Dependent children

Apply for visas for dependent children, find out what the visa status is for newborn children, and how to add them to an undecided visa application.

How we define family

How your children apply for a visa

There are 2 ways that dependent children can apply for a visa.

  1. You may be able to include them in your visa application.
  2. They may be able to apply for their own visas based on their relationship to you if you:
    • already have a visa
    • are applying for a visa, or
    • are a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Note

Dependent children are not eligible for work visas.

How we define dependent children

The definition of dependent children depends on age and whether they are applying for a resident visa or a temporary visa.

Resident visas for dependent children

Your child is dependent if they are:

  • 24 and under, and
  • single.

If they are 18 or over they must not have children of their own.

If they are aged 21 to 24 they must also rely on you or another adult for financial support (depending on which visa they have applied for).

Temporary visas for dependent children

Primary or secondary student visas and most visitor visas

Your child is dependent if they:

  • are 19 and under
  • are single, and
  • rely on you for financial support.

If they are 18 or 19 they must not have children of their own.

If your children are 20 or older:

  • you cannot include them in your application for a visitor or student visa
  • they generally cannot apply for a visitor or student visa based on their relationship with you.

If they want to join you in New Zealand they need to apply for their own visa.

Child of a New Zealander or Worker visitor visas

If your children are aged 20 to 24 they may still be dependent if:

  • they are applying for a Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa or Child of a Worker Visitor Visa, and
  • they have applied for or are part of your application for an eligible residence visa.
Eligible residence visas

Your children must have applied for, or have been included in your application for one of the following residence visas:

  • Dependent Child Resident Visa
  • Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
  • Straight to Residence Visa (based on a Green List role)
  • Work to Residence Visa (based on a Green List role)
  • Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
  • Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa
  • Partner of a New Zealander Residence Visa

Green list