New Zealand continues to attract international students with its world-class education system, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. Many students, once they are accepted into universities or colleges, wish to bring their families along—whether it’s a spouse or children. If you’re in a similar situation, understanding the visa processing times for your family can help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary stress.
In this blog, we will focus on two key family visas that international students may apply for: the Spouse of a Student Visa and the Visitor visa for a Child of a Student study in New Zealand. We’ll explore the eligibility criteria, visa benefits, processing times, and some tips for a smooth application process. Whether you’re considering applying for a family visa or you’re just gathering information, this guide will provide all the essential details.
Family Visas for International Students in New Zealand
For students study in New Zealand on a valid student visa, bringing their spouse or children to live with them can be crucial for emotional and practical reasons. Fortunately, New Zealand allows international students to apply for family reunification visas.
The two most common types of family visas are:
- Spouse of a Student Visa: This visa allows the spouse of an international student to join them in New Zealand. The spouse may also be eligible to work during their stay if they get a work visa or if they get a visitor visa, they can only stay in New Zealand.
- Visitor Visa for Child: This visa is for the children of international students, permitting them to live and study in New Zealand for about 3 months while their parent is pursuing education.
Each of these visas has specific eligibility requirements and processing times that can vary depending on a variety of factors.
New Zealand Spouse of a Student Visa: What You Need to Know
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be legally married or in a de facto (long-term) relationship with the student.
- The student must have a valid student visa for a course that meets certain conditions like study level etc.
- The student should demonstrate financial ability to support their spouse during their stay in New Zealand. This includes proving they can cover accommodation, food, and other essential expenses.
Visa Benefits
- Work Rights: The spouse can apply for an open work visa, which allows them to work for any employer in New Zealand if their partner can sponsor a work visa. This can be especially valuable for couples who want to maintain financial stability while living in the country. Otherwise, they would only be able to stay in New Zealand if they were granted a visitor visa.
- Family Reunification: This visa allows spouses to live together during the student’s study period, reducing the emotional burden of being separated from family.
Challenges
- Proof of Relationship: One of the most common challenges is providing sufficient evidence of the authenticity of the relationship. Immigration authorities require clear documentation to confirm that the relationship is genuine.
- Financial Requirements: Students must prove they can financially support both themselves and their spouse, which can sometimes be a significant hurdle if the couple has limited resources.
New Zealand Visitor Visa for Dependent Child: What You Need to Know
Eligibility Criteria
- The child must be under 19 years old and be the biological, adopted, or step-child of the student.
- The student parent must show that they can financially support their child during their stay in New Zealand.
- The child can be enrolled in full-time education in New Zealand if they are above a certain age (usually above 5 years old) for a period of up to 3 months only. If they want to continue studying in New Zealand, they would need to convert to a Dependent Child Student visa.
Visa Benefits
- Education: The child is allowed to attend school in New Zealand for 3 months, which is an added advantage for families who wish to provide quality education to their children.
- Family Cohesion: This visa facilitates family reunification, enabling children to live with their parents while the parent focuses on their studies.
Challenges
- Supporting Multiple Family Members: The financial burden of supporting both the child and the student can be challenging. Immigration authorities expect the student to demonstrate they can cover the costs of living for all dependents.
New Zealand Family Visa Processing Times: What You Can Expect
Visa processing times can vary widely based on several factors. Here’s a general overview of what to expect when applying for a family visa:
Factors Affecting Processing Times
- Completeness of Application: Submitting an incomplete application can delay processing times. It’s important to ensure all required documents are included, including relationship evidence and financial statements.
- Volume of Applications: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) handles a large volume of visa applications, and processing times may fluctuate depending on demand and the time of year.
- Country of Application: Processing times can differ based on where the application is lodged. Some countries may have longer wait times due to logistical factors.
- Visa Type: Spouse and child visas often take longer to process than student visas due to the need for additional documentation and verification.
Estimated Processing Times
- Spouse of a Student Visa: Typically, processing times range from 1 to 2 months. However, if additional documentation is required, this timeline could be extended.
- Visitor Visa for Child: These visas also typically take 2 to 3 months to process. Delays can occur if the authorities need more information or if the student is applying for a visa extension.
Tips to Speed up the Process
- Submit a Complete Application: Ensure that all documents are correctly filled out and that you have all necessary supporting materials. This includes relationship evidence for the spouse visa and financial proof for both visa types.
- Check the Latest Updates: Processing times can change. Always refer to the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website for the most current information on processing times.
- Avoid Last-Minute Applications: Given that processing times can be unpredictable, it’s wise to start the visa application process well in advance of your planned departure date.
Step-by-Step Process for Applying for New Zealand Family Visa
Prepare Required Documents
- For a spouse visa, you’ll need a marriage certificate, proof of relationship, and the student’s enrollment confirmation.
- For a child visa, submit the child’s birth certificate, proof of relationship, and the student’s financial statements.
Submit the Application Online
Most family visa applications are submitted online through the official Immigration New Zealand website. You’ll need to create an account, upload your documents, and pay any required fees.
Wait for Processing
Once submitted, the application will go through processing. Immigration New Zealand may request additional information, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your inbox for any updates.
Receive the Visa Approval
If your application is successful, you will receive your visa approval and can proceed to make travel arrangements.
Tips for a Smooth Family Visa Application
- Be Thorough: Double-check all the details in your application before submitting it. Missing information or documentation can result in delays.
- Plan Early: Start the process early to account for potential delays and ensure that your family can join you without unnecessary hold-ups.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any changes to visa processing times and policies by checking the Immigration New Zealand website.
Bringing your spouse and children to New Zealand while you pursue your studies is a great way to stay connected with your family and enjoy the experience together. Understanding the processing times, eligibility criteria, and the required documents for your family’s visa applications is crucial to ensuring a smooth and timely process.
By planning, submitting complete applications, and staying informed, you can minimize delays and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Good luck with your visa application, and enjoy your time in New Zealand with your loved ones!
West Highlander Immigration
Get the New Zealand family visa expert, West Highlander Immigration to guide you through the whole process of applying for these visas.