New Zealand offers a variety of study opportunities for international students. Apart from the student visas in this country, children who have been victims of human trafficking or those whose parents have applied for protection status can also study in this country. The Child of a Refugee Claimant Student visa is for children whose parents have applied for protection status. In this way, children who obtain this visa can enroll in primary or secondary schools and study while their parents’ request is being processed.
We will review the New Zealand Child of a Refugee Claimant Student visa application process, requirements, fees, work permit, and other details in the following.
What is the Child of a Refugee Claimant Student Visa?
Children whose parents have applied for refugee or protection status can study in New Zealand while their parents’ application is being processed under the Child of a Refugee Claimant Student Visa. Consider the following about this visa:
- Holders of this visa can study in primary and secondary schools.
- This visa is valid for up to four years.
- People aged 19 or under can apply for this visa.
- Holders of this visa can work up to 20 hours per week in the last years of secondary school. They can also work full-time during the holidays, provided they have written permission from their parents or legal guardian and school.
- Children applying for this visa are exempt from paying immigration levy and visa application fees.
- Note that this visa is only for children who intend to study in primary and secondary schools. Those who want to apply for a tertiary education institution (such as a university or polytechnic) must obtain a Fee Paying Student Visa.
Do you want to move and live in New Zealand as a teacher? Read our article.
What are the requirements for the Child of a Refugee Claimant Student Visa?
Those who intend to apply for this visa do not need to prepare many documents. To apply for this visa, it is enough to consider the following:
- Two acceptable photos
- Child passport or certificate of identity
- The children should be in good health. For this purpose, they must provide a medical examination and a chest x-ray. Children under the age of 11 do not need a chest x-ray unless a special report is needed.
- Children 17 years of age or older must present a police certificate to prove their good character.
How to apply for this visa?
The visa application process for a Child of a Refugee Claimant Student Visa is not very complicated. The application steps are:
- You must first complete the student visa application form and submit it along with supporting documents.
- New Zealand Immigration will review your application and may ask you to provide further documentation if necessary. If you are currently under a temporary visa in New Zealand, but your visa is expiring, you can apply for an Interim visa. This permit allows you to stay in New Zealand legally and apply for a new visa.
Are visa holders allowed to work in New Zealand?
As mentioned in the previous sections, Students in the last two years of secondary school can work 20 hours a week. They can also work full-time at Christmas and between school years. Children under the age of 18 need to have written permission from their parents, legal guardians, and school. In this country, children under the age of 16 are not allowed to work.
Let’s sum up…
In the previous sections, we reviewed the visa application process and other details. In other sections of the Visa Library website, you can find other types of New Zealand visas as well as visas from other countries.
If you have experience in obtaining visas for different countries, share it with other readers through the comments section so that they can use your experiences and make better decisions. You can also put your comments and questions in this section so that we can answer them as soon as possible.