Immigration health requirement changes

Photo credit: Tourism NZ Visual Library

The New Zealand Government has announced a change to immigration health requirements that will affect dependent children of temporary visa holders. Effective from 17 March 2025, if new student and visitor visa applicants who are applying as a dependent child (of a work, student, or military visa holder) have a severe cognitive impairment or developmental disorder that requires significant support, they will no longer meet the health requirement threshold.

This update aligns the health requirements for temporary entry visas with those already in place for residence class visas. However, it is important to note that this change does not apply to children applying for a Fee Paying Student Visa. 

Key reasons for change

The Government has introduced this change to:

• Manage pressures on New Zealand’s health and education systems, by ensuring these services are not burdened beyond their capacity.
• Support a consistent and fair immigration system, with health screening requirement applied evenly across temporary and Residence Visa pathways.

A more transparent and sustainable approach

This measure is intended to reduce the likelihood of families settling in New Zealand under temporary arrangements, only to later discover they are ineligible for residence due to the health requirements of their dependants. By setting clear expectations from the outset, the Government aims to make the immigration journey more transparent and fair.

Ultimately, the policy seeks to balance New Zealand’s immigration objectives—welcoming people needed for work, study, or travel—while maintaining a sustainable healthcare and education infrastructure.

 Understanding visa options for dependent children

It’s important to understand how your dependent children can also obtain the appropriate visa. There are two main pathways available:

• Including your children in your visa application if applicable, or
• Child can apply for their own visas depending on their relationship to you, if you:
  • Currently hold a visa,
  • Currently applying for a visa, or
  • are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Please note: Dependent children are not eligible for work visas.

Who is considered a dependent child?

The definition of a dependent child varies on the visa type (resident or temporary) they are applying for and the child’s age.

Resident visa – dependent children

A child is considered dependent for a resident visa if they:

• Are aged 24 or under, and
• Are single (not married or in a de facto relationship).

Additional requirements:

• They cannot have any children of their own if they are 18 and above.
• Depending on the visa being applied for, if they are aged 21 to 24, they must rely on you or another adult for complete financial support.

Temporary visas – dependent children

For temporary visas such as student visas (primary or secondary level) or most visitor visas, a child is considered dependent if they:

• Are 19 years or under,
• Are fully financially supported by you, and
• Are single.

Note that if the child is 18 and/or 19 they must not have children of their own.

Important:
Children aged 20 or over cannot be included in a parent’s visitor or student visa application and, in most cases, are not eligible to apply for a visa solely based on their relationship with you. They will need to submit their own individual visa application to join you in New Zealand.

Exceptions – Child of a New Zealander or Worker visitor visas

There are specific exceptions for children aged 20 to 24 who may still be considered dependent if they are:

• Applying for a Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa or Child of a Worker Visitor Visa, and
• Included in your application for, or have applied for, an eligible residence visa.

Eligible residence visas include:

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
• Partner of a New Zealander Residence Visa
• Work to Residence Visa (Green List roles)
• Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
• Straight to Residence Visa (Green List roles)
• Dependent Child Resident Visa
• Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa

Need support with dependent child visas?

Navigating visa eligibility and application requirements can be complex. At Absolute Immigration NZ, our team of migration experts are here to guide you every step of the way—ensuring the right visa pathway for your family or business.

Contact our immigration experts on aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com

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