Under the Refugee Family Support Category priority is given to tier one sponsors who have a more immediate need to bring their family to New Zealand. Tier one sponsors must meet the tier one sponsorship requirements set out below.
If not all of the places available each year under this category are filled by tier one sponsors, we will accept some registrations from applicants with a less immediate need. These tier two applicants must meet tier two sponsorship requirements.
Tier one sponsorship requirements
To register as a tier one sponsor under the Refugee Family Support Category, you must:
- be in New Zealand; and
- be a New Zealand citizen, or the holder of a current residence permit; and
- have been granted residence in New Zealand on the basis of your status as a refugee; and
- be aged 17 years or over; and
- either have no ‘Immediate family’ living lawfully and permanently in New Zealand, or be the ‘Sole carer’ of a ‘Dependent relative’ or ‘dependent relative’ in New Zealand; and
- have no other ‘family member’ eligible to be sponsored for residence under any other residence policy; and
- have not successfully sponsored under the Refugee Family Support Category (or Refugee Family Quota) policy before.
Who tier one sponsors can sponsor
If you are a tier one sponsor you may register to sponsor any one of the following family members:
- parent, or
- grandparent, or
- grandchild, or
- uncle, or
- aunt, or
- nephew, or
- niece, or
- adult sibling, or
- adult child.
You can also sponsor the partner and/or dependent child of the family member in the list above. The family member must not be eligible for residence under any other category of residence policy.
Tier two sponsorship requirements
To register as a tier two sponsor under the Refugee Family Support Category, you must:
- be in New Zealand; and
- be a New Zealand citizen, or the holder of a current residence permit that is not subject to requirements under s18A of the Immigration Act 1987; and
- have been granted residence in New Zealand on the basis of your status as a refugee; and
- be aged 17 years or over; and
- have no other ‘family member’ eligible to be sponsored for residence under any other residence policy; and
- have not successfully sponsored under the Refugee Family Support Category (or Refugee Family Quota) policy before; and
- have been a New Zealand citizen, or the holder of a current resident permit for at least three years immediately preceding the date your registration is lodged; and
- have spent a total of 184 days or more in New Zealand in each of those three years.
Who tier two sponsors can sponsor
If you are a tier two sponsor you may register to sponsor any one of the following family members;
- parent; or
- adult sibling; or
- adult child; or
- grandparent (if that grandparent is your legal guardian).
You can also sponsor the partner and/or dependent child of the family member in the list above. The family member must not be eligible for residence under any other category of residence policy.
How to make a registration
The Refugee Family Support Category tier one queue will open on 12 November 2007 with no end date.
Tier one sponsors
Eligible sponsors who meet tier one requirements may register on and from 12 November 2007.
Tier two sponsors
Tier two sponsors must wait until we have announced that there are places available, and that a ballot will be run for tier two sponsors.
Registrations must be made on the official registration form Registration Form for Refugee Family Support Category Sponsor (NZIS 1094) PDF.
Send your registration to: the address specified on the registration form.
Immigration New Zealand
Refugee Family Support Category
PO Box 5347
Wellesley Street
Auckland
New Zealand
More information
If you’re not sure whether you meet the requirements for registration, or you have other questions: