Children of New Zealand citizens and residents who are waiting for their own residence or citizenship application to be decided will have a new visa option from Monday 16 November 2026, according to Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
The change is set out in INZ Amendment Circular 2026-30, dated 16 October. It adds a new section of immigration instructions for dependent children of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders.
This is separate from the move of family visa applications online. It is about a new way for a child to stay, and study, while their longer application is in the queue.
What is the new visa?
INZ's circular lists its key features:
- the application must be supported by a parent who is a New Zealand citizen or resident
- the child must have an application for New Zealand citizenship under consideration by the Department of Internal Affairs, or an application for residence under consideration by INZ
- the visa lasts 12 months, and further visas are available if needed while the residence or citizenship application is processed
- there is no requirement for evidence of funds or sponsorship
The instructions attached to the circular grant it as a student visa. They say the child can be granted the visa without needing to produce evidence of enrolment, and that guarantees of accommodation or maintenance are not required because the child is supported by a citizen or resident parent.
Other conditions
The instructions also require that the parent intends to stay in New Zealand for the same period the child is applying for.
The 12 months runs from the date of arrival if the child is outside New Zealand, or from the date the visa is granted if the child is already here.
If the residence or citizenship decision takes longer, INZ says immigration officers may consider granting a further visa for long enough to allow that application to be completed, as long as the conditions are still met.
What evidence is needed?
INZ says immigration officers must see:
- the New Zealand citizenship or residence status of the child's parent
- documents confirming the child's relationship with the parent
- evidence the child and parent intend to stay in New Zealand over the same period
- evidence the child has applied for residence or citizenship
If that evidence was already given to INZ as part of a residence application from or including the child, officers can use it, according to the instructions.
Adopted children
There is an exception for some adoptions. The instructions say a visa cannot be granted under this section as a result of an overseas adoption order described in the Adoption Act 1955, unless the adoption is from an "exempt country" listed in that law. In those cases, INZ says officers may still consider other temporary visa categories.
Visitor visa for children also changes
The same circular extends the visitor visa for children of New Zealand citizens and residents from nine months to 12 months.
It also changes when the clock starts. The visitor visa will be granted from the date of grant if the child is in New Zealand, or from the date of arrival if the child is overseas, instead of always running from arrival.
Partners: shorter first visas
The circular also changes partner visas. Work and visitor visas for partners of New Zealand citizens and residents will not be granted for longer than 12 months until the couple have lived together for 12 months.
Medical certificates
INZ has also removed a requirement for partners and children of citizens and residents applying for temporary visas to provide a Limited Medical Certificate in order to be eligible for a medical waiver, according to the circular. The requirements are now set out directly in the health instructions.
Who this is likely to help
The new visa is aimed at families where a parent already has citizenship or residence, the child has applied for residence or citizenship, and the family wants the child in New Zealand, including at school, while that decision is pending. Because no evidence of funds or enrolment is needed, it may be simpler than applying for a standard student visa.
The changes apply to applications from 16 November. Families with complex situations, particularly involving adoption, may want advice from a licensed immigration adviser.
