Families in New Zealand have received some good news—a brand-new visa category will soon allow parents of New Zealand residents and citizens to spend extended time with their loved ones.

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa, opening for applications from 29 September 2025, will let eligible parents stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years at a time, with the flexibility to leave and re-enter the country freely throughout the visa’s duration.

Better still, parents will have the option to apply for a second 5-year visa, meaning they can remain close to family in New Zealand for up to 10 years in total.

While this visa is strictly for visiting and not a pathway to residence, it provides a meaningful way for families to spend quality time together without the need for frequent reapplications.

Key Features of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa

• Stay in New Zealand for 5 years per visa grant
• Option to extend for an additional 5 years (10 years total)
• Multiple entry: leave and re-enter freely during the visa period
• Partners of parents can also apply, and they are permitted to travel separately
• Mandatory mid-visa compliance check between years 3 and 4

Eligibility Requirements

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
• Prove they have sufficient income or savings to support their stay, or rely on their sponsor’s income
• Meet character, health, and insurance requirements
• Show they intend to visit only temporarily and still maintain ties with their home country
• Not have any dependent children

Applicants will also need to provide 12 months of acceptable health insurance once they receive approval in principle, and sign a declaration agreeing to all conditions of the visa.

Financial Requirements

Applicants or sponsors must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. There are three ways to qualify:

1. Sponsor’s Income
   • A single sponsor must earn at least the median wage to support one parent
   • Joint sponsors must earn 1.5x the median wage (currently NZD $104,707.20)
   • For each additional parent sponsored, the required income increases by 0.5x the median wage (~NZD $34,902.40)
2. Parent’s Ongoing Income
   • A single parent needs income at least equal to the single rate of NZ Superannuation (currently NZD $32,611.28 per year before tax)
   • A couple must meet the couple rate of NZ Superannuation (currently NZD $49,552.88 per year before tax)
3. Parent’s Available Funds
   • A single parent must show NZD $160,000 in savings
   • A couple must show NZD $250,000 in savings
   • Funds must truly belong to the parents (no loans or gifted money)

Health and Insurance Requirements

To protect public services, Parent Boost Visitor Visa applicants must meet stricter health requirements:

• Medical Certificates:
  • Past 12-month medicals can be reused for the first visa (if up to standard)
  • New certificates (not older than 3 months) required for the mid-visa compliance check and second visa application
  • No medical waivers will be considered
• Insurance Coverage (Minimum Per Person, Per Year):
  • Emergency Medical Care: NZD $250,000
  • Cancer Treatment: NZD $100,000
  • Repatriation: NZD $250,000
  • Return of Remains: NZD $50,000

Applicants must:

• Purchase 12 months of insurance upfront (after approval in principle)
• Provide proof of insurance within 3 months of receiving approval
• Maintain valid insurance throughout their entire stay

Failure to maintain acceptable insurance could lead to visa cancellation, deportation, or ineligibility for future parent/family visa programs.

Sponsorship Rules

Sponsorship is central to this visa. Sponsors must be:

• 18 or older
• A New Zealand citizen or resident
• Able to support their parents financially and meet Immigration New Zealand requirements

Joint Sponsorship Options:

• An adult child and their partner
• Two adult children (siblings)
• One adult child of the parent + one adult child of the parent’s partner

Important Dates and Next Steps

• Applications Open: 29 September 2025
• Once approved, applicants must enter New Zealand within 6 months
• The 5-year stay period begins on the first arrival date, not the visa grant date
• Between years 3 and 4, visa holders must complete a compliance check

Final Thoughts

The new Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a significant step in supporting family reunification in New Zealand. It offers parents the chance to spend up to a decade of meaningful time with their children and grandchildren, while ensuring public resources and safety systems remain protected through strict eligibility, financial, and health requirements.

While not a pathway to permanent residency, this visa provides an important opportunity for families separated by borders to create lasting memories together.