If members of your family are already residing in New Zealand and you wish to join them, a Residence Application under the Family Category might be an option for you. The purpose of the Family Sponsored stream is to help reunite families in New Zealand by granting a Residence Visa to the family members of New Zealand citizens and residents. This visa is for family members of Special Category visa holders who are not eligible for a Special Category visa because they are not New Zealand citizens.

The Family Category is available to you if you:

• Are in a genuine and stable marriage or de facto relationship (whether heterosexual or same sex)with a New Zealand citizen or resident who sponsors their application; or

• Have immediate family members who are New Zealand citizens or residents and who live permanently in New Zealand; and

• Are the dependent children of New Zealand citizens or residents

To be eligible you must be related to your sponsor as a:

• Partner

• Dependent child

• Parent

• Brother, sister or adult child