A Welcome Change for Families Worldwide and things you need to know!
In June 2025, New Zealand’s government unveiled a transformative new visa for the parents of citizens and residents: the Parent Boost Visa. This multi‑entry visitor visa, beginning in September 2025, enables families across the globe to enjoy longer visits and deeper connections, without requiring residence.
A Significant Upgrade from Traditional Visitor Visas
Until now, parents could only visit New Zealand for up to 18 months over three years, with a maximum stay of six months at a time under existing visitor visa arrangements. The Parent Boost Visa dramatically extends this, offering up to five years of initial multi‑entry access, with eligibility for a renewal granting another five years, allowing up to ten years in total if requirements are met.
Importantly, this visa is not a pathway to residence; parents are expected to maintain links to their home country, and offshore applications are mandatory.
Who Qualifies and What’s Needed
To be eligible, applicants must have a sponsor who is their biological or adopted child, a New Zealand citizen or resident. That sponsor must commit to covering essential living costs, accommodation, and repatriation if needed.
There are three alternative ways to meet financial requirements:
- The sponsor earns at least the median wage (NZ$69,804.80 in 2025) to cover one parent, or 1.5× median wage (NZ$104,707.30) for joint sponsors; additional parents cost an extra 0.5× median wage each.
- The parent has personal income equivalent to New Zealand Superannuation: NZ$32,611.28 for one person, NZ$49,552.88 for a couple.
- Or personal savings of NZ$160,000 (single) or NZ$250,000 (couple).
Health and character checks are also essential. Applicants must maintain at least one year of health insurance, covering emergency medical care (minimum NZ$250,000), cancer treatment (NZ$100,000), repatriation and the return of remains for the full time they remain in New Zealand.
Additionally, visa holders are required to exit New Zealand sometime between the third and fourth year to undergo a health re‑check, reinforcing their temporary visitor status and ongoing links to their home country.
What Parents Can and Cannot Do
While holders of the Parent Boost Visa are allowed remote work for offshore employers and can study for up to three months each year, they cannot work for a New Zealand-based employer. They are also subject to New Zealand tax rules if they trigger tax residency through income generation or length of stay.
Cost Considerations and Community Concerns
The Parent Boost Visa carries a visa fee of NZ$3,000 (NZ$2,450 for Pacific applicants), plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZ$100, a third‑year procession charge of about NZ$325 (or NZ$240 for Pacific applicants), health check fees ranging roughly NZ$300–500, and mandatory health insurance, something many community advocates note could be costly compared to traditional travel insurance products.
Migrant groups have welcomed the visa launch for what it means in reducing barriers and creating paths for families to visit. Yet critics warn financial thresholds, especially median wage benchmarks, may exclude many communities, including Pacific Island families.
What to Do Next?
Although applications for the Parent Boost Visa do not open until 29 September 2025, awareness and preparation now are wise. Understanding documentation requirements, such as proof of sponsorship, financial capacity, health insurance, and travel plans, will be key for a strong application once the window opens.
Why It Matters for Migrant Families?
This visa is a landmark reform in family-focused immigration policy. It reflects a shift toward prioritising relationship-driven migration, offering meaningful flexibility for families who want long-term visitation without navigating permanent residence systems. As Prime Minister Christopher Luxon noted, it is a modern way to make New Zealand more attractive to skilled migrants and cohesive communities, while managing pressures on public services
For applicants and their sponsoring families worldwide, the Parent Boost Visa offers a predictable process with defined standards. If you’re preparing to bring your parents over, whether for ongoing support, milestones, or simply more time together, this visa provides clarity, and the possibility of a decade-long connection with New Zealand.
What Makes a Strong Application?
Based on recent case trends and INZ guidance, successful Parent Visitor Visa applications demonstrate:
- Clear sponsorship by a New Zealand citizen or resident who meets financial requirements
- Fully documented travel and accommodation plans
- Strong ties to the home country, including family, property, or employment, to show the applicant will return
- Excellent health and character records, supported by timely medicals and police certificates
Remember, a visa can still be declined for poor documentation, inconsistencies, or if INZ believes the applicant may try to overstay.