A new student visa category for children of New Zealand citizens

Children who have applied for citizenship or residence based on being the child of a New Zealand citizen or resident will have a new student visa category available to them from 16 November 2026.

The change is particularly relevant to families who need to arrange their child's schooling while their citizenship or residence application is being processed.

Who is the new category for?

The new category is specifically for children who have applied for citizenship or residence based on being the child of a New Zealand citizen.

This distinction matters when considering which temporary visa is appropriate for a child whose longer term immigration status has not yet been determined.

Why does this matter for families?

Families in this position may need to manage several processes at once:

• An existing citizenship or residence application for their child.
• The child's temporary immigration status while that application is being processed.
• School enrolment and the visa requirements associated with studying in New Zealand.

Having a dedicated student visa category provides an additional option for families navigating these circumstances.

Getting the application right

The appropriate visa pathway will depend on the child's individual circumstances and the requirements of the new category.

Need help arranging your child's visa while their citizenship or residence application is being processed? Get in touch with one of our licensed immigration advisers to discuss your family's circumstances.