FAMILY VISAS TO NEW ZEALAND

PARENT VISA TO NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is committed to helping families reunite. The Parent Visa policy is part of New Zealand's Family Category for residence. The Parent policy allows applicants to be sponsored for by an eligible family member for permanent residence to New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND PARENT VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for residence under the Parent policy, applicants must meet requirements set by Immigration New Zealand. These include meeting health and good character requirements.

Applicants must also meet the 'centre of gravity' requirement, and be sponsored by a child who is an eligible New Zealand (or Australian) citizen or resident. To meet the 'centre of gravity' requirement, all or most of the applicant's children must reside in New Zealand or another country other than the applicant's country of residence.

Sponsors must have been a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident for at least 3 years and meet a minimum income requirement.

If a spouse or partner is included in the residence application, the applicants must meet the partnership requirements, including showing that they are in a genuine and stable relationship.

NEW ZEALAND PARENT VISA ENTITLEMENTS

Approved Parent 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.

NEW ZEALAND PARENT VISA COSTS AND PROCESSING TIMES