New Zealand Student Visa for Dependent Family Members

Do you want to study in New Zealand and bring your family along with the intention of giving them the opportunity to study?Then here’s a great news - New Zealand makes it possible for international students to keep their families together during their studies with some opportunities to them.The country has different visa options that lets your family to join you while you complete your education and be a suitable applicant for a student visa.Therefore, without much explanation, let's go through everything that you need to know about getting a student visa for your family members.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent Family Member?

In this case, your spouse or partner can come with you, along with your dependent children.If you're married, that's pretty obvious.However, if you're not married but living together as partners. You'll need to show that you've been together for at least 12 months.For children, they need to be under 19 and depend on you financially.In some special cases, legal guardians or other family members might qualify too. Especially if they can show that they rely on you for support.

Types of Dependent Visas

New Zealand has different visas for different family members.Your partner can get a Partner of a Student Visa, and your kids can get a Dependent Child Student Visa if they're under 19.Legal guardians might get special visas too, especially if they're looking after younger students.What you must remember is that each and every type of visa has its own rules that is based on who's applying.

Eligibility Requirements

To get these visas, you'll need to tick a few boxes, or you must simply be a suitable candidate.You'll have to prove that you have enough money to support your family.This means that you must show your:

• Bank Statements
• FD Certificates
• Renewal Notices
• Bank Confirmation Letters

In addition to that, getting a sponsor, or proving that you have a regular income from your business or anything that’s specific is quite a strong point for the visa approval.You'll also need to prove that your relationships are real.For instance, think of marriage certificates or evidence that you can submit to show that you are living together with your partner.Moreover, each and every member of the family needs to pass their health checks and character requirements.This includes medical exams and police certificates as well.Note: Don't forget about the medical insurance - it's required for everyone.

Application Process

You can start your application process over the internet through the New Zealand Immigration's website.In this case, you'll need to gather quite a few documents:

• Valid Passports
• Proof of Your Relationships
• Evidence of your finances
• Medical Certificates
• Police Clearances

Usually, it takes about 2-3 months to process everything, but this can take longer or shorter depending on how busy they are and whether you've included everything that they need.The fee change can also depend on which visa you're applying for, and remember you'll need to pay extra for medical exams and police certificates which are not refundable.

Rights and Rules

Here's some good news - your partner can usually work as much as they want in New Zealand even under the student visa category.Your kids can go to New Zealand schools (and they have to because education is mandatory for children).Your family can use public healthcare, but you still need to have your personal insurance.What’s interesting is that your family's visas will usually last as long as your study program does.

Education Options for Dependent Children

Your kids will have the access to New Zealand's excellent schools.To enroll them, you'll need to show their visa status, immunization records, and previous school records.Remember that public schools don't charge tuition fees for visa holders, but you might need to pay for things like books and activities.In addition to that, if your kids need help with English, many schools offers some special English language programs as well.

Living Costs and Financial Planning

Living expenses costs more in bigger cities like Auckland.For a family home, you can expect around NZD 2,000-4,000 monthly for rent in cities.Full-time childcare usually costs around NZD 300-400 each week.You'll also need to plan when it comes to transport as well, whether that's public transport or owning a car.Overall, a comfortable life for a family typically needs around NZD 4,000-6,000 each month.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Finding a good place to live can be tricky.Therefore, start to look early and try to get local references.Getting kids settled in school goes smoother if you talk to the schools early and use their help programs.This is because, adjusting to the life in New Zealand gets easier when you connect with local communities and other international students.Moreover, healthcare becomes simpler as well once you register with a local doctor and understand how the system works.

Support Services and Resources

The government offers help through Settlement Support New Zealand and local migrant services.Community groups can help you to connect with people and get the language help which is crucial.Note: Universities and schools usually have special services for international students. Furthermore, healthcare providers often have a staff who speaks different languages and understands different cultures all around the world.

Visa Renewal and Extensions

Start to work on your visa renewal at least four weeks before it runs out.You'll need to show your updated financial documents, proof that your relationships are still valid, and current enrollment information.Anyway, make sure to tell the immigration if anything changes, like your relationship status or study plans.You might also be able to switch to different types of visas as per your needs.As in work visas or permanent residence according to the documents that you submit.ConclusionTaking your family to join you in New Zealand takes some serious work to do, but it's definitely on the positive side if you understand what's required.Therefore, make sure to check out New Zealand’s Immigration website for the latest information.If you need any specific help, get in touch with the New Zealand’s Immigration or talk to a licensed immigration adviser who can give you all the advice that fits your family's situation.So, there you have it, all the details that you need to know about New Zealand Student Visa for Dependent Family Members.What more could you ask for right?Contact TEVS a New Zealand student visa consultants in Sri Lanka for more information.