The New Zealand government has introduced a new long-stay visa called the Parent Boost Visa for parents of citizens and residents. This visa allows eligible parents to stay in New Zealand for up to 10 years. Applications will open on September 29, 2025. It is a multiple-entry visitor visa and does not lead to permanent residency.
Parents can stay for up to five years initially. They may apply for a second visa to extend their stay for another five years if they meet the conditions. Unlike residency visas, this visitor visa does not grant permanent settlement rights. Visa holders must leave New Zealand before the visa expires. Overstaying could result in deportation.
This new visa is especially important for the large Indian community in New Zealand. Many Indians in the country are citizens or permanent residents. Previously, parents could only visit on short-term visas with limited duration. The Parent Boost Visa will allow Indian parents to spend longer periods with their children and grandchildren without needing to renew visas frequently. It offers flexibility and peace of mind for families separated by distance, especially during important occasions such as births, festivals, or medical needs.
To apply, the parent must be the parent of a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, including adopted children under sponsorship rules. Applicants must meet health and character requirements, including two medical checks—one when applying and another in the third year, to be done outside New Zealand. Unlike many visas, there is no English language requirement, which benefits elderly parents from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Sponsoring families must show they earn at least the median wage to support one parent, with higher income needed if sponsoring multiple parents. Alternatively, parents can apply if they have a personal income equal to New Zealand Superannuation (about NZD 32,600 per year). There is also a savings option, where applicants must prove they have NZD 160,000 (single) or NZD 250,000 (couple) in funds.
Parents must have comprehensive health insurance during their stay. The insurance should cover emergency medical costs, cancer treatment, and repatriation. Visa holders cannot work in New Zealand but may study for up to three months a year or work remotely for overseas employers. Income earned may have tax implications.
This visa improves on the current Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa, which allows stays up to 18 months within three years. The Parent Boost Visa offers a continuous five-year stay, with the possibility of extension, making it suitable for elderly Indian parents needing long-term support or family connection.
Indian citizens who already hold another parent visa can apply for the Parent Boost Visa but may only hold one parent visa at a time.
Related Topics
- Why Golden Visa Is Given
- What Is Golden Visa in Tamil
- USCIS Tightens Scrutiny of Disability Exemptions in Naturalization Process
