New Zealand Visa – Family – Parent Resident Visa

1. What is a Family – Parent Resident Visa?


A Family – Parent Resident Visa is a type of visa that allows parents of a New Zealand citizen or resident to live in New Zealand permanently. It falls under the Family Category of visas and is designed to reunite families and promote strong family connections in New Zealand.

2. Who is eligible for a Family – Parent Resident Visa?

To be eligible for a Family – Parent Resident Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

– Be sponsored by your child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident
– Be in good health and character
– Meet the financial support requirements
– Meet the English language requirements (unless exempt)
– Have an adult child or children living in New Zealand who are willing to sponsor you
– Have sufficient funds to support yourself and your partner during your stay in New Zealand.

3. How do I apply for a Family – Parent Resident Visa?

To apply for a Family – Parent Resident Visa, you will need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Gather all required documents:
– Completed application form (INZ 1175)
– Your passport with at least six months validity remaining
– Evidence of your relationship with your sponsoring child (e.g. birth certificate)
– Police certificates from the countries where you have lived for more than five years since turning 17
– Medical certificates

Step 2: Submit your application online or by mail along with the required fee.

Step 3: Wait for a decision on your application. Processing times can vary depending on the number of applications received and other factors.

4. How long does it take to process a Family – Parent Resident Visa?

The processing time for a Family -Parent Resident Visa can vary depending on various factors such as the complexity of individual cases and number of applications received. As of February 2021, Immigration New Zealand states that most applications are processed within 9 months from the date they are submitted.

5. Is there an age limit for a Family – Parent Resident Visa?

No, there is no specific age limit for a Family – Parent Resident Visa. However, as an applicant, you must meet the health and character requirements set by Immigration New Zealand.

6. Can I work in New Zealand with a Family – Parent Resident Visa?

Yes, Family – Parent Resident Visa holders are allowed to work in New Zealand.

7. Can I include my dependents in my application?

Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children (under the age of 24) in your Family -Parent Resident Visa application. They must meet the eligibility criteria and their applications will be assessed separately.

8. What happens after I receive my Family – Parent Resident Visa?

Once your visa is approved, you will need to make travel arrangements to move to New Zealand within 12 months from the date of issue. Upon arrival in New Zealand, you will need to complete two years as a resident before being eligible to apply for permanent residence status.

9. What if my sponsor’s circumstances change during the visa processing period?

If any changes occur in your sponsor’s circumstances after they have submitted their sponsorship form but before a decision is made on your visa application, it is important that your sponsor contacts Immigration New Zealand immediately with details of these changes.

2. Who is eligible to apply for a Family – Parent Resident Visa?


A person who is a child, stepchild, or parent (including adoptive parent) of a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident can apply for a Family – Parent Resident Visa. The child or sponsor must also meet certain financial and character requirements.

3. Can I include my spouse and dependent children in my Parent Resident Visa application?


Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your Parent Resident Visa application, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for the visa. They will need to provide evidence of their relationship to you and meet all other requirements, such as health and character checks. It is important to note that each family member will need to submit their own individual application forms and pay the required fees.

4. What are the requirements for a Family – Parent Resident Visa?

If you are a parent of a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be eligible for a Family – Parent Resident Visa. The requirements include:

1. Relationship: You must have a child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.

2. Aged 65 years or younger: You must be 65 years of age or younger at the time of application.

3. Sponsorship: Your child must sponsor your application and provide evidence of their eligibility as a sponsor.

4. Residence in New Zealand: Your child must have been living in New Zealand for at least three years before sponsoring your application.

5. Health and character requirements: You and your accompanying family members must meet health and character requirements.

6. Financial support: Your sponsor must prove that they can financially support you during your first two years in New Zealand.

7. Eligible housing: Your sponsor must also provide evidence that they have an eligible home for you to live in when you arrive in New Zealand.

8. Dependent children: If you have any dependent children, they may be included in your visa application if they meet the eligibility criteria.

It is important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval for a Family – Parent Resident Visa, as each case is assessed on an individual basis by the immigration authorities.

5. Is there an age limit for parent visa applicants?


There is no specific age limit for parent visa applicants in general. However, for certain visas with a balance of family test requirement (such as the Contributory Parent visa), the applicant’s children must have at least half of their children living permanently in Australia, or more of their children living permanently in Australia than any other country. This may pose a challenge for older parents who have most of their children living in another country. Additionally, if the parent has a significant health condition, the age and health requirements of the visa subclass may impact their eligibility.

6. Do I need to have a sponsor in New Zealand for this visa?


No, you do not need to have a sponsor in New Zealand for this visa. However, if you are applying for the Essential Skills Work Visa, your employer will need to be registered with Immigration New Zealand as an accredited employer or have a valid approval in principle before you can apply.

7. How long does the processing of a Family – Parent Resident Visa take?


The processing time for a Family – Parent Resident Visa can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant and their sponsor. On average, it can take anywhere from 12-24 months for this type of visa to be processed. It is important to note that processing times can also be affected by factors such as the completeness of the application, any additional documents or information requested, and any changes in immigration policies or procedures. It is recommended to regularly check the New Zealand Immigration website for updates on current processing times.

8. Is there a limit on the number of places available for this visa category?


Yes, there is a cap on the number of places available for this visa category. The exact limit varies each year and is set by the government based on the needs of the country and the demand for skilled workers in various industries. Once the cap is reached, no further applications will be accepted until the next year’s quota is released.

9. Can I work, study, or access healthcare under this visa category?

No, this visa category is intended for travelers who meet the specific eligibility requirements to enter the US for tourism, business, or transit purposes only. This means that you are not allowed to study or work while on a B1/B2 visa. Additionally, you will need a separate visa or authorization to access healthcare services in the US. It is important to always adhere to the rules and restrictions of your visa category to avoid any issues with immigration authorities.

10. How long is the initial validity period of this visa?


The initial validity period of this visa generally ranges from 3 months to one year, depending on the type of visa and the country’s policies. It is best to check with the specific country’s embassy or consulate for more accurate information.

11. Am I required to maintain any specific level of funds or income after obtaining the visa?


The visa requirements vary depending on the type of visa you have obtained. Some visas may require evidence of sufficient funds or income to support yourself during your stay in that country, while others may not have this requirement. It is important to carefully review and understand the conditions of your specific visa to ensure you meet all necessary requirements.

12. Can I apply for permanent residency through this visa category?


Yes, you can apply for permanent residency through this visa category if you meet the eligibility requirements. Typically, you must have lived and worked in Canada for a certain period of time (usually two years) as a skilled worker before you can apply for permanent residency. You must also meet other eligibility criteria such as language proficiency and meeting a minimum income threshold.

13. What are the options for extending my stay beyond the initial validity period of the visa?


If you wish to extend your stay beyond the initial validity period of your visa, you can contact the immigration authority in the country where you are seeking to extend your stay. Each country may have different options and requirements for extending a visa. Some possible options may include:

1. Applying for a visa extension: Depending on the type of visa you hold, you may be able to apply for an extension from within the country. This usually requires submitting an application and supporting documents, such as proof of financial means and a valid reason for extending your stay.

2. Applying for a change of status: If you entered the country on a non-immigrant visa, you may be able to apply for a change of status to a long-term or permanent resident visa.

3. Obtaining a new visa: If it is not possible to extend your current visa, you may be able to apply for a new one that allows for longer stays. For example, if you entered on a short-term tourist visa, you could apply for a work or student visa that allows longer stays.

4. Leaving and re-entering with a new visa: If there are no other options available, you may need to leave the country before your current visa expires and re-enter with a new one that allows for longer stays.

It is important to carefully check the rules and regulations of the specific country where you wish to extend your stay. It is also recommended to start the process well in advance, as it can take time for applications to be processed and approved.

14. Is there an English language proficiency requirement for this visa?


Yes, there is an English language proficiency requirement for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Applicants must demonstrate at least a Competent English level of proficiency, which can be met through one of the following:

1. Obtaining a score of at least 6 in each of the four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening) in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test;
2. Obtaining a score of at least 50 in each of the four components on the Occupational English Test (OET);
3. Obtaining a score of at least B in each of the four components on the Cambridge C1 Advanced test;
4. Obtaining a TOEFL iBT total score of at least 64 with minimum scores of 4 for listening and reading, and 14 for writing and speaking; or
5. Providing evidence that you are a citizen or holder of a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, United States or Republic of Ireland.

If you do not meet any of these requirements, you may still be able to meet the English language proficiency requirement if you provide evidence that you have completed all years of primary education and at least three years of secondary education taught and assessed solely in English; or that you have completed at least five years’ continuous study taught solely in English.

It is important to note that some exemptions may apply for applicants who are citizens or passport holders from certain countries or if they have completed specified levels of education or work experience in Australia. It is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent for specific details regarding your circumstances.

15. What happens if my circumstances change after obtaining the visa?


If your circumstances change after obtaining the visa, you are required to inform the relevant immigration authorities. For example, if you get married or divorced, have a child, or change jobs, you will need to update this information with the immigration authorities. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your visa and you may be barred from entering the country again. It is important to always keep your visa and personal information up-to-date with the appropriate authorities.

16.Tourist Visitor Visa, can holder get another one within 2 years if its not used?

As per the conditions of a Tourist Visitor Visa, once it expires or is used to enter a country, it cannot be used again. Therefore, if a visa holder does not use their visa within the specified timeframe (usually 3-6 months depending on the country), it will expire and they may have to apply for a new visa if they wish to visit again. This means that if the visa is not used, the holder cannot get another one within 2 years.

17.What are the costs involved in applying for a Family – Parent Resident Visa?


The costs involved in applying for a Family – Parent Resident Visa vary depending on the specific situation. The primary costs include:

1. Visa application fee: This is the fee payable to the immigration authority of the country where you are applying for a visa. The cost may vary depending on the type of visa and the country you are applying from.

2. Proof of financial support: Some countries require applicants to show proof of adequate financial support. This may include bank statements, income tax returns, or sponsorship letters from a family member.

3. Medical examination fees: Most countries require applicants to undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet certain health criteria. The cost of this exam varies but is typically not covered by the visa application fee.

4. Travel expenses: If you need to travel to your home country or another location for any aspect of the application process, such as submitting documents or attending an interview, you will need to cover travel expenses.

5. Translation and certification fees: If any of your documents are not in the official language of the country you are applying from, you may be required to translate them into the local language and have them certified by a professional translator.

6. Courier fees: If you choose to have your documents couriered instead of picking them up in person, there may be additional charges for this service.

7. Other associated costs: Additional costs may include passport fees, document production fees, or background check fees.

It is important to research and understand all potential costs before beginning your visa application process so that you can budget accordingly. It is also recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or advisor for guidance and advice on navigating through any potential hidden costs or unexpected expenses during the application process.

18.What documents do I need to provide as evidence of my relationship with my family member in New Zealand?

Some possible documents to provide as evidence of your relationship with your family member in New Zealand may include:

1. Birth certificate showing your relationship with each other (i.e. parent-child, spouse)
2. Marriage certificate or civil union certificate (if applicable)
3. Legal adoption papers
4. Joint bank account statements or credit card bills showing joint ownership or shared financial responsibilities
5. Mortgage or lease agreements showing joint ownership of a property
6. Photos of you and your family member together
7. Correspondence between you and your family member, such as emails, letters, and texts
8. Travel itineraries showing trips taken together
9. Affidavits from friends, family members, or employers attesting to the authenticity of your relationship
10. Any other relevant documents that can demonstrate the genuine nature of your relationship with your family member in New Zealand.

19.Is it possible to appeal a rejected Family – Parent Resident Visa application?


Yes, it is possible to appeal a rejected Family – Parent Resident Visa application in certain circumstances. When your application is rejected, you will receive a written notification from the immigration authorities detailing the reasons for the rejection. If you believe that there has been a mistake or omission in the decision-making process, you can submit an appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT).

The IPT is an independent body that reviews and determines appeals against immigration decisions made by New Zealand Immigration. To appeal your rejected visa application, you will need to complete and submit an appeal form available on the IPT website. You must also include any supporting documents and evidence to support your case. It is important to note that there are strict time limits for submitting an appeal, so it is crucial to act quickly.

The IPT will review your case and make an independent decision based on the evidence provided. They may also ask for additional information or request a hearing where both parties can present their arguments in person. After considering all factors, the IPT will either uphold or overturn the immigration authority’s decision.

If your appeal is successful, your visa application will be reconsidered, and if approved, you will be granted a resident visa. However, if your appeal is unsuccessful, there are limited further options available for appealing the decision. It is advisable to seek professional legal advice before making any significant decisions regarding your visa application or appeal process.

20.Do I need to possess any specific skills or qualifications to be eligible for this visa category?

Typically, the requirements for a visa category will include certain skills and qualifications that are relevant to the type of work or purpose of travel outlined in the category. It is important to carefully review the specific requirements for the visa category you are interested in to determine if you possess the necessary skills and qualifications. In some cases, additional requirements such as language proficiency or a certain level of education may also be necessary. It is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or your desired country’s embassy/consulate for more information on specific eligibility criteria.