This category requires you to have a family member who is a Resident or Citizen of New Zealand. The objective of Family Category Policy is to strengthen families and communities while reinforcing the Government's overall objectives in immigration policy. 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 your application; or
• Have immediate family members (parent, sibling or adult child) 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.
• In addition, you and any family included in your application must meet health and character requirements.

The Family Category Policy is complex. Each case should be considered in the light of the specific facts. In some instances a family relationship may offer advantages in other categories. In cases other than marriage there is a requirement that the sponsor must have lived in New Zealand for the three years immediately preceding the application. In some circumstances the family member must also have an offer of employment in New Zealand.