New Zealand Study Visa Policy Now Lets You Bring Your Family in New Zealand Starting June 2025
A warm Kiwi welcome just got warmer! In a long-anticipated and family-friendly move, New Zealand has officially updated its student visa policy for 2025, making it easier for international students to bring their loved ones along on their academic journey. Whether you’re aiming for a PhD, Master’s degree, or a skill-shortage-linked diploma, this policy update opens doors not just for your education—but for your entire family’s future.
What’s the Buzz All About?
If you’re holding a New Zealand student visa, you can now support visitor visas for your partner and children—and under certain conditions, even student visas for your dependent children and work visas for your partner.
This is big news, especially for international students seeking to strike a balance between academic ambitions and family life. Previously, not all study programs allowed such benefits. But as of 2025, New Zealand is officially embracing the family-first approach for eligible student visa holders.
Family Visa Options: Who Can You Bring?
Depending on what level or type of qualification you’re pursuing, here’s what you can now apply for:
1# Standard Family Visa Support
-
- Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
- Child of a Student Visitor Visa
2# If You’re Studying an Eligible Program
You can support:
-
- Partner of a Student Work Visa
- Dependent Child Student Visa
Which Study Programs Qualify?
You may support your family’s work or study visas if you’re enrolled in any of the following:
| Your Study Program | You Can Support |
|---|---|
| Level 9 or 10 (Master’s or PhD) | Work visa for partner + Student visas for children |
| Level 7 or 8 with Green List qualification | Work visa for partner |
| Level 7 or 8 Post Study Work Visa qualification | Work visa for partner |
| PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) | Work visa for partner + Student visas for children |
| NZ Govt. Exchange Student Scheme | Student visas for dependent children |
| MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship (excluding short-term/English) | Work visa for partner + Student visas for children |
Note: You can find your qualification level on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.
What If Only Your Partner is Eligible?
Here’s an example to help clarify: Let’s say you’re studying a Level 8 program from the Green List. You can support your partner’s work visa, but not your children’s student visas directly.
Solution:
- You get a student visa
- Your partner gets a Partner of a Student Work Visa
- Your children apply as dependents of your partner (who now has a work visa)
Voilà! Your entire family can live, work, and study in New Zealand together.
Special Notes for Parents and Guardians
- If your child is already studying in New Zealand, you can apply for a Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa.
- All family member visas usually expire with your student visa, so keep track of renewal timelines!
Proof of Relationship & More
To apply for partner or child visas, you’ll need to show valid proof of:
- Marriage or de facto relationship
- Dependent status of your children
If your relationship ends during the stay, your family’s visa conditions may change, so you must notify immigration authorities.
Why This Policy Update Matters?
This 2025 update reflects New Zealand’s progressive stance on inclusive international education, recognizing that students thrive when they’re supported by family. It makes the country even more attractive for scholars from around the world who seek not only academic excellence but also family well-being.
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