New Zealand Dependent Visa from Nepal: Complete Guide for Students and Families

Many Nepali students want to take their spouse or children to New Zealand. New Zealand allows some international students to support visas for their family members. But the visa type depends on your course, relationship, child’s age, funds, and visa conditions.

This guide explains the New Zealand dependent visa process from Nepal. It covers partner visas, child visas, documents, funds, NOC, IELTS and PTE planning, costs, timelines, and common mistakes.

Important: Immigration rules can change. Check the official Immigration New Zealand family visa information before applying. This article gives general information. It does not replace licensed immigration advice.

What Is a New Zealand Dependent Visa?

“Dependent visa” is a general term. New Zealand does not use one visa for every dependent family member.

Your partner may apply for partner visa one of these:

• Partner of a Student Visitor Visa.
• Partner of a Student Work Visa.

Your child may apply for one of these:

• Child of a Student Visitor Visa.
• Dependent Child Student Visa.

The correct option depends on your course and family plan.

If you hold a student visa, you can support a visitor visa for your partner and children. You may also support a work visa for your partner if your course meets the required rules. You may support student visas for your children in some cases.immigration

Your family members usually receive visas that end around the same time as your student visa.immigration

Who Can Bring Family?

You may support family visas if you hold, or apply for, a New Zealand student visa.

However, your study level matters.

Partner work visa eligibility

You may support a Partner for partner visa of a Student Work Visa if you study:

• A level 9 qualification, such as a master’s degree.
• A level 10 qualification, such as a doctoral degree.
• An eligible level 7 or 8 qualification linked to a Green List role.
• An eligible level 7 qualification on the Post Study Work Visa qualification list.
• Certain older level 7 or 8 qualifications linked to the former Long Term Skill Shortage List.

Immigration New Zealand sets the final rules. Check your exact course and qualification level before you make plans.immigration

Partner visitor visa eligibility

You can support a visitor visa for your partner if you hold a student visa. Your partner cannot work on a visitor visa. They may study for a short period under the visitor visa rules.

A partner visitor visa may suit families who want to reunite for a short time. It may also suit students whose course does not qualify for a partner work visa.

Child student visa eligibility

Your child may qualify for a Dependent Child Student Visa if you hold an appropriate visa.

For a student visa holder, your child may qualify when you study:

• A PhD at a New Zealand university.
• Under an approved New Zealand Government student exchange scheme.
• Under a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship.

Your child may then study at a New Zealand primary or secondary school as a domestic student.immigration

If you study another course, your child may need a visitor visa instead. Your partner may later support the child’s student visa if your partner holds an eligible work visa.immigration

Visa Options for Your Partner

Partner of a Student Work Visa

This visa allows your eligible partner to work in New Zealand.

The visa normally lasts for the same period as your student visa. The current official page lists the cost from NZD 1,630 and states that 80% of applications receive a decision within five weeks. Fees and times can change.immigration

Your partner may:

• Work in New Zealand.
• Study for up to three months.
• Travel in and out of New Zealand.
• Join you during your study period.

Your partner does not need a New Zealand job offer before applying.immigration

Your partner cannot include dependent children in the same work visa application. After receiving the work visa, your partner may support visas for the children.immigration

Partner of a Student Visitor Visa

This visa allows your partner to visit and stay with you. It does not provide normal work rights.

Your partner must show:

• A genuine relationship with you.
• Enough money for the stay.
• Good health.
• Good character.
• A genuine reason for visiting.
• Plans to leave New Zealand when the visa ends.

A visitor visa may work well when your course does not qualify for a partner work visa.

But do not expect your partner to work on this visa. Working without permission can create serious immigration problems.

Visa Options for Your Children

Dependent Child Student Visa

This visa allows a dependent child to study at a primary or secondary school in New Zealand.

The official page lists the following key details:

• Age: 19 years or younger.
• Length: Usually the same as the parent’s visa.
• Cost: From NZD 750.
• Processing time: 80% within 10 weeks.immigration

Your child must:

• Depend on you or your partner financially.
• Stay single.
• Meet health requirements.
• Meet character requirements.
• Have a genuine reason to study.
• Attend a primary or secondary school.

If your child wants to study at a university, college, or other tertiary provider, they need a Fee Paying Student Visa.immigration

Child of a Student Visitor Visa

A child may apply for a visitor visa to join a parent studying in New Zealand.

The child must usually:

• Be 17 or younger, or 18–19 without children.
• Depend financially on the parent.
• Have enough money for the stay.
• Have plans to leave New Zealand.
• Meet health and character rules.

A child visitor visa may allow school study for a limited period. If the child needs to study for more than three months, they may need a student visa.immigration.govt

Partner Relationship Requirements

Immigration New Zealand wants proof that your relationship is genuine and stable.

A marriage certificate helps. It may not prove the full relationship on its own.

You should show:

• How long you have been together.
• How long you have lived together.
• How you share money.
• How you share household duties.
• How you spend time together.
• How your family recognises the relationship.
• How friends and others recognise the relationship.
• Your future plans as a couple.

Useful evidence may include:

• Marriage certificate.
• Ward registration or local marriage records.
• Joint bank account.
• Joint property documents.
• Joint rental agreement.
• Utility bills at the same address.
• Shared insurance.
• Birth certificates of shared children.
• Money transfers between partners.
• Travel tickets.
• Photos from different dates.
• Chat records.
• Emails and call records.
• Social media posts.
• Letters from family members.
• Evidence of shared events.

Immigration New Zealand lists shared housing, joint accounts, photos, messages, and family recognition as possible evidence.immigration.govt

If you are married but have lived apart

Many Nepali couples live apart because of work, study, or family duties. Explain this clearly.

Include:

• The reason for living apart.
• The dates of separation.
• Visit records.
• Travel history.
• Communication records.
• Money transfers.
• Family evidence.
• Your plan to live together in New Zealand.

Do not submit hundreds of random screenshots. Use a clear sample from different months.

If you are not legally married

A de facto partner may qualify if you live together in a genuine and stable relationship.

You need stronger evidence when you do not have a marriage certificate. Show shared residence, finances, household duties, and public recognition.

A simple engagement ceremony does not always prove a qualifying partnership. Check the current Immigration New Zealand partnership rules.immigration.govt

Dependent Child Requirements

Immigration New Zealand normally treats a child as dependent when the child relies on the parent for financial support.

A dependent child usually must:

• Be 17 or younger, or
• Be 18 or 19 and have no children of their own.

For children aged 18 or 19, prepare extra proof. This may include:

• School fee receipts paid by parents.
• Bank records showing regular support.
• Receipts for clothes and food.
• Travel payments.
• Education expenses.
• Health expenses.
• A written support statement.

You also need proof of the parent-child relationship.

Use:

• Birth certificate.
• Adoption papers.
• Court documents.
• Other legal evidence.

Custody documents

If parents are separated or divorced, prepare custody documents.

You may need to show:

• You have the legal right to take the child to New Zealand.
• The other parent agrees to the child’s move.
• You have sole custody.
• The other parent has died, with a death certificate.
• A court allows the child to travel.

Immigration New Zealand may ask for a signed statement from the other parent or legal custody evidence.immigration

Do not ignore custody documents. Many family applications face delays because parents submit only a birth certificate.

Financial Requirements

Partner work visa funds

A partner applying for a Partner of a Student Work Visa must show at least NZD 4,200 for living expenses. Immigration New Zealand accepts evidence such as bank or credit card statements.immigration

The amount may not cover the full cost of living for a family. Treat it as a minimum visa requirement, not a complete family budget.

Child student visa funds

For a dependent child student visa, the parent may need to show:

• NZD 17,000 for one full year, or
• NZD 1,417 for each month.

The parent may also show prepaid accommodation or an acceptable sponsor.immigration

Documents for Nepali families

Prepare financial evidence such as:

• Bank statements.
• Fixed deposit certificates.
• Education loan papers.
• Salary certificates.
• Tax clearance documents.
• Business registration.
• Business bank statements.
• Audited accounts.
• Property ownership papers.
• Property valuation.
• Rental income evidence.
• Sponsor declaration.
• Relationship proof.
• Money transfer records.

Explain every large deposit. A sudden deposit without proof can weaken the application.

For example, if a parent sells land, include:

• Sale agreement.
• Land ownership document.
• Payment record.
• Bank deposit record.
• Tax or registration evidence.

Immigration New Zealand may ask for both proof of funds and proof of the source of funds.immigration.govt

Make a family budget

Create a realistic budget before applying.

Expense	What to plan
Rent	Weekly rent and bond
Food	Groceries and meals
Transport	Bus, train, fuel, or car
School costs	Uniforms, books, activities
Health	Insurance and medical care
Phone and internet	Monthly plans
Childcare	If both adults work
Flights	Initial and return travel
Emergency funds	Unexpected costs

Do not depend only on your partner’s future job. Your family should have enough money before you travel.

Documents Checklist

Main student documents

• Passport.
• Student visa approval or application evidence.
• Offer of place.
• Tuition receipt.
• Course details.
• Accommodation proof.
• Insurance details.
• Study statement.
• NOC, where required.

Partner documents

• Passport.
• Passport photo.
• Marriage certificate, if married.
• Partnership evidence, if not married.
• Birth certificate.
• Police clearance, if required.
• Medical documents, if required.
• Bank statements.
• Financial support evidence.
• Form INZ 1146 from the supporting partner.
• Certified English translations.

The Partner of a Student Work Visa page requires the supporting partner’s completed Form INZ 1146.immigration

Child documents

• Child’s passport.
• Birth certificate.
• Adoption papers, if relevant.
• Custody documents.
• Consent letter from the other parent.
• School offer or school plan.
• Financial evidence.
• Medical documents, if required.
• Police certificate, if required.
• Travel and onward ticket evidence.
• Sponsor form, if someone else will support the child.

Nepal-specific preparation

Nepali families should also review:

• NOC requirements.
• Foreign exchange rules.
• Relationship certificates.
• Ward documents.
• Education loan papers.
• Translations from an approved translator.
• Passport details.
• Bank verification letters.

NOC mainly supports the student’s overseas study and payment process. It does not guarantee approval of a partner or child visa. Check the official NOC portal for current requirements.noc.moest

Health and Character Rules

Your partner and children must meet health rules.

Immigration New Zealand may request:

• Chest X-ray.
• Medical examination.
• Additional health information.

A chest X-ray may apply if the person stays more than six months and comes from a country with higher TB risk. Nepalese applicants should check the current rule before booking an appointment.

Medical evidence must remain valid when Immigration New Zealand receives it. The Partner of a Student Work Visa page says medical evidence must be less than three months old when received.immigration

Police clearance may apply when:

• The applicant is aged 17 or older.
• The total stay will reach 24 months or more.
• The applicant has lived in other countries for the required period.

Police certificates usually need to be less than six months old when submitted.immigration

Provide certified English translations for medical and police documents that are not in English.

New Zealand Dependent Visa Application Process

Step 1: Check your course

Confirm whether your course can support a partner work visa or child student visa.

Check:

• Qualification level.
• Course name.
• Provider.
• Green List connection.
• Post Study Work Visa eligibility.
• Course start date.
• Course duration.

Do not rely on an agent’s verbal promise. Check the official course and visa rules.

Step 2: Choose the right family visa

Decide whether your family member needs:

• Partner work visa.
• Partner visitor visa.
• Dependent child student visa.
• Child visitor visa.

Your family may need different visa types.

Step 3: Prepare relationship evidence

Create a timeline.

Include:

• When you met.
• When you began your relationship.
• When you married or started living together.
• Major events.
• Periods of separation.
• Visits.
• Shared finances.
• Your New Zealand plan.

A timeline helps the officer understand your documents.

Step 4: Prepare financial evidence

Collect recent bank records. Then explain the source of funds.

Your evidence should answer:

• Who will pay?
• How much money do you have?
• How did you earn it?
• How will you pay later costs?
• Where will your family live?
• How will your children study?

Step 5: Complete health and police checks

Book approved medical checks if required. Apply for police clearance early.

Do not submit expired reports.

Step 6: Complete the online form

Use the Immigration New Zealand online system.

Enter all names exactly as shown in the passports.

Check:

• Dates.
• Passport numbers.
• Addresses.
• Relationship dates.
• Travel history.
• Previous visa refusals.
• Family details.
• Contact details.

Step 7: Upload clear files

Use simple file names.

Do not upload edited screenshots or unclear photos.

Step 8: Pay the fee

Visa fees change. Immigration New Zealand shows the final fee after you select your location and visa type.

The official page currently lists:

• Partner of a Student Work Visa: from NZD 1,630.
• Dependent Child Student Visa: from NZD 750.
• Child of a Student Visitor Visa: from NZD 341.
• Visitor Visa: from NZD 441.

Check the official fee page before paying.immigration+3

Step 9: Track the application

Check your email and online account.

Immigration New Zealand may ask for:

• More relationship evidence.
• More bank documents.
• Medical reports.
• Police certificates.
• Custody evidence.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Proof of onward travel.

Reply before the deadline.

Step 10: Read the eVisa

If approved, check every condition.

Confirm:

• Visa type.
• Start date.
• Expiry date.
• Work rights.
• Study rights.
• Travel conditions.
• Employer restrictions, if any.
• School conditions, if any.

Intake and Timing Plan

Many Nepali students plan for February, July, or other provider-specific intakes. Family visa planning should start before the student travels.

Six to nine months before travel

• Choose your course.
• Check family visa eligibility.
• Review tuition and family costs.
• Start IELTS or PTE preparation.
• Check passport validity.
• Discuss childcare and schooling.

Four to six months before travel

• Apply to the education provider.
• Arrange an education loan, if needed.
• Prepare bank and sponsor documents.
• Collect marriage and birth certificates.
• Start custody paperwork if needed.

Three to four months before travel

• Receive the offer.
• Pay tuition as required.
• Apply for NOC for your study.
• Prepare the student visa.
• Prepare family visa applications.
• Complete medical checks if required.

At least eight weeks before travel

Submit complete applications. Immigration New Zealand recommends allowing at least eight weeks for study visa processing and applying around three months before intended travel where possible.immigration

Family applications can take different times. The Partner of a Student Work Visa page currently reports 80% within five weeks. The Dependent Child Student Visa page reports 80% within 10 weeks.immigration+1

Apply early. Do not plan flights based only on the fastest published time.

IELTS and PTE Preparation

A dependent visa applicant may not need IELTS for every visa. But the main student often needs English proof for admission.

Prepare for IELTS or PTE in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or your local city.

Start early because:

• A low score may delay admission.
• Retakes need extra time.
• Some providers have higher requirements.
• Course changes can affect family eligibility.
• A better course plan may need a higher score.

The partner may also need English for work, registration, or future study. Consider English preparation as part of your family plan.

NOC and Foreign Exchange Planning

The main student should check the latest NOC rules from Nepal’s Ministry of Education.

Prepare:

• Passport.
• Offer letter.
• Academic certificates.
• Provider details.
• Course information.
• Payment documents.
• Required online forms.

Family visa applicants should also check bank payment rules and foreign exchange processes. Banks may ask for:

• Student NOC.
• Tuition invoice.
• Visa documents.
• Relationship proof.
• Loan papers.
• Sponsor documents.

Do not leave these steps until after visa approval. Ask your bank for its current list.

Common Reasons for Delay or Refusal

Family visa applications often become difficult when the evidence does not match the story.

Common problems include:

• The course does not qualify for a partner work visa.
• The applicant uses the wrong visa type.
• The couple does not prove living together.
• Relationship dates conflict.
• Marriage documents look incomplete.
• Large bank deposits lack an explanation.
• Sponsor income looks weak.
• The child lacks custody consent.
• Birth certificates contain different names.
• Medical reports expire.
• Police certificates arrive late.
• Documents lack translations.
• The applicant hides a past refusal.
• The family plan depends only on future work.
• The application contains copied statements.

A visa officer checks the full picture. Strong documents cannot fix false information.

How to Strengthen the Application

Use these practical steps:

1. Match the family visa to the student’s exact course.
2. Write a clear relationship timeline.
3. Show regular shared life evidence.
4. Explain long-distance periods.
5. Prove the source of every large deposit.
6. Show realistic family living costs.
7. Prepare custody consent early.
8. Use certified translations.
9. Submit complete medical and police documents.
10. Answer every form question honestly.
11. Keep copies of all uploaded files.
12. Check the eVisa after approval.
    Key takeaway: Your student visa does not automatically give your partner work rights or your child school rights. Your course and family member’s visa type decide what they can do in New Zealand.

How ICCC Can Help

ICCC can help Nepali students with course selection, admission, documentation, visa guidance, SOP review, English test preparation, and pre-departure planning. You can explore ICCC’s study abroad services before selecting a course.

For family visa planning, you can contact ICCC for counselling. ICCC lists branches in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Chitwan, Jhapa, Itahari, Dhangadhi, and other locations.icccedu

Ask the counsellor to check:

• Whether your course supports a partner work visa.
• Whether your children qualify for student visas.
• Whether a visitor visa fits your family plan.
• How to present financial documents.
• Which documents need translation.
• Whether you need custody consent.
• How to plan your intake.
• Which official rules apply to your case.

No consultancy can guarantee approval. Immigration New Zealand makes the final decision.

Final Family Visa Checklist

• Student course eligibility checked.
• Correct partner visa selected.
• Correct child visa selected.
• Passports remain valid.
• Marriage or partnership evidence ready.
• Birth certificates ready.
• Custody consent ready, if needed.
• Bank funds meet the required level.
• Source of funds explained.
• Sponsor documents prepared.
• Medical checks completed, if required.
• Police clearance completed, if required.
• Certified translations completed.
• NOC checked for the main student.
• Accommodation plan prepared.
• School plan prepared for children.
• Onward travel funds prepared.
• Online forms checked.
• Fees confirmed on the official website.
• Visa conditions reviewed after approval.

Frequently Asked Questions