F4.20 Definitions

F4.20.1 Definition of 'dependent child'

1. For the purpose of the Parent Category, and despite the definition in section 4 of the Immigration Act 2009, a child is dependent if they:
   1. are:
      • aged 21 to 24, with no child(ren) of their own; and
      • single (see F5.5); and
      • totally or substantially reliant on their parent(s) for financial support, whether living with them or not; or
   2. are:
      • aged 18 to 20, with no child(ren) of their own; and
      • single (see F5.5); or
   3. are:
      • aged 17 or younger; and
      • single (see F5.5).
2. When determining whether a child of 21 to 24 years of age is totally or substantially reliant on their parent(s) for financial support, immigration officers must consider the whole application, taking into account all relevant factors including whether the child:
   1. is in paid employment, whether this is full-time or part-time, and its duration;
   2. has any other independent means of financial support;
   3. is living with their parents or another family member, and the extent to which other support is provided; or
   4. is studying, and whether this is full-time or part-time.

F4.20.5 Definition of 'adult child'

For the purpose of the Parent Category, 'adult child' means a child of 18 or older, unless they are dependent (see F4.20.1).

F4.20.10 Definition of 'adult child’ for sponsorship purposes

1. For sponsorship purposes, 'adult child' means a child of 18 or older.
2. However, children aged 18 to 24 must only be considered as 'adult children’ for sponsorship purposes if they can satisfy an immigration officer that they, like other sponsors, are able to meet sponsorship undertakings (see R4.10) and the minimum income requirement (see F4.35.5).

Note: Parents sponsored by adult children who are also dependent children will not meet the requirements at F4.30.5.

F4.20.15 Definition of ‘ordinarily resident’ in New Zealand

For sponsorship purposes, a person is considered to be ‘ordinarily resident’ in New Zealand where an immigration officer is satisfied that New Zealand is their primary place of established residence (see F4.35.1).

F4.20.20 Definition of ‘maintaining acceptable travel and/or health insurance for a suitable period’ while holding a Parent Boost visitor visa

For the purposes of the Parent Category, maintaining acceptable travel and/or health insurance includes periods of non-coverage only if the period of non-coverage was as a direct result of the insurer’s or bank error to grant the acceptable travel and/or health insurance required under the Parent Boost visitor visa instructions and coverage was resumed as soon as possible. An error does not include situations where the insurer is entitled to make a decision to lapse, cancel or refuse to grant the required insurance.

F4.20.25 Definition of ‘debt to the Crown’ while holding a Parent Boost visitor visa

For the purposes of the Parent Category, a debt to the Crown while being the holder of a Parent Boost visitor visa means costs incurred for services (where there is no entitlement as a Parent Boost visitor visa holder) provided by a New Zealand government agency and/or Crown entities.

Effective 29/09/2025