New Zealand Study Visa Update: Bring Your Family Starting June 2025

A warm welcome awaits in New Zealand! The country has updated its student visa policy for 2025, allowing international students to bring their families along on their academic journey. Whether you’re pursuing a PhD, a Master’s degree, or a diploma linked to skill shortages, this change benefits not just your education but also your family’s future.

What’s the Buzz All About?

If you hold a New Zealand student visa, you can now support visitor visas for your partner and children. Under certain conditions, you can also apply for student visas for dependent children and work visas for your partner.

This update is significant for international students balancing academic goals and family life. Previously, not all study programs allowed such benefits. Starting in 2025, New Zealand embraces a family-first approach for eligible student visa holders.

Family Visa Options: Who Can You Bring?

Depending on your qualification level, here are the family visa options available:

Standard Family Visa Support:

• Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
• Child of a Student Visitor Visa

If You’re Studying an Eligible Program:

• Partner of a Student Work Visa
• Dependent Child Student Visa

Which Study Programs Qualify?

You can support your family’s work or study visas if you’re enrolled in these programs:

What If Only Your Partner Is Eligible?

For example, if you’re studying a Level 8 program from the Green List, you can support your partner’s work visa but not your children’s student visas directly. Here’s the solution:

• You receive a student visa.
• Your partner gets a Partner of a Student Work Visa.
• Your children apply as dependents of your partner.

This way, your entire family can live, work, and study in New Zealand together.

Special Notes for Parents and Guardians

If your child is already studying in New Zealand, you can apply for a Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa. All family member visas typically expire with your student visa, so keep track of renewal timelines!

Proof of Relationship & More

To apply for a partner or child visa, you’ll need to provide valid proof of:

• Marriage or de facto relationship
• Dependent status of your children

If your relationship ends during your stay, your family’s visa conditions may change, so notify immigration authorities promptly.

Why This Policy Update Matters?

This 2025 update highlights New Zealand’s commitment to inclusive international education. It recognizes that students thrive when they have family support. This makes New Zealand even more attractive to scholars worldwide who seek academic excellence alongside family well-being.

Conclusion

The revised student visa policy in New Zealand marks a significant step toward supporting international students and their families. By allowing families to join students in their academic pursuits, New Zealand enhances its appeal to skilled professionals worldwide. Embrace this opportunity to study and build a future with your loved ones in the beautiful land of the Kiwis!