Many students are curious about whether they can bring their family to New Zealand while studying.
Under some conditions, international students are permitted to bring their partners and children to New Zealand.
Let’s explore your options for relocating family to New Zealand while studying.
Can I Bring My Family to New Zealand While Studying?
- Eligibility Criteria for Bringing Family Members
You and your family members must fulfill specific requirements for you to bring your family to New Zealand while you study.
For family members to accompany you, you must first have a valid student visa and your degree of study must fulfill the requirements.
This is usually stronger if you are enrolled in a postgraduate program or a course of study that is thought to be in high demand in New Zealand, like those that address skill shortages.
Visas that allow you to join family – CLICK HERE
Types of Family Visas Available
- Partner of a Student Visa
Your partner can apply for this visa if you are married or in a committed relationship.
It enables you to live with them in New Zealand while you pursue your studies.
- Dependent Child Student Visa
This visa is designed for your children (under the age of 18). If they are accepted, they can go to school in New Zealand with you.
Study Program Requirements for Family Accompanying Visas
- The degree of the program in which you are enrolled will determine how much freedom you have for your family.
- Postgraduate students are more flexible when it comes to bringing their families with them, particularly those pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees.
- Undergraduate students and those enrolled in shorter-term programs, on the other hand, can be subject to harsher limitations.
Work Rights for Partners of International Students
- International students may be permitted to work in New Zealand while they are enrolled in classes.
- Your partner may be eligible to apply for a work visa that will allow them to work full-time if you are pursuing postgraduate studies or working in an industry where there is a shortage of skilled workers.
Read: Which course is best for PR in NZ?
Schooling Options for Dependent Children
- In New Zealand, your kids can go to elementary or secondary school if you bring them along.
- Yet, depending on the kind of visa you have, kids may be able to attend school for free or may need to pay foreign tuition.
- Dependent children may be recognized as domestic students for students enrolled in higher-level programs, exempting them from paying foreign tuition.
Financial Requirements for Supporting Family
- You must show that you have sufficient funds to maintain your family members while they are visiting to bring them.
- This includes keeping a specific level of savings in the bank or proving that you make enough money to pay for necessities like housing, food, and medical care for your family.
Healthcare and Insurance for Family Members
- During their stay in New Zealand, all overseas students and their families are required to obtain a valid health insurance policy.
- This guarantees that, in an emergency, you and your family will have access to medical treatment.
- To prevent coverage gaps, it is critical to set up health insurance as soon as feasible.
Application Process for Family Visas
- The process of applying for a family to New Zealand while studying is simple.
- You will have to provide documentation of your relationship (marriage or birth certificates for the kids) as well as proof that you have the means to maintain them financially.
- When applying for a student visa, it is also necessary to send in every necessary document as this can speed up the procedure.
Bottom Line
If you prepare well, you can bring your family to New Zealand while studying.
