F7.1 Guidelines for inter-country adoptions

1. If a New Zealand residence class visa holder or citizen legally adopts a child overseas, they may apply on its behalf for either New Zealand citizenship or residence.
2. If a residence class visa is applied for, the child must meet the same requirements as other children of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders.
3. The fact that a child has been adopted does not, of itself, entitle the child to be granted with a visa to travel to New Zealand, and immigration officers must assess whether or not the child meets the requirements for a residence class visa or a temporary class visa.
4. A standard prerequisite for a child to travel to New Zealand for adoption purposes is the support of social welfare agencies, both in New Zealand and in the child's country of origin.

Effective 29/11/2010