There are a number of family residence categories which provides residence to family members of New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. These family categories are an important nation-building component of the overall immigration policy in New Zealand. The family residence categories are:

1. Dependent Children

Dependent children of New Zealand citizens and residents can apply for residence visa or permit provided that:

• They are under the age of 25

• They are single and have no children of their own

• They are dependent on an adult for financial and other support

• They are sponsored by one of their parents who is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

In addition to the above requirements, the applicants must also meet certain other requirements such as good health and character.

2. Parents

Parents of New Zealand citizens or residents will be eligible for New Zealand residence provided that:

• They do not have any dependent children and all of their adult children are living lawfully and permanently outside the country where the parents are living; or

• The centre of gravity of their family is in New Zealand (i.e. the number of their children in New Zealand is equal or greater to the number of their children in any other country).

Under this category, parents must be sponsored by an adult child (17 years or older) who has been living lawfully and permanently for a minimum of 3 years in New Zealand.

Parents must also meet health and character requirements.

3. Adult Siblings / Adult Children

Adult siblings or adult children of New Zealand citizens or residents will be eligible for New Zealand residence provided that:

• They are under the age of 55.

• They do not have any other immediate family (parents are siblings) living at the same country with them;

• They have a full-time job offer from a New Zealand employer with minimum income (depending on their family situation).

• They are sponsored by a parent or adult sibling (17 years or older) who has been living in New Zealand lawfully and permanently for at least three years.

Applicants under this category must also meet health and character requirements.

4. Partners of New Zealand Citizens or Residents

Partners of New Zealand citizens or residents will be eligible for residence provided that they have been living together with their New Zealand partner in a genuine and stable relationship for a minimum of 12 months. The applicants under this category must provide strong evidence of their partnership (de facto, civil union or marriage).