Dependent children

You can include dependent children in your visa application if they meet our requirements, or they can apply for a visa based on their relationship to you.

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.

How we define dependent children

The definition of dependent children depends on their 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 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 cannot apply for a visitor or student visa based on their relationship with you unless they meet requirements for a tertiary student visa.

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

Tertiary student visas

If you are eligible for the 2021 Resident Visa, your child may be able to study as a dependent child at tertiary level if they:

• live in New Zealand
• were aged between 17 and 25 on 1 January 2022
• meet certain requirements to be considered a dependent child

For more information about requirements and how to apply:

Dependent Child Tertiary Student Visa