Can my family come with me on a New Zealand Student visa?

Whether your family can join you in New Zealand depends on several factors:

Partners:
- Spouses or de facto partners (including same-sex partners) of international students at bachelor's level or above can typically apply for a Visitor visa or an open work visa
- Partners of students on 3-year+ programmes at New Zealand institutions can apply for an open work visa valid for the student's study period
- De facto partnerships require evidence of a genuine relationship (12+ months typically)

Children:
- Dependent children of international students can come to New Zealand on a student visa (to attend school) or a dependent child visa
- Children attending New Zealand state schools: international fees apply (around NZD 12,000–16,000/year for primary/secondary)
- Some institutions offering tertiary programmes to parents waive these fees as part of a package — check with your institution

Financial requirements for dependants:
You must show additional funds for each dependant: NZD 15,000/year per adult dependant (for the visa application), plus school fees for children.

Application process:
Dependants apply separately, online through INZ, providing relationship evidence, financial evidence, and health/character documentation.

Partner open work visa — eligibility:
Immigration New Zealand guidelines can be specific about which partner visas include work rights. Confirm with INZ or a registered immigration adviser before relying on this for financial planning.