In plain English
Partner and child of a New Zealander visitor, work and student visas can be applied for in enhanced Immigration Online from 16 November 2026, with updated instructions taking effect the same day.
Key points
- Covers Child of a New Zealander Visitor and Student Visas, and Partner of a New Zealander Visitor and Work Visas.
- Passport scans will auto-fill details in the new dynamic form.
- Maximum visitor visa for children of New Zealanders extends from 9 to 12 months.
- No change yet for family residence applications.
Who’s affected
Partners and children of New Zealand citizens or residents applying for temporary visas.
What you should do
If you plan to apply around mid-November, talk to us about timing — whether to lodge before or after the switch.
Immigration New Zealand, “Family of New Zealanders temporary visas move online from 16 November”, published 29 September 2026. Read the full announcement. Summary by Destination NZI; INZ content © Crown, licensed under CC BY 3.0 NZ.
Related visas
Live in New Zealand with your partner who is a citizen or resident. New age and evidence rules apply from 25 September 2026.
- Stay
- Live, work and study indefinitely
- INZ visa fee
- From NZD $5,360
- Processing
- 80% within 7 months
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
Work in New Zealand while your partner is a citizen or resident. Moving to enhanced Immigration Online from 16 November 2026.
- Stay
- Up to 3 years
- INZ visa fee
- From NZD $1,630
- Processing
- 80% within 6.5 weeks
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
Work while your partner is in New Zealand on an eligible work visa.
- Stay
- Same as partner’s work visa
- INZ visa fee
- From NZD $1,630
- Processing
- 80% within 7 weeks
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
