There are two main types of Dependent Child Visas:

• Residence visas – for children of New Zealand citizens and residents
• Temporary visas – such as student or visitor visas, for children of work or student visa holders

Each type has different rules, especially when it comes to age, school access, and how long your child can stay.

Who can apply for this visa?

That depends on your own immigration status:

• If you are a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be able to sponsor your child for a resident visa so they can live here permanently.
• If you hold a temporary visa (such as a work or student visa), your child may be eligible for a temporary visa that matches the length of your own stay.

In both cases, Immigration New Zealand will look at:

• Whether your visa allows you to support dependent children
• Whether your child is the right age and still financially dependent on you
• Whether you meet any income or job-related requirements

Can my child go to school in New Zealand?

Yes, but it depends on the type of visa your child holds.  This is a common area where families get caught off guard. They assume their child can study for free, only to find out they’ve applied under the wrong visa type.

What if I share custody with someone overseas?

This is one of the most sensitive areas of dependent child visa applications. If your child’s other parent is not migrating with them, and you don’t have sole custody, you’ll need written consent for the child to come to New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand will want to see clear evidence that the child is legally allowed to leave their home country

If this isn’t provided, or if there’s any dispute over custody, the visa may be delayed or declined. It’s a common area where well-meaning parents run into unexpected roadblocks.

Can I sponsor my child if I’m on a temporary visa?

In many cases, yes — but not always.

If you hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), for example, you may be able to sponsor your child for a student visa or visitor visa, as long as:

• Your job is eligible
• Your income meets the minimum threshold
• You can show proof of your relationship and dependency

Some other visa types, such as post-study work visas or open work visas, don’t allow you to sponsor dependent children at all. This is why timing matters, especially if your visa type is about to change.

If your child is approaching the age limit and you’re planning to apply for residence, you need to act fast. Once they’re too old, you can’t add them later, even if they’ve always lived with you.

What if my visa changes while my child is here?

This is something many parents don’t realise.

If you switch from one visa to another — for example, from an AEWV to a post-study work visa, your ability to support a dependent child may change or disappear entirely.

We’ve seen cases where parents assumed their child could stay on, only to find out they needed to leave or apply for a new visa. Immigration doesn’t automatically adjust the child’s visa just because yours has changed. Every change in your own status needs to be checked carefully with your family’s visas in mind.

Common mistakes families make

• Assuming all children qualify – especially when older children or blended families are involved
• Using outdated information – immigration policies change regularly, and past approvals don’t guarantee future success
• Submitting incomplete applications – missing documents or unclear details often lead to delays or rejections
• Overlooking visa links – when your own visa doesn’t allow dependent sponsorship, your child’s visa can’t be approved

Why choose Visa Matters?

We’ve helped many families successfully bring their children to New Zealand, across both residence and temporary categories. We understand the emotional weight of these applications — and the fine print that can make or break them.

Here’s how we help:

• We confirm whether your child is eligible based on their age, relationship, and your visa
• We check your visa conditions and income requirements before applying
• We help gather the right documents, especially where custody or consent is involved
• We guide you on timing, especially if your child is getting older or your visa is about to change
• We present a clear, accurate, and well-organised application to avoid delays

Bringing your child to live with you is too important to leave to guesswork, assumptions, or generic advice. Every detail matters.

Final thoughts

If you’re living in New Zealand and want your child to join you, the good news is — there are options. But the not-so-good news is — the process is full of rules, conditions, and technicalities that many people overlook.

Dependent Child Visas are possible. But they require planning, proof, and precision.

Whether you’re a resident hoping to sponsor your child permanently, or a work visa holder looking to reunite your family temporarily, the best place to start is with clarity about your eligibility, your child’s situation, and the steps ahead.