Interim measures are being introduced in New Zealand to suspend the recognition of international adoptions and reduce the risk of harm to children and young people. Many overseas adoptions by New Zealand citizens and residents will no longer be recognised under New Zealand law for immigration and citizenship purposes, which has immediate implications for immigration pathways involving adopted children. You can read more about the changes on the official Immigration New Zealand website.

Key changes for applicants
These changes apply only to New Zealand citizens and residents who have adopted children in another country and are applying for a visa or citizenship for the adopted children. The measures came into effect on 18 September 2025 and involve the suspension of section 17 of the Adoption Act 1955 for citizenship and immigration purposes. This means overseas adoptions completed according to the laws of the country where they took place will no longer be recognised unless the adoption occurred in an exempt country. Children adopted from non-exempt countries are now ineligible for resident or visitor visas based on the parent-child relationship.

New visa applications
New visa applications for adopted children will likely be declined if the application is based on a parent-child relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident and the adoption took place in a non-exempt country or a country not on the Hague Convention list.

Existing visa applications
If an adopted child has already submitted a residence or visitor visa application based on a parent-child relationship, the application will continue to be processed even if the adoption occurred in a non-exempt or non-Hague Convention country. People who are not New Zealand citizens or residents can still include adopted children in visa applications based on the parent-child relationship.

If you, or someone you know, are affected by these changes, our team is available to provide guidance and support to navigate these complex immigration requirements.