New Zealand Visa Changes for International Adoption: What Adoptive Parents Need to Know

A Supportive Guide for Adoptive Parents

Welcoming a child into your family through adoption is one of life’s most meaningful journeys. If you are a New Zealand citizen or resident who has adopted overseas, you may be wondering how the latest visa changes affect your child’s future. The government has recently introduced interim changes to international adoption rules, effective 18 September 2025.

These changes may feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. At Immigration Chambers, we are here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and legal expertise.

Why the Rules Have Changed

The government is reviewing the Adoption Act 1955 to ensure children are protected in international adoption processes. While this review is underway, temporary measures have been introduced to limit which overseas adoptions are recognised for visas and citizenship.

Adoptions That Are Still Recognised

Your adoption is valid for visa and citizenship purposes if it was completed in:

• Hague Convention countries (which meet global adoption standards), or

• Exempt countries recognised by New Zealand.

Children adopted from these countries may still be granted a resident or visitor visa through the parent-child relationship pathway.

Adoptions That Are No Longer Recognised

If your adoption took place in a non-exempt country, New Zealand immigration will not recognise it for visas or citizenship. This means your adopted child will not qualify for visas based solely on the parent-child relationship.

What If You Already Submitted a Visa Application?

• Applications made before 18 September 2025 will continue to be processed under the old rules.

• Applications made after this date must meet the new requirements.

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