Starting September 29, 2025, New Zealand will launch the Parent Boost Visa, a new long-term visa designed to help migrant families stay together. This multiple-entry visa allows parents of New Zealand residents and citizens to stay for up to five years, with the option to apply for another five-year visa, making the total stay up to 10 years.
The new visa is aimed at making New Zealand more attractive to highly skilled migrants by offering their parents more time with them in the country. It builds on existing visa programs but offers a much longer duration of stay than current family visitor visas.
To qualify, applicants must meet standard health and character requirements. They also need to have a sponsor — a biological or adopted child who is either a New Zealand resident or citizen. The applicant must be able to pay for their accommodation, living costs, and health services throughout their stay. They also need to cover repatriation or deportation costs if needed.
Health insurance is required and must last for at least one year from the start of the visa. The policy must include a minimum of NZD 250,000 per year in coverage, with at least NZD 100,000 for cancer treatment, repatriation, and return of remains. Applicants will be required to take two medical exams — one during the initial application and another in the third year of their visa.
Financial requirements must also be met. Applicants need to qualify under one of three options:
- Their sponsor earns at least the median New Zealand wage (1.5 times the wage if two sponsors are involved), increasing by 0.5 times the median wage for each additional parent.
- The parents earn an annual income equal to New Zealand Superannuation: NZD 32,611.28 for a single person or NZD 49,552.88 for a couple.
- The parents hold personal funds of at least NZD 160,000 for a single applicant or NZD 250,000 for a couple.
The visa will cost NZD 3,000 (about USD 1,795.60), or NZD 2,450 (USD 1,466.41) for those eligible under the Pacific Fee Band. There is also a conservation and tourism levy of NZD 100 (USD 59.85). A health assessment in the third year of the visa will cost NZD 325 (USD 194.52), or NZD 240 (USD 143.65) under the Pacific Fee Band.
Applications open online on September 29, 2025, via the Immigration New Zealand website. Processing time is expected to take around four months.
This new visa differs significantly from other family-based options. The existing Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa allows a stay of only 18 months over three years. The Parent Retirement Resident Visa requires an investment of at least NZD 1 million for four years. The Parent Resident Visa, which offers permanent residence, is limited to 2,500 places annually and uses a lottery system.
The Parent Boost Visa offers a much more flexible and extended option for families who want to stay close for the long term.
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