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New Zealand Family Quota Visa

The New Zealand Government sets the number of places available under the Family Quota Category each year.

The Family Quota category is run by ballot and aims to reunify families by granting residence to a quota of family members of New Zealand citizens and residents who are not eligible for residence under any other visa category.

You may only apply for a visa under this category if your New Zealand sponsor's registration was drawn from the ballot.

You (and your partner and children) are eligible for the Family Quota category if:

• You are sponsored by your adult child, adult grandchild, adult sibling or parent;
• You are not eligible for residence in New Zealand under any other residence category except the Refugee Family Quota category;
• Your New Zealand sponsor's registration was selected from the ballot;
• You apply within 6 months of us writing to your sponsor advising their registration has been drawn from the ballot; AND
• You are healthy and of good character.

Your sponsor must:

• Be 17 years of age or over;
• Be in New Zealand;
• Be a New Zealand citizen or the holder of a current Residence Permit that is not subject to requirements under section 18A of the Immigration Act 1987;
• Have been a New Zealand citizen and/or the holder of a Residence Permit or a Returning Resident's Visa for at least 3 years immediately before the date they lodge their registration under the Family Quota category; AND
• Have spent a total of 184 days or more in New Zealand in each of those 3 years.

The requirements for this visa also states your family sponsor must make a legal declaration they will provide you with financial support and accommodation (if necessary) for at least the first 2 years of your residence in New Zealand.