New Zealand’s New Study Visa Policy: Bring Your Family Starting June 2025

Beginning in June 2025, overseas students in New Zealand will be able to bring their families with them while they study. This is significant news for students aspiring to higher education in a pleasant and tranquil nation, without having to leave their loved ones behind.

This tutorial will clarify the new policy, including who is eligible, the types of visas your family can obtain, how to apply, and what you should be prepared for.

What is Changing from June 2025?

Until now, not all international students in New Zealand have been able to bring their partners or children. That choice was available only to individuals in specified postgraduate courses or employment on New Zealand’s Green List.

Starting in June 2025, New Zealand is simplifying the process for students to bring their spouses and children, even while they are still studying.

Who Is Eligible?

The amended regulation is primarily for students who are:

• Investigating a Level 9 or 10 course, say a Master’s or PhD program.
• Studying a Level 7 or 8 course (Bachelor’s or Honours), but only if it leads to a job on New Zealand’s Green List; this is a list of high-demand jobs, such as engineers, IT professionals, healthcare workers, and more.

If you’re enrolled in one of these accepted programs, you may now sponsor:

• Married or de facto spouse or partner
• Generally, under-19 dependent children

Which Visas May Your Family Apply For?

Below is a straightforward summary of the several visa types your children and spouse may apply for:

1. Partner of a Student Work Visa

Your partner may be eligible to apply for this visa if you are enrolled in a Level 9 or 10 course or a Level 7 or 8 course that leads to a Green List job.

This visa lets your spouse work full-time in New Zealand while you attend.

2. Partner of a Student Visitor Visa

Your spouse can still seek a visitor visa if your course does not meet the above standards.

 Though they can remain with you while you study, this visa prohibits them from working.

3. Dependent Child Student Visa

Should you register for a qualifying course, your kids can apply for this visa.

 This entitles them to attend a New Zealand school at no cost, just as local kids do.

4. Child of a Student Visitor Visa

Although they lack a student visa, your kids can apply for a visitor visa.

 They may live with you, but you must pay if they attend school.

Financial Requirements

Here’s what you must prove:

• Partner: Your smallest sum should be NZD 4,200.
• Every child requires NZD 1,000 per month; if their lodging is already paid, they will require NZD 400 per month.

You can demonstrate this with:

• Bank statements
• Credit card limits
• A financial sponsor’s signed letter (like a parent or guardian)

Health and Character Requirements

Every family member must adhere to New Zealand’s health and character standards. This implies:

• Medical evaluations for particular applicants, mainly if they are staying for more than 12 months
• Adult (typically 17 years or older) police clearance certificates

Should any family member suffer from serious medical problems such as a developmental condition or chronic disease, their visa might need additional proof or take more time.

How to Apply for New Zealand’s New Study Visa

To assist you and your family in applying successfully, here’s a step-by-step instruction:

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check that your course is on the list that entitles you under this new rule. This entails determining whether your program results in a Green List employment opportunity.

Step 2: Compile Your Paperwork

You will require:

• Evidence of admission to an approved course
• Copies of passports
• Marriage certificate or evidence of relationship: pictures, communications, shared bills, etc.
• Birth certificates for your kids
• Financial evidence
• Health and police clearance credentials

Step 3: Apply Online

On the Immigration New Zealand website (www.immigration.govt.nz), create an account. Then, complete your spouse’s and children’s visa forms online.

Step 4: Keep an Eye on the Decision

Once you submit all the required documents, your family’s applications will be processed. This can take some weeks, so start early.

When Should You Apply?

The policy goes into effect in June 2025. If you intend to begin your course around that time or afterwards, you may start your visa process as early as March–April 2025 to allow enough time for everything to be approved.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: Sara from India

Sara is travelling to New Zealand to pursue a Level 9 Master’s in Data Science. She is married and has a 6-year-old son.

• Sara’s partner can apply for a Partner of Student Work Visa
• Her kid can apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa

Sara may have her family by her side, live with them, and study. She can send her son to school for free while her husband works full-time.

Example 2: John from the Philippines

On the Green List, John is pursuing a Level 7 Bachelor’s in Nursing. Though he has a girlfriend, he has no children.

• His partner can apply for a Partner of Student Work Visa.

They can live together; his girlfriend can work while John studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Could I Include My Parents?

No, the revised legislation only permits partners and dependent children. Parents are not covered.

2. Is It Certain That My Family Will Be Granted a Visa?

Not every visa can be assured. Immigration New Zealand will meticulously examine all papers. Your family’s visa could be rejected if your health or financial proof isn’t compelling enough.

3. Can My Spouse Study While in New Zealand?

They can study for up to three months on their work visa. Should they wish to study for longer, they must request an extension of their student visa.

4. Should My Children Need to Pass an English Test?

Children must not pass an English test to get a Dependent Child Student Visa.

5. What If My Curriculum Isn’t on the Green List?

Although they might get vitor visas,, excluding labour and free schooling, your partner and children can still come along.

Final Thoughts

This new visa policy is a tremendous relief for students who have previously had to leave their homes behind. Knowing your loved ones are by your side, you can now study efficiently.

New Zealand is opening its doors more widely than ever, whether your spouse wishes to work or your kids wish to study.

Therefore, if you are applying to study in New Zealand in 2025 or later, start your paperwork early, budget your money, and allow your family to grow with you in one of the most student-friendly countries in the world.