Partners and children of work or student visa holders

Visitor Visas for Partners & Children of Work or Student Visa Holders

If you hold a student or work visa in New Zealand, your partner and dependent children may be able to join you on a Visitor Visa, subject to certain conditions. Here's what you need to know:

Who Can Apply

  • Partners of student or work visa holders (legally married or in a genuine and stable relationship).
  • Dependent children (typically under 20 and financially dependent on the parent).

 Who Is Not Eligible

Your partner or children cannot get a visitor visa under this category if your visa was granted under any of the following schemes:

  • Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme
  • Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE)
  • Fishing crew work visa
  • Working Holiday visa
  • Skilled Migrant Category – Job Search visa
  • Domestic staff of diplomatic or consular workers
  • Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (with some exceptions)
  • Specific Purpose seasonal worker visa

For Partners & Children of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Holders

To be eligible, your role as the visa holder must fall into one of these categories:

  1. ANZSCO skill level 1, 2 or 3
  2. Earning 1.5 times the Skilled Migrant median wage
  3. On the Green List and meet the Green List role requirements
  4. Working in the Transport or Care Sector under the Work to Residence pathway

Note: If you're working in a skill level 4 or 5 job, your family can only apply if they held or applied for a dependent visa before 26 June 2024, or your job still meets the above criteria (e.g., high pay or Green List).

Income Requirement

To support a dependent child on a visitor visa, you must earn at least NZ$55,844 gross per year.

  • This income must come from salary or wages (not including allowances).
  • If both parents are work visa holders, their incomes can be combined.
  • You can work up to 40 hours a week to meet this threshold.

Failing to maintain this income level could make both you and your child liable for deportation.

For Dependent Children of Essential Skills Work Visa Holders

Children can only be granted a visitor visa if:

  • You meet the same NZ$55,844 minimum income requirement.
  • Children born in NZ after 30 Nov 2009 are exempt until your next visa application.
  • If you’ve held work visas continuously since before 30 Nov 2009, the income requirement may not apply.

 For Religious Worker Visa Holders

You can support your children if:

  • You and/or your partner earn at least NZ$55,844/year, OR
  • Your religious organisation agrees to sponsor your children.

This income can include wages, salary, or stipends, and must be evidenced.

Children Awaiting Residence – With Part-Time Work Rights

If your child is 17–24 years old, they may get limited work rights with a visitor visa if:

  • They’ve completed Year 13 (or equivalent),
  • They’ve applied for residence under one of the following categories:

Notes & Disclaimers

  • Immigration New Zealand checks health and character requirements.
  • Conditions and rules can change – always check with a licensed immigration adviser.
  • Visitor visas under this category do not provide work or study rights (unless specified).
    • Partnership or Skilled Migrant (including Green List)
    • Care or Transport Sector – Work to Residence
  • They can work up to 20 hours per week, and full-time from 1 Dec – 31 Jan each year.

Need help applying for your family’s visa?
Contact JD Immigration – We’re here to help you reunite with your loved ones in New Zealand.