The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is set to open for applications on 29 September 2025, offering parents of New Zealand citizens and residents the opportunity to enjoy extended family time while maintaining strong connections with their home country. This visa category allows eligible parents to stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years, with the possibility of applying for a second 5-year visa, giving families a total of 10 years together.
Unlike residence pathways, Parent Boost Visitor Visa focuses purely on family reunification through long-term visits, providing flexibility, multiple entry rights, and robust conditions to ensure compliance. Below, we detail everything you need to know about eligibility, sponsorship, financial requirements, application steps, and conditions of stay.
Key Features of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa
- Stay in New Zealand for 5 years on one visa.
- Option to extend for a second 5-year term (maximum 10 years total).
- Multiple entry visa – parents can freely leave and re-enter New Zealand.
- Visa holders’ partners may also apply and travel separately.
- Mid-visa compliance check required between year 3 and year 4.
- Not a pathway to residence, but a unique long-term visitor solution for families.
Eligibility Criteria for Parents
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate genuine temporary intent and meet all health, character, and financial criteria.
Core eligibility requirements include:
- Applying from outside New Zealand and remaining offshore until the visa is granted.
- Being sponsored by an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Meeting character requirements under New Zealand immigration law.
- Meeting health standards and agreeing to compliance checks.
- Showing sufficient financial resources or having sponsors who meet income thresholds.
- Providing evidence of acceptable health insurance for the duration of stay.
- Not having any dependent children.
Parent Boost Visitor Visa Application Process
The application involves a clear two-step process designed to ensure applicants are well-prepared before arriving in New Zealand.
Step 1: Initial Application and Approval in Principle
Applicants submit their documents, including sponsorship details and financial proof. If approved in principle, they must:
- Provide evidence of 12 months’ acceptable health insurance.
- Sign a declaration confirming understanding of visa conditions.
Step 2: Final Visa Grant
- Applicants must enter New Zealand within 6 months of visa approval.
- The 5-year duration starts from the date of first arrival, not approval.
- Parents may travel separately from their partners.
Mid-Visa Compliance Check
Between year 3 and year 4, visa holders must undergo a compliance review. This involves:
- Providing an updated medical certificate.
- Demonstrating continuous health insurance coverage.
- Confirming adherence to all visa conditions.
Failure to pass the compliance check may result in visa cancellation or ineligibility for future visas.
Health Requirements
To safeguard New Zealand’s healthcare system, all applicants must meet an acceptable standard of health.
- First visa: Medical certificates up to 12 months old may be reused.
- Mid-visa check & second visa: Fresh medical certificates less than 3 months old required.
- No medical waivers will be granted.
Mandatory Health Insurance
Visa holders must maintain acceptable health insurance throughout their stay.
Minimum insurance coverage requirements (NZD):
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount per Year |
|---|---|
| Emergency medical care | $250,000 |
| Cancer treatment | $100,000 |
| Repatriation | $250,000 |
| Return of remains | $50,000 |
- Insurance must be purchased 12 months upfront following approval in principle.
- Evidence must be submitted within 3 months of approval.
- Insurance from overseas providers is acceptable if from approved insurers.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must prove financial self-sufficiency either through sponsor income, personal income, or available funds.
1. Sponsor’s Income
- A single sponsor must earn at least the median wage to support one parent.
- Joint sponsors must earn 1.5 times the median wage ($104,707.30 NZD as of 2025).
- For each additional parent, income requirements increase by 0.5 times the median wage ($34,902.40 NZD).
2. Parent’s Ongoing Income
- A single parent must earn at least $32,611.28 NZD annually before tax.
- A couple must earn at least $49,552.88 NZD annually before tax.
3. Parent’s Available Funds
- A single parent must hold $160,000 NZD.
- A couple must hold $250,000 NZD.
- Funds must be genuine and not borrowed or gifted.
Check this out: Learn about Sponsorship for the Parent Resident Visa
Sponsorship Conditions
Sponsors play a central role in this visa category.
- Must be an adult child (18+) who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Joint sponsorship is allowed and can include:
- An adult child and their partner.
- Two siblings (adult children of the parent).
- An adult child of one parent and an adult child of the parent’s partner.
Sponsors are responsible for ensuring visa holders comply with conditions and have adequate support during their stay.
Visa Conditions and Restrictions
- Visa holders must leave New Zealand before visa expiry.
- The visa is strictly for temporary visits and cannot be used for residence.
- Failure to maintain insurance or visa conditions can result in cancellation or deportation.
Conclusion
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa 2025 provides a unique long-term solution for parents wishing to spend meaningful time with their New Zealand-based children. With its 5-year flexible stay, multiple entries, and renewable option, it allows families to remain connected across borders while ensuring financial independence, health protection, and compliance with New Zealand’s immigration framework.
Families who plan and prepare early, especially around financial requirements, sponsorship, and health insurance, will be best positioned to benefit from this historic visa category.
Secure Your Spot for September 2025 Applications
Start your Parent Boost Visitor Visa journey today.
At Immigration Chambers, our experienced immigration advisers in Auckland are ready to guide you through every step of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa process. From sponsorship requirements to financial eligibility and insurance compliance, we ensure your application is complete, accurate, and on time.
Call our Licensed Immigration Lawyer in Auckland or email us at advice@iclegal.co.nz for expert assistance. Let us help you reunite with your family in New Zealand and make the process stress-free.
Book Your Consultation now and take the first step toward your Parent Boost Visitor Visa with professional support today.
FAQs
1. What is the New Zealand Parent Boost Visitor Visa 2025?
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a new visa category launching in September 2025 that allows parents and grandparents of migrants in New Zealand to stay for extended periods (up to 10 years) with their families.
2. When can I apply for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
Applications open in September 2025. Immigration New Zealand will provide detailed application guidelines closer to the launch date.
3. How long can parents stay in New Zealand on this visa?
Parents can stay for up to 10 years, depending on visa conditions and family sponsorship eligibility.
4. Who can sponsor a parent under the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
Eligible sponsors are usually adult children or grandchildren who are New Zealand citizens or residents, meeting financial and residency requirements.
5. What are the main eligibility criteria for parents?
Applicants must be parents or grandparents of a New Zealand resident/citizen, meet health and character requirements, and have financial support from their sponsoring family.
6. How is this visa different from a normal New Zealand Visitor Visa?
Unlike the standard Visitor Visa, the Parent Boost Visa allows longer stays (up to 10 years) and is specially designed to reunite families.
7. Can I work or study in New Zealand on this visa?
No, the Parent Boost Visitor Visa is strictly for family visits and does not grant work or full-time study rights.
8. Can I include both parents in one application?
Yes, in most cases, both parents can be included, but each applicant must meet the visa conditions.
9. Will there be a cap or limited number of visas issued?
Immigration New Zealand may introduce quota limits for Parent Boost Visitor Visas, so applying early is recommended.
10. How much does it cost to apply for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
The exact application fees will be announced closer to September 2025. Costs may vary depending on the duration and family sponsorship arrangements.