SPECIAL CATEGORY VISAS TO NEW ZEALAND

REFUGEE FAMILY SUPPORT VISA TO NEW ZEALAND

The Refugee Family Support Category has been established to help refugees settle in New Zealand by allowing them to sponsor family members for residence. The number of applicants that can be sponsored under this category is limited to 300 each year. Priority is given to sponsors who have a more immediate need to bring their family to New Zealand – for example, they have no immediate family living in New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND REFUGEE FAMILY SUPPORT VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

Sponsors must first register under the Refugee Family Support Category. If their registration is drawn, Immigration New Zealand will issue an invitation to apply for residence to the sponsor's nominated family member.

An application for residence then needs to be made within 12 months of this invitation. To qualify for residence, applicants will need to meet health and good character criteria.

NEW ZEALAND REFUGEE FAMILY SUPPORT VISA ENTITLEMENTS

Approved Refugee Family Support Visa applicants will be issued a permanent residence visa and/or permit, which gives holders (and approved family members) the flexibility to settle and work anywhere in New Zealand indefinitely.

A returning resident's visa (RRV) will also be issued allowing the holder to travel in and out of New Zealand for up to two years as a New Zealand resident. After two years, applicants may be eligible for an Indefinite RRV subject to meeting the relevant minimum residency requirements.

Permanent residents are entitled to the same rights and benefits as New Zealand citizens, including free access to public schools, subsidised tertiary education and other support, such as student loans, and subsidised public health services. Permanent residents may also apply for citizenship after satisfying the relevant residency requirements.

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