New Zealand has launched a new visa category, the Parent Boost Visa, allowing parents of migrants to stay in the country for up to 10 years.
The visa program, set to commence on September 29, 2025, was announced by New Zealand’s immigration department in a statement on Monday. It aims to strengthen family connections by enabling parents to remain with their families for an extended period.
Initially, the visa grants a five-year stay, with the option to renew for another five years, provided all requirements are met. Classified as a visitor visa, it permits parents to travel in and out of New Zealand during the validity period. However, it does not provide a pathway to permanent residency. For permanent settlement, individuals must apply for a parent resident visa or a parent retirement resident visa.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Parent Boost Visa, applicants must:
- Be sponsored by a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Hold health insurance covering emergency care up to NZD $250,000 for at least one year.
- Undergo two health checks: one during the application process and another after three years.
- Provide evidence of active health insurance throughout the visa period.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following financial conditions:
- The sponsor earns at least New Zealand’s median wage (for one parent) or 1.5 times that amount (for two parents).
- The parents themselves have a stable income equivalent to New Zealand’s pension amount.
- Possess savings of at least NZD $160,000 (for one parent) or NZD $250,000 (for two parents).
Costs
- Standard visa fee: NZD $3,000
- Reduced fee for Pacific applicants: NZD $2,450
- Tourism levy: NZD $100
- Health check (after three years): NZD $325 (NZD $240 for Pacific applicants)