The following are the requirements needed to meet by a New Zealand citizen or resident (Residence Class Visa holder) in order to make his/her dependent child, aged under 16, eligible to be granted with a residence class visa. These requirements are applicable only those minors, who have separated or divorced parents, where one of his/her parents holds NZ citizenship or a Kiwi resident.

• A child who is below 16 years of age and have separated or divorced parents, his/her NZ citizen or resident parent must hold the right to remove the minor from the nation in which the custody/visitation rights have been allotted. In case, if there is no question of any such right being granted, then the NZ resident parent must hold the right to remove the minor from the nation of its residence.
• A child, aged under 16 of separated parents is not entitled to be granted a NZ resident visa, however, he is eligible to obtain one if his/her NZ citizen or resident parent satisfies the INZ by providing appropriate evidence which states his/her right to remove the minor from the nation in which the custody/visitation rights have been allowed. In any case, where anything like custody/visitation rights do not exist, the parent must produce evidence stating his/her right to remove the minor from the nation of its residence.
• The evidence which could support the parent’s right to remove the minor from the country in which custody/visitation rights have been allotted must include- (a) the original copies of legal documents supporting the fact that the NZ citizen or resident parent only holds the right to determine the residence of the minor, with no visitation rights by the other parent; or (b) original copy of a court order that permits the NZ citizen or resident parent to remove the minor from its nation of residence; or (c) the original copies of legal documents stating the fact that the NZ citizen or resident parent holds custody of the minor, as well as a signed statement from the other parent agreeing to allow the minor to live in the Kiwi country, if the application for residence is approved.
• If the immigration officials is convinced that by virtue of local law, the NZ citizen or resident parent holds the lawful right to custody of the minor; and that local law does not require the parent to obtain individualized legal documents in order to verify the custodial right, then the INZ will consider that the NZ citizen or resident parent has the right to remove the minor from its nation of residence.

If you are interested in applying for a residence permit to New Zealand, mail following information ASAP at [email protected] for a free of charge assessment by Ajay Sharma, principal consultant, ABHINAV.

• Your updated resume if skilled professional, or if businessmen, then brief on business profile along with information on your current personal net worth.
• If married, provide the resume for your spouse as well.
• If applicable, please provide information on children and their age.
• Information on any blood relatives residing in New Zealand. This is not a compulsory requirement to qualify for immigration to New Zealand, but serves as additional positive assessment and suitability factor.