Published: 16 September 2025

New Zealand has introduced interim measures that change how many overseas adoptions are treated for immigration and citizenship purposes. The move is designed to reduce the immediate risk of harm to children and young people while a targeted review of adoption law and policy is carried out.

What is changing

Once the Adoption Amendment Bill receives Royal Assent, immigration settings will be updated to suspend section 17 of the Adoption Act 1955 for citizenship and immigration purposes. In practice, this means:

  • Overseas adoptions will no longer be automatically recognised under NZ law for immigration or citizenship unless the adoption occurred in an exempt country.
  • Children adopted from non-exempt countries will not be eligible for resident or visitor visas based on the parent-child relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident.
  • The list of exempt countries is set out in NZ legislation (see INZ’s notice for details).

Who is affected

  • These interim settings apply to NZ citizens and residents who have adopted children overseas and are seeking NZ visas or citizenship for those children.
  • People who are not NZ citizens or residents can still include and support adopted children in their own visa applications on the basis of the parent-child relationship (for example, a migrant family’s residence or family visitor visa application).

New vs existing applications

  • New applications lodged after Royal Assent that rely on a parent-child relationship with a NZ citizen or resident and where the adoption is from a non-exempt, non-Hague country will likely be declined.
  • Existing applications already submitted on that basis will continue to be processed under the new interim settings.

Why the Government is acting now

Officials say the temporary suspension is intended to address immediate risks in international adoption pathways while a broader Adoption Law Reform process considers permanent legislative change.

Where to get the official details

For the full notice and links to legislation and related guidance, read Immigration New Zealand’s announcement:
Source: Immigration New Zealand — Interim changes to visa applications for international adoptions
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/interim-changes-to-visa-applications-for-international-adoptions/

You can also follow the wider review here: Adoption Law Reform — Ministry of Justice.

Important note: Webfit News is not a licensed immigration adviser. This article is a news summary based on information published by Immigration New Zealand. Please refer to INZ’s official page (link above) for up-to-date, authoritative guidance and seek professional advice if needed.