Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that applications for the new Parent Boost Visitor Visa will open on 29 September 2025. This visa provides parents with an unprecedented opportunity to reunite with their children who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, allowing stays of up to five years at a time.
What Is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is designed to help families spend extended time together in New Zealand. It allows parents to stay for up to five years per visa, with the option to apply for a second five-year visa—making a total stay of up to 10 years possible. However, this visa does not lead to permanent residence; it is strictly a long-term visitor visa.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be outside New Zealand when applying and when the visa is granted
- Be sponsored by an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Meet health and character requirements
- Demonstrate genuine visitor intent and ties to their home country
- Show financial self-sufficiency or provide proof that the sponsor meets income thresholds
Applicants are not required to have dependent children.
Application Process
Once an application meets initial requirements, INZ issues an approval in principle. At this stage, applicants must:
- Provide proof of at least one year of valid insurance
- Sign a declaration confirming the visa is temporary and they will comply with conditions
Key steps after visa approval include:
- Travel to New Zealand within six months of approval
- Visa duration begins on arrival, not on the approval date
- Parents and spouses may travel separately
- Undergo a compliance review between 36 months and 4 years, including updated medical and insurance checks
Health Requirements
Applicants must meet New Zealand’s strict health standards:
- Existing medical certificates (up to one year old) may be reused for the first visa
- New certificates (no older than three months) are required for mid-visa reviews and renewals
- No medical waivers will be granted
Insurance Requirements
Comprehensive insurance coverage is mandatory throughout the stay. Minimum coverage levels include:
- Emergency medical care: NZD $250,000 annually
- Cancer treatment: NZD $100,000 annually
- Repatriation: NZD $250,000
- Return of remains: NZD $50,000
Insurance may be purchased abroad if it meets these requirements. Failure to maintain valid insurance can result in visa cancellation or ineligibility for renewal.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must show sufficient financial resources through one of the following:
Sponsor’s Income
- Single sponsor must earn at least the New Zealand median income to sponsor one parent
- Joint sponsors must earn 1.5 times the median income (currently NZD $104,707.20)
- Each additional parent requires an extra 0.5 times the median income
Parent’s Own Income
- Single parent must earn at least NZD $32,611.28 annually before tax
- Couples must meet the combined rate of NZD $49,552.88 annually before tax
Parent’s Savings
- Single parent: Minimum NZD $160,000
- Couple: Minimum NZD $250,000
Funds must be owned outright and cannot be borrowed or gifted.
Sponsorship Rules
Sponsors must be adult children who are New Zealand citizens or residents. Joint sponsorship is allowed and can include:
- An adult child and their spouse
- Two siblings
- A child of the parent and a child of the parent’s spouse
Why This Visa Matters
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa provides a structured pathway for parents to remain close to their children and grandchildren in New Zealand. It balances family reunification with clear financial and health requirements, ensuring sustainability within New Zealand’s immigration system.
FAQ
When can I apply for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
Applications open on 29 September 2025.
How long can I stay in New Zealand on this visa?
Each visa allows a five-year stay, with the possibility of renewal for another five years.
Does this visa lead to permanent residence?
No. The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a temporary visa only and does not provide a pathway to permanent residence.
What happens if I fail to maintain insurance or meet health requirements?
Failure to meet conditions may result in visa cancellation or refusal of renewal.