Dependent Child Student Visa
Allow your child to study in New Zealand while you hold a temporary visa. We guide your family through every step of the application process.
12+
Years of NZ Immigration Experience
95%
Visa Approval Rate
500+
Families Helped
Licensed
Immigration Advisers (LAI)
Is Your Child Eligible?
A Dependent Child Student Visa allows the dependent children of certain temporary visa holders to study in New Zealand. Eligibility depends on your own visa type and the school your child will attend.
Parent Has a Work Visa
If you hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or other eligible work visa, your child may apply to study at a state or state-integrated school free of charge.
Parent Has a Student Visa
Children of student visa holders may also be eligible, depending on whether the parent is studying at a New Zealand university or tertiary institution.
Child Under 18
The child must be under 18 and genuinely dependent on the principal visa holder. Children 18 or older must apply for their own student visa independently.
What You Will Need
Gathering the right documents upfront makes the process significantly smoother. Here is what Immigration New Zealand typically requires.
Valid Passport
The child’s passport must be valid for the full duration of their intended stay in New Zealand.
Proof of Parent’s Visa
A copy of the parent’s current valid visa showing they are an eligible visa holder in New Zealand.
Proof of Relationship
Birth certificate or legal guardianship documents proving the child is a dependent of the visa holder.
School Enrolment
A letter of offer or enrolment confirmation from a New Zealand school or educational institution.
Medical & Health Requirements
Depending on the child’s home country and length of stay, a medical certificate or X-ray certificate may be required.
Custodian Details (if applicable)
If the parent is not relocating with the child, a New Zealand-based custodian must be nominated and approved.
How We Help You Apply
Our advisers handle the complexity so you can focus on your family’s transition to New Zealand.
Free Initial Consultation
We assess your parent visa status, your child’s age and circumstances, and confirm eligibility before any work begins.
Document Checklist & Preparation
We provide a personalised document checklist and review everything before submission to ensure nothing is missing or incorrect.
Application Lodgement
We lodge the visa application through Immigration New Zealand’s online system on your behalf, handling all forms and declarations.
Follow-Up & Outcome
We monitor the application, respond to any INZ queries, and notify you as soon as a decision is made. We also advise on next steps if renewal is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child study for free in New Zealand?
If you hold an eligible work visa such as the AEWV, your child may attend a New Zealand state or state-integrated school at no tuition cost. Private school fees still apply.
Does my child need a separate visa?
Yes. Even though your child is your dependent, they must apply for their own Dependent Child Student Visa. This is a separate application submitted to Immigration New Zealand.
What happens when my work visa expires?
Your child’s Dependent Child Student Visa is typically tied to your own visa. When your visa is renewed, the child’s visa will also need to be renewed. We can manage both applications simultaneously.
Can my child work while on this visa?
Dependent Child Student Visas do not usually include work rights. If your child is older and looking to work part-time, we can advise whether an alternative visa type is more appropriate.
How long does the application take?
Processing times vary. INZ typically processes these visas within a few weeks when all documents are in order. Delays can occur if additional information is requested, which is why thorough preparation matters.
My child is turning 18 soon. Can they still apply?
If your child turns 18 while already in New Zealand on a Dependent Child Student Visa, they may be able to transition to a standard Student Visa. Contact us early so we can plan ahead.
Ready to Bring Your Family Together?
Our licensed immigration advisers are here to make the process as straightforward as possible. Get in touch today for a free assessment.
