Visas for Family Members of International Students and Workers in New Zealand
If you are an international student or worker in New Zealand, you may be wondering if your family members can come and join you. Fortunately, there are several visas your family can apply for to visit or live with you in New Zealand.
Visitor Visa for Partner and Child
If you hold a student visa New Zealand, your partner and child can apply for a visitor visa to visit you in NZ. They can stay for the same length of time as your student visa, and enjoy the sights and sounds of New Zealand while you continue your studies.
Partner Work Visa
If you hold a work visa, your partner can apply for a work visa as well. Your partner can work in any occupation and for any employer in New Zealand if they have a work visa. This can be a great opportunity for your partner to gain valuable work experience while you are in New Zealand.
Student Visa for Dependent Children
If your dependent children are planning to study in New Zealand, they can apply for a student visa New Zealand. With a student visa, they can study at any primary or secondary school in New Zealand as domestic students.
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Who Can Support Visas for Family
As an international student or worker in New Zealand, you can support visas for your family members under certain circumstances. The eligibility criteria depend on your level of study or work in New Zealand.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student
If you are studying a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at a New Zealand university or as an MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship student (excluding Short-term Training Scholarships and English Language Training for Officials Scholarships), you can support visitor visas, work visas, and student visas for your partner and dependent children.
Level 9 or 10 Qualification or Level 7 or 8 Qualification on Green List or Qualifications Eligible for Post-Study Work Visa List
If you are studying a level 9 or 10 qualification, or a level 7 or 8 qualification that is on our Green List or Qualifications Eligible for Post-Study Work Visa List, you can support visitor visas and work visas for your partner and dependent children.
If you have completed a degree level 7 qualification in New Zealand, you may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa, which would allow you to support a work visa for your partner. However, you cannot support a work visa for your partner while you are still studying, unless the degree level 7 qualification is on our Green List or Qualifications Eligible for Post-Study Work Visa List.
Long Term Skill Shortage List
If your study started on or before September 7, 2022, and you are studying a level 7 or 8 qualification that is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List, your partner could still be eligible to obtain a work visa, if you don’t fit the above criteria.
New Zealand Government Approved Student Exchange Scheme
If you are studying under a New Zealand Government approved student exchange scheme, you can support visitor visas and student visas for your dependent children, as well as a visitor visa for your partner.
Bringing Family if You Have a Work Visa
If you have a work visa, your partner can apply for a partner work visa, and your dependent children can apply for a student visa New Zealand. In some circumstances, your partner may be able to support student visas for your dependent children as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several visas your family can apply for to visit or live with you in New Zealand if you are an international student or worker. The eligibility criteria depend on your level of study or work, so make sure to check the requirements before applying for visas for your family members by getting in touch with expert legal advisers Auckland.