Dependent Child Policy

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As much as possible, Immigration New Zealand will try to keep dependent children with their parents, and if they are separated from their parents, they will try to reunite them as soon as possible.

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There are no quotas, and such cases are normally given priority. The process can, however, encounter unexpected obstacles. The most common problems involve children of separated parents, children who have been adopted, and children who have not been declared in earlier visa applications. Applicants who are older face additional challenges. Applicants must meet health requirements and have good character.

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How Dependent Children Can Be Defined?

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A dependent child is one who has at least one parent who is either a New Zealand Citizen or a New Zealand Resident. An applicant may be a biological or adopted (including culturally adopted) child of a New Zealand parent. It will be necessary to prove that older children are completely or substantially reliant on one or more of their parents for financial support.

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The minimum requirements are as follows:

• Not married or living with a partner

• Financially dependent on their parents, and;

• Have no children of their own.

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Dependent Child Approval

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There must be hard evidence supporting a child's "financial dependency" according to a specific definition of that term. It's not always easy to do that.

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The Complex Criteria

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There may also be issues related to identity or how children became separated from their parents. When these issues arise, the parent's or another relative's application may even lead to a review of the accuracy of the claim made earlier.

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When children are placed in the care of individuals other than their natural parents, questions may arise as to whether these caregivers are temporary or permanent.