New Zealand Introduces Parent Boost Visitor Visa – A Long-Term Option for Reuniting Families

The New Zealand Government has announced an exciting new visa category aimed at reuniting families and making the country even more attractive to highly skilled migrants: the Parent Boost Visitor Visa. This long-term visitor visa offers parents of New Zealand citizens and residents the opportunity to spend more time with their children and grandchildren—without placing additional pressure on public services.

What is the Parent Boost Visa?

The Parent Boost Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa that allows eligible parents to stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years. A second visa may be granted upon reapplication, potentially allowing for a total stay of up to 10 years, provided the applicant continues to meet all eligibility criteria.

It’s important to note that this is not a pathway to residence. However, for those wishing to pursue permanent settlement, the Parent Category Resident Visa remains available.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Parent Boost Visa, applicants must:

• Be of good character

• Meet the acceptable standard of health

• Have valid sponsorship and meet financial and insurance requirements

Sponsorship Requirements

Applicants must be sponsored by:

• Their biological or adopted child, who is a New Zealand citizen or resident

Sponsors must also commit to covering essential responsibilities throughout the visa duration, including:

• Accommodation and daily living costs

• Access to health and financial support

• Costs related to repatriation or deportation, if needed

Financial Criteria

Applicants must meet at least one of the following financial requirements:

1. Sponsor income:

   • At least the New Zealand median wage to sponsor one parent

   • Joint sponsors must earn 1.5 times the median wage

   • Income thresholds increase if more than one parent is sponsored

2. Parent’s personal income:

   • At least NZD $32,611.28 (single parent) or NZD $49,552.88 (couple) per annum

3. Parent’s personal funds:

   • NZD $160,000 (single applicant) or NZD $250,000 (couple)

Health Insurance Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must maintain valid health insurance throughout their stay, covering:

• Emergency medical care (minimum NZD $250,000/year)

• Repatriation

• Return of remains

• Cancer treatment (minimum NZD $100,000)

Lapses in health insurance may impact future visa eligibility and could result in visa cancellation or deportation.

Health Assessments

Two health checks are required:

1. Initial health assessment – as part of the visa application

2. Third-year health check – must be completed outside New Zealand, with proof of continuous insurance coverage

Visa Fees

• Visa application fee:

  • NZD $3,000 for most applicants

  • NZD $2,450 for those eligible under the Pacific fee band

  • Includes both the immigration fee and levy

• IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy):

  • NZD $100

• Third-year health check processing fee:

  • NZD $325 (or NZD $240 under the Pacific fee band)

Application Timeline

Applications for the Parent Boost Visa will open on 29 September 2025. Further details about the application process will be released closer to the date.

Final Thoughts

The Parent Boost Visa offers a meaningful, long-term way for parents and families to stay connected in New Zealand. While it is not a residence visa, it provides the flexibility and stability many migrant families seek. If you’re considering this option for your parents, it’s important to start preparing early, especially regarding sponsorship and financial documentation.