New Zealand Visa – Family – Adoption Visas

1. What type of visa do I need to adopt a child in New Zealand?


If you are a foreign national looking to adopt a child in New Zealand, you will need to obtain an Adoption Visitor’s visa. This visa allows you to enter and stay in New Zealand for up to six months for the purpose of adopting a child.

2. What documents do I need to submit for the Adoption Visitor’s visa?

To apply for an Adoption Visitor’s visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

– Completed visa application form
– Valid passport
– Proof of financial support during your stay in New Zealand (e.g. bank statements, pay stubs)
– Proof of accommodation arrangements in New Zealand
– Evidence of your ties to your home country (e.g. employment letter, property ownership)
– Letter from the adoption agency or adoption referee confirming your plans to adopt a child in New Zealand
– A detailed adoption plan including information on the child you wish to adopt and how long you plan to stay in New Zealand

3. Can I work while on an Adoption Visitor’s visa in New Zealand?

No, you cannot work while on an Adoption Visitor’s visa as it is intended only for non-work purposes such as adoption.

4. How long can I stay in New Zealand with an Adoption Visitor’s visa?

An Adoption Visitor’s visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to six months. If you need more time, you can apply for an extension before your current visa expires.

5. Can I bring my spouse or partner and other children with me on an Adoption Visitor’s visa?

Yes, your spouse or partner and other dependent children may accompany you on an Adoption Visitor’s visa if they meet the eligibility requirements and also have their own visas approved.

6. Can I apply for permanent residency in New Zealand through adoption?

No, adopting a child does not automatically grant permanent residency in New Zealand. However, after three years of living and working in New Zealand on another type of visa, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. You must also meet other residency requirements such as having a job offer and demonstrating ties to the community.

2. How long does it take to process a Family – Adoption Visa for New Zealand?


The processing time for a Family-Adoption Visa for New Zealand varies depending on several factors, such as the completeness of the application, individual circumstances, and current workload at the visa office. It is recommended to consult with the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate for specific processing times. Generally, it can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months for the visa application to be processed.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for a Family – Adoption Visa?

To be eligible for a Family – Adoption Visa, you must:

1. Be related to the adoptive child as one of the following: parent, grandparent, sibling, legal guardian, or step-family member
2. Have been approved by the relevant adoption authority in your country of residence
3. Meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government
4. Be able to provide adequate financial support for yourself and any dependents during your stay in Australia
5. Have an approved sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
6. Provide evidence that the adoption is recognised under Australian law and that you have legal custody of the child
7. Be able to demonstrate a genuine intention to live together as a family in Australia.

Additional eligibility requirements may apply depending on your specific situation and relationship with the adoptive child. It is important to consult with an immigration lawyer or contact the Department of Home Affairs for more information.

4. Can I bring my adopted child’s biological siblings with me to New Zealand on this visa?


No, the New Zealand domestic adoption visa is only for the adopted child. Biological siblings would need to apply for their own visa to enter and stay in New Zealand.

5. Can I apply for this visa if I am not yet matched with an adoptive child in New Zealand?


No, you must have a matching or tentative adoption order from New Zealand in order to be eligible for this visa.

6. Do I need a sponsor for a Family – Adoption Visa?

Yes, a sponsor is required for a Family-Adoption Visa. The sponsor must be a citizen or permanent resident of the country where the adoption will take place. They must also meet financial requirements and provide proof of their ability to support the adopted child. Additionally, they must be willing to act as a guarantor for the adopted child and provide ongoing support and care for them after the adoption is finalized.

7. Can other family members, such as grandparents or cousins, be included on the application for this visa?

Yes, other family members can be included on the application as long as they meet the eligibility requirements for the visa. This includes immediate family members such as spouses and children, as well as dependent grandparents or cousins. Each individual will need to submit their own application and provide evidence of their relationship to the primary applicant.

8. What documents do I need to submit with my Family – Adoption Visa application?


The documents required for a Family – Adoption Visa application vary depending on the country you are applying to and your specific case. However, some common documents that may be required include:

1. Completed visa application form: This can usually be filled out online or obtained from the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to.

2. Valid passport: Your passport must have at least six months’ validity remaining and two blank pages.

3. Passport-sized photographs: These should meet the size and format requirements of the country you are applying to.

4. Proof of legal adoption: This could include adoption certificates, court orders, or paperwork from an authorized adoption agency.

5. Consent of biological parents: If one or both parents are still alive, they may need to provide written consent for the adoption.

6. Proof of relationship with adopted child: This can include birth certificate, photos, medical records, and any other relevant documentation.

7. Financial documents: You may need to provide evidence of your ability to financially support yourself and the adopted child during your stay in the country.

8. Medical clearance: Some countries may require applicants to undergo a medical examination to ensure they do not pose a health risk.

9. Police clearance certificate: This is often required to show that you do not have a criminal record.

10. Travel itinerary and proof of accommodation: You may need to show your travel plans and accommodation bookings as part of your visa application.

It is important to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to for their specific requirements for a Family – Adoption Visa application. They may also request additional documents depending on your individual circumstances.

9. Is there an age limit for the adoptive child when applying for this visa?


Yes, the adopted child must be under the age of 18 at the time of filing for the visa. However, there are a few exceptions to this age limit, such as if the child is over 18 but was adopted before turning 16 or if they have certain disabilities. It is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney for specific information about age requirements.

10. Do I need to have a home study completed before applying for this visa?


It depends on the specific requirements of the visa you are applying for. Some visas may require a home study to be completed, while others may not. It is important to carefully review the application instructions and requirements for your specific visa to determine if a home study is necessary. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with an immigration lawyer or seek guidance from the relevant government agency handling your visa application.

11. Is there an interview during the application process for a Family – Adoption Visa?


Yes, an interview is typically required for the application process of a Family – Adoption Visa. The purpose of the interview is to assess the genuineness of your relationship with the child you are planning to adopt, as well as other factors such as your ability to provide for the child’s needs and your understanding of adoption laws. The specific requirements and procedures for the interview may vary depending on the country you are applying to and their immigration policies.

12. Can I work while on a Family – Adoption Visa in New Zealand?

You are allowed to work in New Zealand while on a Family – Adoption Visa. This visa allows you to engage in employment or self-employment, as long as it is not prohibited by any other conditions of your visa.

Please note that a Family – Adoption Visa only allows temporary entry to New Zealand and does not entitle you to permanent residency or citizenship. Therefore, you may need to apply for a separate visa if you wish to continue working in New Zealand after your initial visa expires.

13. What is the processing fee for this type of visa application?


The processing fee for a visa application varies depending on the country and type of visa being applied for. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to for an accurate fee amount.

14. Can I include my spouse/partner on my application if they are not adopting the child with me?


Yes, you can include your spouse/partner on your application, but it will not affect the adoption process if they are not actively involved in the adoption. The process and requirements for adoption may vary depending on individual circumstances and the laws of your state or country, so it is important to consult with an adoption agency or attorney for specific guidance.

15. Are there any medical requirements for this visa category?


Yes, the applicant must be in good health and have no significant medical conditions that could pose a threat to public health or safety. They may also be required to undergo a medical examination and provide evidence of vaccinations depending on their destination country’s requirements.

16. Will my adopted child automatically become a permanent resident upon arrival in New Zealand?


No, your adopted child will not automatically become a permanent resident upon arrival in New Zealand. The adoption process must still be completed and approved by the New Zealand government before your child can become a permanent resident. This process may take several months to years, depending on the individual circumstances of the adoption.

17. Are there any restrictions on where I can adopt from when applying for this visa category?

The Special Immigrant Visa category for adopted children does not have any geographic restrictions. However, the adoption process must be completed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations of the country where the adoption took place, as well as U.S. immigration laws and regulations.

18. Can I apply for citizenship for my adopted child while in New Zealand on this visa?


Yes, you can apply for citizenship for your adopted child while in New Zealand on this visa. However, your child must meet the eligibility requirements for citizenship, such as having lived in New Zealand as a resident for at least five years. You may also need to provide evidence of your adoption and show that your child has been living with you as their primary caregiver during this time. It is recommended that you consult with a licensed immigration advisor or the Department of Internal Affairs for specific guidance on the citizenship application process.

19. If my adopted child is over 18, can they still apply under the Family-Adoption category?

Most countries have age limits for intercountry adoptions, and it is unlikely that an adopted child over the age of 18 would be eligible for adoption under the Family-Adoption category. The purpose of this category is generally to allow children under a certain age to be adopted by their relatives who are living in another country.

However, each country has its own specific rules and regulations regarding adoptions, so it is important to research and understand the requirements before pursuing adoption through this category. In some cases, there may be exceptions or special circumstances where an older adopted child could still apply under the Family-Adoption category, but this would need to be discussed with the relevant adoption authorities in both countries.

20.Family-Adoption visas are no longer being issued by Immigration NZ effective July 2017.


Unfortunately, this means that individuals and families who are wanting to adopt a child from overseas will no longer be able to apply for a Family-Adoption visa through Immigration NZ. The decision to discontinue this visa category was made by the New Zealand government in July 2017.

This change aligns with the Government’s focus on ensuring that all children have the opportunity to grow up in stable, caring and permanent families. The government believes that adoption within New Zealand is the best way to achieve this goal.

While Family-Adoption visas will no longer be issued, individuals and families may still be able to adopt a child from overseas through alternative means, such as applying for a Residence visa for their adopted child.

It is important for anyone considering adopting a child from overseas to seek advice from an immigration lawyer or accredited adoption agency before moving forward with their plans. They will be able to provide guidance on the most appropriate visa option and assist with the application process.

Immigration NZ has also stated that they will continue processing any existing Family-Adoption visa applications that were lodged before July 2017. However, it is not guaranteed that these applications will be successful.

Overall, while this may be disappointing news for some individuals and families, the government’s decision reflects their commitment to protecting the best interests of children and promoting domestic adoption in New Zealand.