Adoption Visa for New Zealand Pre-Citizenship Visits

Key Takeaways:

• The Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa allows adopted children to stay in New Zealand for up to six months pre-citizenship.

• Eligibility includes your child’s health, intent to meet visa conditions, applied citizenship, financial support, and a NZ citizen adoptive parent.

• The application requires proof of identity, citizenship application, financial support, healthcare declaration, and return travel confirmation. Online and paper options exist.
  

Considering adoption and bringing your adopted child to New Zealand is an exciting and important step for many families. If you have adopted a child outside New Zealand, your adopted child can visit before their New Zealand citizenship is confirmed. Here’s everything you need to know about the Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor visa and the requirements involved.

What is the Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa?

If you have adopted a child from another country, the Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor visa allows your child to stay in New Zealand for up to six months until their New Zealand citizenship is confirmed. This visa is crucial for families looking to integrate their adopted child into their life in New Zealand smoothly. At least one adoptive parent must be a New Zealand citizen for this visa.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for an Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa?

To qualify for the Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa, both you and your child must meet several requirements:

1. Your Child’s Health:
   • Your adopted child must be in good health.
2. Visa Conditions:
   • You must intend for your child to meet the conditions of the visa.
3. Application for Citizenship:
   • You must have already applied for New Zealand citizenship for your child.
4. Financial Support:
   • You must either have sufficient funds to support the child in New Zealand or an acceptable sponsor.
5. Healthcare Commitment:
   • You must agree to cover the healthcare expenses for your child.
6. Return Tickets:
   • You must have tickets for your child to leave New Zealand or sufficient funds to buy one.
7. Citizen Parent:
   • At least one of the adoptive parents must be a citizen of New Zealand.

What are the Required Documents for an Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa?

When applying for the Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa, you will need several important documents:

1. Evidence of Your Child’s Identity:
   • A photo of your child’s head and shoulders.
   • Your child’s passport or a certified copy, valid for at least three months beyond the intended date of departure from New Zealand.
2. Proof of New Zealand Citizenship of One Adoptive Parent:
   • A New Zealand birth certificate.
   • A New Zealand passport.
   • A New Zealand citizenship certificate.
3. Proof of Application for New Zealand Citizenship:
   • Confirmation from the Department of Internal Affairs that the child’s New Zealand citizenship application is in process.
4. Proof of Financial Support:
   • Bank statements, credit card statements, bank drafts, or traveler’s cheques.
   • A completed ‘Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry’ from an acceptable sponsor.
5. Healthcare Declaration:
   • A declaration that you will cover your child’s healthcare costs in New Zealand.
6. Return Travel Confirmation:
   • A return travel ticket, is proof of sufficient funds to buy a return ticket.

How to Prove Financial Support for Your Child’s Stay?

When proving you can financially support your child’s stay in New Zealand, you have two options:

1. Self-funded:
   • NZ $1,000 per month is required for living expenses or NZ $400 if accommodation costs are prepaid.
2. Sponsored:
   • Your sponsor should provide documents such as current bank statements, paychecks, employment agreements, or proof of accommodation.

How to Apply Online for an Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa?

To apply online for the Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa, follow these steps:

1. Create a RealMe Account:
   • Visit the Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa Application webpage and create a RealMe account.
2. Complete the Application Form:
   • Specify that you are applying for the Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa for your adopted child.
3. Upload Required Documents:
   • You must upload all necessary documents as PDF files. Ensure they are accompanied by English translations if required.
4. Pay the Application Fee:
   • Provide the required bank card details to complete the payment (Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay). Note that fees are non-refundable.
5. Submit Your Application:
   • After completing your application, submit it online. Immigration New Zealand will contact you regarding any further requirements and notify you when the eVisa is issued.

For more details, visit the official New Zealand Immigration website.

How to Apply On Paper for an Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa?

For a paper application, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Visitor Visa Application Form:
   • Fill out the Visitor Visa Application form, ensuring all information is provided in English and capital letters.
2. Book an Appointment at a Visa Application Center:
   • Schedule an appointment with VFS.Global to submit your application. This might require you to travel to another country if there are no local centers handling New Zealand applications.
3. Attend the Appointment:
   • Submit all required documents and pay the application fee (either in cash or by credit card). Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover the fees as they are non-refundable.

Fee Structure for an Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa

The fee structure for this visa varies depending on the application method and your location:

Online Application:
– Application Cost: NZD $210

Paper Application:
– Application Cost: NZD $190 — $255
– VAC Service Fee: NZD $50 — $80
– Courier Fee: NZD $15 — $105

More information about all the New Zealand Visa Fees can be found here.

What is the Processing Time for an Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa?

The processing time for the Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa is typically around 58 days. If you meet all the visa requirements, Immigration New Zealand will grant the visa within this timeframe.

How Long Can Your Child Stay in New Zealand with an Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa?

Your child can stay in New Zealand for up to six months under this visa. It’s essential to ensure they adhere to the conditions of the visa to avoid any complications.

What Are the Conditions of the Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa?

The key conditions your child must follow include:

1. Entry Permission:
   • Your child must apply for entry permission upon arriving in New Zealand.
2. Valid Entry Permission:
   • They must have valid entry permission to return to New Zealand.
3. Exit Plan:
   • You must have tickets or sufficient funds to buy tickets for your child to leave New Zealand.
4. Study Limit:
   • Your child can study for up to three months.
5. Work Prohibition:
   • Your child cannot work in New Zealand.
6. Timely Exit:
   • Your child must leave New Zealand before their visa expires.

Can Your Child Study in New Zealand with an Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa?

Yes, your child can study in New Zealand for up to three months with this visa. If they wish to pursue a more extended period of study, they can apply for a student visa.

Can Your Child Work in New Zealand with an Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa?

No, your adopted child cannot work in New Zealand while holding an Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa. For employment opportunities, they would need to apply for a work visa.

Final Thoughts

The Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa is designed to facilitate the transition of adopted children into their new family life in New Zealand. The detailed eligibility requirements, necessary documents, and clear steps for both online and paper applications provide a well-structured pathway to bring your adopted child into New Zealand smoothly.

Families looking to secure this visa should ensure they meet all requirements, provide accurate documentation, and follow the application process carefully. For further information or assistance with your visa application, you can visit the official New Zealand Immigration website.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

1. Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa
   • A temporary visa allows adopted children from other countries to stay in New Zealand for up to six months until their New Zealand citizenship is confirmed.
2. Eligibility Requirements
   • Specific criteria must be met by both the adoptive parents and the adopted child to qualify for the Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa, including health, financial support, and proof of citizenship application.
3. Financial Support
   • Evidence that adoptive parents have sufficient funds to cover the child’s living and healthcare expenses in New Zealand, or a designated sponsor to provide such support.
4. RealMe Account
   • An online account system is required to apply for the Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa through New Zealand’s immigration website, used for completing and submitting electronic applications.
5. Entry Permission
   • Authorization is required upon arrival in New Zealand, allowing the adopted child to enter and stay in the country under the conditions of the Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Adopting a child and moving to New Zealand? The Adoption Pre-Citizenship Visitor Visa allows your adopted child to stay for up to six months before citizenship is confirmed. Ensure you meet the health, financial, and documentation requirements. Learn more on the official immigration website for a smooth transition.
— By VisaVerge.com

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