In a significant update to New Zealand’s immigration settings, the Government has announced a new long-term visitor visa designed to help reunite families and enhance the country’s appeal to skilled migrants. The Parent Boost Visitor Visa will allow parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to stay for extended periods, with the first applications opening on 29 September 2025.

This multiple-entry visa will permit eligible parents to stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years per visa. Applicants may apply a second time, offering a potential total stay of up to 10 years, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. This visa offers a meaningful way for families to spend more time together, without placing added strain on public services. It is not a pathway to residence, but rather a long-term visit option.

Who Can Apply for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Have an eligible sponsor who is their biological or adopted child and a New Zealand citizen or resident.

  • Meet residence-level health standards and pass health checks at the beginning and in the third year of their stay.

  • Genuinely intend to stay in New Zealand temporarily.

  • Hold comprehensive health insurance for the entire duration of their stay.

  • Meet financial requirements either through the sponsor’s income, their own income, or personal funds.

Financial Requirements

Applicants must satisfy one of the following:

  • The sponsor earns at least the NZ median wage (more if sponsoring multiple parents),

  • The parent(s) have income matching the New Zealand Superannuation threshold,

  • Or they hold personal funds of NZD $160,000 (single) or NZD $250,000 (couple).

Health Insurance Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • At least NZD $250,000 in emergency medical cover,

  • NZD $100,000 in cancer treatment cover,

  • Coverage for repatriation and return of remains.

Failure to maintain valid health insurance may result in visa cancellation or affect future visa applications.

Fees

  • Visa fee: NZD $3,000 (or NZD $2,450 for those eligible for the Pacific fee band),

  • Third-year health check: NZD $325 (or NZD $240 for Pacific applicants),

  • International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy: NZD $100.

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa complements the existing Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa (for shorter stays) and sits alongside the Parent Resident Visa, which remains capped at 2,500 places per year, and the Parent Retirement Visa for those seeking permanent residence.

This update is a welcome move for many families eager to spend more quality time with loved ones in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Want to apply for this visa? Get in touch with our team today!