The Intercountry Adoption Resident visa offers you the opportunity of bringing your adopted child to live with you in New Zealand. For your child to be eligible for this visa, you must be either a citizen or a resident of New Zealand. Your child can stay for an indefinite time with you in New Zealand once they are granted an Intercountry Adoption Resident visa.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for an Intercountry Adoption Resident Visa?
You and the adopted child must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply for an Adoption Resident visa:
- You must be a resident or citizen of New Zealand.
- You must live in New Zealand.
- The child must be:
- 17 or younger
- 18-24 who have no children
- The child must be of good character.
- The child must be in good health.
- The adopted child must be single and dependent on you financially.
- The adoption process must be legally completed before you apply.
- The adoption must be recognized by the law of New Zealand.
What Are the Required Documents for an Intercountry Adoption Resident Visa NZ?
You must submit the listed documents to submit your Intercountry Adoption Resident visa application:
- Passport or certificate of identity. You must submit an original or certified copy of your child’s passport. The passport must be valid for at least three months after the arrival date in New Zealand.
- Full birth certificate. You must provide an original or certified copy of your child’s birth certificate.
- Two photos. You must provide two photos of your child’s head and shoulders that meet the visa photo requirements of New Zealand.
- Evidence of your child’s good character. Your child must provide a police certificate that is no older than six months if they are 17 or older. The police certificate serves as proof that they are of good character.
- Evidence of your child’s good health. If they are 11 or older, they must provide a chest x-ray as well.
- Evidence you live in New Zealand. As evidence you live in New Zealand, you must submit the following documents:
- Proof of employment
- Proof of benefit payments from Work and Income or tax payment from Inland Revenue
- Mortgage or rental contracts
- Proof that your possessions have been moved to New Zealand
- Any document showing you live in New Zealand
- Letters addressed to you (like rates or utility bills)
- Sdoption papers (original or certified copies)
- Confirmation of customary adoption from the child’s biological parents
- A New Zealand court verdict for the adoption.
- an INZ assessment (if there are well-established adoption precedents in the country where your child was born).
How to Apply for an Intercountry Adoption Resident NZ Visa?
To apply for an Intercountry Adoption Resident visa, you must follow the steps below:
- Complete the Resident Application. You must complete the Residence Application (INZ 1000) for your child to apply for an Intercountry Adoption Resident visa.
- The form must be completed in English with capital letters. You must specify that you are applying for an ‘Intercountry Adoption Resident Visa’ when asked for which residence category you are applying under. If the child is older than 18, they must sign the form. You can use the Residence Guide to help you to fill out the form.
- Book an appointment at a visa application center. You must schedule an appointment with a New Zealand mission in your country to submit your application at the nearest visa application center. Once you make your booking, you will receive an email of confirmation with the appointment details.
- Attend the scheduled appointment and submit the documents. You must submit the required documents be in English or translated into English.
- Pay the application fee. You can pay for the NZ Adoption Resident visa by cash or credit card when you attend the appointment. Complete section S of the application form, where you provide your credit/debit card details. Immigration New Zealand takes payment when they receive your application.
What Are the Fees for an Adoption Resident Visa?
The fees for an Intercountry Adoption NZ visa vary depending on the country you apply from. You must pay the following fees to apply:
| Application Fee | NZD $ 3790 — 3995 |
| VAC Service Fee | NZD $ 32 — 77 |
| Courier Fee | NZD $ 13 — 103 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Processing Time for an Intercountry Adoption Resident Visa?
The processing time for an NZ Adoption Resident Visa is usually 44 months.
How Long Can My Child Stay in New Zealand with an Intercountry Adoption Resident Visa?
Your child can stay in New Zealand for an unlimited time in New Zealand. You can live together in New Zealand indefinitely.
Can the Adoption Process be Ongoing to Apply for an Intercountry Adoption Resident NZ Visa?
If the adoption process is still not completed, you can apply for a Visitor visa to bring the child to New Zealand until the adoption process is finished.
Can My Child Study in New Zealand with an NZ Intercountry Adoption Visa?
Your child can study in New Zealand with an Intercountry Adoption Resident Visa.
Can My Child Work in New Zealand with an Adoption Resident NZ Visa?
Your child can work in New Zealand with an Adoption Resident NZ Visa if they meet the age requirements.
Does the Adoption Resident NZ Visa Lead to New Zealand Citizenship?
You might be allowed to apply for citizenship for your child if you’re a citizen of New Zealand and the adoption procedure has been lawfully completed.