Family Stream

Family Stream

Partners of New Zealand Citizens or Resident Visa Holders

The partners of New Zealand citizens or Resident visa holders may be eligible to apply for residence visa if they have been living together for 12 months or more in a partnership and their relationship is genuine and stable.

Parent Retirement Category

Parents can be granted a residence class visa under the parent retirement category if they make a significant contribution to New Zealand’s economy. Parents seeking residence under this category are required to have an adult whose primary place of residence is New Zealand and he/she is a NZ citizen or hold a residence class visa.

Parent’s Residence Visa

To apply under the parent category, applicant must submit an expression of interest and only apply afterwards if received an invitation. Applicants may be granted a residence class visa if they meet health, character, English language, family relationship and sponsorship requirements. There is a minimum income threshold which must be met by the sponsor(s). Sponsorship Requirements For each year ending 30 June, only 2500 people can be granted a resident visa under the parent category.

Dependent Child Category

A child may be considered dependent and granted a resident visa if their parents are eligible to support a residence class visa under the dependent child category. He/she must fall into one of the following categories: • If he/she is aged 21-24 with no child (ren), single and totally or substantially reliant on an adult for financial support, or If he/she is aged 18-20 with no child (ren) of their own and single, or • If he/she is aged 17 or younger and single.