Immigration New Zealand (INZ) just announced that the new Parent Boost Visitor Visa will open for applications on 29 September 2025. The visa offers parents an unprecedented five-year stay to reconnect with their children who are New Zealand citizens or residents.
What is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
New Zealand created the Parent Boost Visitor Visa to let parents of citizens and residents spend an extended time with their families. Applications will open on 29 September 2025.
The visa allows eligible parents to stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years at a time, with the freedom to leave and re-enter the country during that period. Parents can also apply for a second 5-year visa, meaning a total stay of up to 10 years is possible.
It’s important to note that this visa does not lead to permanent residence. Instead, it offers a practical way for families to spend more meaningful time together.
Who Can Apply for a Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
To qualify for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, 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 resident
- Meet health and character requirements
- Show they are genuine visitors with ties to their home country
- Prove they have sufficient funds or that their sponsor meets income requirements
In addition, applicants must not have dependent children.
The Application Process
If your application meets the criteria, you’ll receive an approval in principle. At this stage, you’ll need to:
- Provide proof of 12 months of acceptable insurance
- Sign a declaration confirming that the visa is temporary and that you agree to follow all conditions
Once the visa is granted:
- You must enter New Zealand within 6 months of approval
- The 5-year period begins on arrival, not on the approval date
- Parents and partners can travel separately
- After 3 years (but before 4 years), you must complete a compliance check, including a medical update and proof of ongoing insurance
Failure to comply with these conditions could result in cancellation or deportation.
Health Requirements
Applicants must meet New Zealand’s acceptable health standards.
- For the first visa, medical certificates from the past 12 months may be reused if valid
- For the mid-visa check and second visa, new certificates (no older than 3 months) are required
- No medical waivers will be granted
This ensures visa holders do not place unnecessary strain on New Zealand’s healthcare system.
Insurance Rules for Parent Boost Visitor Visa
Having valid insurance is mandatory throughout the stay. Minimum coverage levels are set:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Emergency medical care | $250,000 per year |
| Cancer treatment | $100,000 per year |
| Repatriation | $250,000 |
| Return of remains | $50,000 |
Applicants can purchase insurance outside New Zealand if it meets these requirements. Failure to maintain insurance could mean cancellation of the visa or ineligibility for future visas.
Financial Support Requirements
Parents or their sponsors must show they can support the stay financially. Options include:
Sponsor’s Income
- A single sponsor must earn at least the median wage to support 1 parent
- Joint sponsors must earn 1.5 times the median wage (currently NZD $104,707.20)
- Each additional parent requires 0.5 times the median wage extra
Parents’ Income
- A single parent must earn at least the single rate of New Zealand Superannuation (currently NZD $32,611.28 before tax)
- Couples must meet the combined rate (currently NZD $49,552.88 before tax)
Parents’ Savings
- Single parent: at least NZD $160,000
- Couple: at least NZD $250,000
- Funds must be owned outright, not borrowed or gifted
Sponsorship Conditions
For Parent Boost Visitor Visa, sponsors must be adult children who are New Zealand citizens or residents. Joint sponsorship is allowed, and can include:
- An adult child and their partner
- Two siblings
- One child of the parent and one child of the parent’s partner
It is the sponsor’s responsibility to ensure visa holders follow the conditions and receive financial support during their stay.
Why This Visa Matters
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a significant step for families who have long struggled to spend extended time together in New Zealand. It creates a clear and structured way for parents to stay connected with their children and grandchildren while keeping the focus on temporary residence.
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