Dependent Child Visa

Helping families stay together in New Zealand — with clarity, care, and expert guidance

Applying for a Dependent Child Visa allows children to join or remain with their parents in New Zealand.
While the concept sounds straightforward, dependent child applications are frequently delayed, declined, or questioned due to misunderstandings around custody, dependency, or family circumstances.

At Immigreat, we specialise in navigating these complexities — particularly where applications involve separated parents, blended families, step-children, or prior visa refusals.

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What is a Dependent Child Visa?

A Dependent Child Visa allows an eligible child to be granted a visa based on their relationship to a parent who holds, or is applying for, a New Zealand visa or residence.

Dependent children may be included in or linked to applications for:

  • Work visas

  • Student visas

  • Resident visas

However, eligibility is not automatic and depends on strict legal criteria.

Who is considered a “dependent child”?

Immigration New Zealand assesses dependency based on law, policy, and evidence — not assumptions.

A child must generally:

  • Be single (not married or in a civil/defacto relationship)

  • Be financially dependent on their parent(s)

  • Meet age-related dependency requirements

  • Be included correctly in the parent’s visa strategy

Even where a child clearly “belongs” with their parent, technical non-compliance can still lead to decline.

Common scenarios we assist with

Dependent child visas become particularly complex in situations involving:

  • Separated or divorced parents

  • Shared or sole custody arrangements

  • Step-children or blended families

  • Children born outside of the parents’ relationship

  • Adoption or guardianship arrangements

  • Children nearing age cut-off thresholds

  • Prior visa refusals or concerns raised by Immigration New Zealand

These cases require legal interpretation, not template applications.

Custody, consent, and family law considerations

One of the most common reasons dependent child visas are delayed or declined relates to custody and parental consent.

Immigration New Zealand may require:

  • Evidence of sole or shared custody

  • Proof that all legal guardians consent to the child migrating

  • Confirmation that the move is lawful and permanent, not temporary or coercive

Importantly, family law differs by country, and assumptions made by Immigration New Zealand do not always align with local legal realities — this is where professional advocacy becomes critical.

Health, character, and best-interests assessments

Children applying for visas must meet:

  • Health requirements, which may involve additional assessment where medical conditions exist

  • Character requirements, depending on age and circumstances

In some cases, Immigration New Zealand will also consider whether granting the visa aligns with the best interests of the child, particularly where family separation or care arrangements are involved.

These assessments are discretionary and must be carefully addressed, not left to chance.

Why dependent child visas are often declined

In our experience, refusals commonly occur due to:

  • Incorrect assumptions about custody or guardianship

  • Insufficient evidence of financial or emotional dependency

  • Poorly explained family circumstances

  • Inconsistencies across applications

  • Failure to anticipate Immigration New Zealand’s concerns

Many of these issues are entirely preventable with the right strategy from the outset.

Why professional advice matters

Dependent child visas sit at the intersection of:

  • Immigration law

  • Family law

  • Evidence assessment

  • Discretionary decision-making

A Licensed Immigration Adviser does more than submit forms — we:

  • Identify risks before Immigration New Zealand does

  • Structure evidence to address policy concerns

  • Provide legal submissions where required

  • Advocate for families when decisions are questioned

This is especially important when children’s futures are involved.

How Immigreat can help

We support families through every stage of the dependent child visa process, including:

  • Eligibility and dependency assessments

  • Custody and consent strategy

  • Evidence planning and documentation

  • Visa submissions and follow-ups

  • Responses to Immigration New Zealand concerns or requests

  • Complex or previously declined cases

Our approach is careful, strategic, and child-focused.

Do you need a licensed immigration adviser?

Immigration can be a stressful and expensive commitment to your future, can you afford to make a mistake that jeopardizes that future? As highly qualified specialists in the immigration industry we have the skills to help make your dream a reality!

CONTACT US NOW!