New Zealand has always been known as a land of breathtaking landscapes, cultural diversity, and opportunities for families to reunite. In a major move to support family connections, the government has announced a brand-new visa category — the Parent Boost Visitor Visa. This long-term visa will allow parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to live closer to their children and grandchildren for up to five years, with the possibility of extending their stay for another five years.

Applications for this visa officially open on 29 September 2025, making it a highly anticipated option for families across the globe who want to spend more meaningful time together.

Unlike traditional visitor visas that restrict the length of stay, the Parent Boost Visitor Visa is designed specifically to strengthen family bonds while maintaining clear boundaries — it does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residence. Let’s take a closer look at what this visa offers, who can apply, and what requirements applicants and sponsors need to meet.

Why New Zealand Launched the Parent Boost Visitor Visa

Family reunification has always been an important aspect of immigration policy. Many New Zealand citizens and permanent residents live far away from their parents, often unable to spend quality time with them due to visa restrictions.

The government recognized this challenge and created the Parent Boost Visitor Visa as a family-focused solution. It provides parents with more flexibility to spend extended periods in New Zealand while ensuring the country’s health and financial systems are not burdened.

In simple terms, this visa is about balance: it allows parents to be with their children and grandchildren but without creating long-term settlement obligations for the government.

Key Features of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa

Here are the main highlights of this new visa category:

• Stay of up to 5 years with the option of applying for another 5-year visa later, allowing a maximum of 10 years in total.
• Multiple entries permitted during the visa validity, so parents can come and go as needed.
• Temporary visa only — it is not a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship.
• Parents and their partners can travel together or separately.

This flexibility makes the visa an attractive choice for families who want to maintain strong ties without uprooting lives permanently.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, applicants must meet specific requirements set by Immigration New Zealand. These include:

1. Location Requirement
   • Applicants must be outside New Zealand when applying and when the visa is approved.
2. Sponsorship Requirement
   • Parents must be sponsored by their adult child (18 or older) who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
   • Joint sponsorship is allowed if siblings wish to share responsibility.
3. Character and Health Checks
   • Applicants must meet New Zealand’s character and health standards.
   • Ongoing health insurance is mandatory.
4. Financial Proof
   • Applicants must show proof of funds or income, or meet the income requirements through sponsorship.
5. Visitor Status
   • Parents must prove they are genuine visitors and will keep ties with their home country.
   • They must also confirm that they have no dependent children.

Compliance and Medical Requirements

New Zealand has set clear rules to ensure that the visa is used responsibly:

• Travel Deadline: Visa holders must arrive in New Zealand within 6 months of approval.
• Compliance Check: After 3 years (but before 4 years of stay), parents must leave New Zealand briefly for a compliance check. This includes:
  • A new medical certificate.
  • Proof of continuous health insurance.
• Insurance Rule: Parents must maintain valid health insurance throughout their stay. They must provide evidence of 12 months’ insurance upfront.
• No Medical Waivers: Unlike other visas, waivers for medical conditions will not be granted.

This ensures parents are financially covered for healthcare and do not rely on public health services.

Financial Requirements: How Much Do Parents or Sponsors Need?

The visa comes with strict financial criteria to make sure families can support themselves. Here’s a breakdown:

Sponsorship Income Thresholds

• Single Sponsor: Must earn at least the New Zealand median wage.
• Joint Sponsors: Must earn 1.5 times the median wage (currently NZD $104,707.20) to support one parent. Income requirements increase for each additional parent.

Parents’ Own Funds Option

Parents can also qualify by showing proof of their own savings or income:

• Single Parent: At least NZD $160,000 in available funds.
• Couple: At least NZD $250,000 in available funds.

It’s important to note that borrowed or gifted money is not acceptable. Applicants must show genuine, legally sourced funds.

Sponsorship Rules Explained

• Sponsors must be adult children (18+) who are either citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand.
• Joint sponsorship is possible if siblings want to share responsibility for supporting their parent(s).
• Sponsors must also meet character, financial, and legal obligations as required by Immigration New Zealand.

Why This Visa Matters for Families

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a thoughtful initiative that balances compassion with responsibility. For many families, it means parents can finally be present for birthdays, graduations, and other important milestones without being restricted by short-term visitor visas.

At the same time, the clear rules around finances, insurance, and compliance checks ensure that the visa program remains sustainable. Parents get the gift of time with their children and grandchildren, while the New Zealand government ensures its healthcare and social systems are protected.

Final Thoughts

The New Zealand Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a groundbreaking step toward bringing families closer together. It offers long-term flexibility without the complexities of permanent migration, making it an ideal choice for parents who simply want to spend quality time with their loved ones.

With applications opening on 29 September 2025, families now have a golden opportunity to plan ahead and prepare all the necessary documents, financial proofs, and insurance coverage to take full advantage of this visa.

For parents of New Zealand citizens and residents, this visa is more than just paperwork — it’s a chance to create lasting memories, celebrate life’s moments together, and enjoy the beauty of New Zealand with the people who matter most.