depend on their circumstances and the visa categories that they may qualify for based on factors such as their relationship status, employment, or educational opportunities. It is crucial for the individual to start exploring their visa options well before turning 18 to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any issues related to their immigration status in New Zealand.
17. Can the child sponsor other family members once in New Zealand?
No, a child who is granted a New Zealand Dependent Child Visa cannot sponsor other family members once in New Zealand. The visa only allows the child to accompany their parent or parents who hold a valid New Zealand visa. The child themselves must meet the eligibility criteria as a dependent child of the sponsoring parent(s) in order to be granted the visa. There are separate visa categories and processes for sponsoring other family members, which must be followed accordingly. It is important to adhere to the specific conditions and requirements of each visa category to ensure compliance with New Zealand immigration laws.
18. Are there any conditions attached to the Dependent Child Visa?
Yes, there are specific conditions attached to the New Zealand Dependent Child Visa. Some of the key conditions include:
1. Age Limit: The child must be under the age of 24 to be eligible for this visa.
2. Relationship Requirement: The child must be financially dependent on their parent(s) who hold a valid New Zealand visa.
3. Parent’s Status: The parent(s) must hold a valid New Zealand visa or be a New Zealand citizen or resident.
4. Medical and Character Requirements: Both the child and the sponsoring parent(s) must meet health and character requirements.
5. Sponsorship Obligations: The sponsoring parent(s) must agree to support the child financially and provide for their needs while they are in New Zealand.
6. Education Requirement: If the child is between 18 and 22 years old, they must be either single or have no children of their own.
These conditions are in place to ensure that the Dependent Child Visa is granted to those who meet the specific criteria and to prevent misuse of the visa category.
19. What are the rights and entitlements of a dependent child visa holder in New Zealand?
As a dependent child visa holder in New Zealand, you are entitled to various rights and benefits, including:
1. Education: Dependent children can attend school in New Zealand without needing to pay international student fees.
2. Healthcare: Access to healthcare services is available through the public system, and some visa holders may be eligible for subsidized healthcare.
3. Work: Depending on the specific conditions of the visa, some dependent children may have the right to work in New Zealand.
4. Residency: A dependent child visa can be a pathway to obtaining permanent residency in New Zealand.
5. Protection: Children on a dependent visa are entitled to the same protections as any other resident in New Zealand, including legal rights and access to support services.
Overall, holding a dependent child visa in New Zealand provides opportunities for education, healthcare, work, residency, and protection within the country. It is important to be aware of the specific conditions and entitlements attached to the visa to fully benefit from the rights available.
20. Can a child on this visa apply for citizenship in New Zealand?
Yes, a child who holds a New Zealand Dependent Child Visa (Form INZ 1013) can apply for citizenship in New Zealand under certain conditions:
1. The child must have lived in New Zealand as a resident for a specific period of time. Generally, this requirement is met if the child has been living in New Zealand continuously for at least five years.
2. The child must also meet the good character requirements set by the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs.
3. Additionally, the child must intend to continue living in New Zealand if granted citizenship.
4. It is important to note that the child must not have spent significant time outside New Zealand during the residency period, as this may affect their eligibility for citizenship.