The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is now open, giving eligible parents of New Zealand citizens and residents the chance to spend meaningful, extended time with their families. Designed to strengthen family bonds, this visa allows parents to stay for up to 5 years initially, with the option of a second 5-year visa, making a total stay of up to 10 years possible. Unlike standard visitor visas, Parent Boost Visitor Visa comes with specific financial, health, and sponsorship requirements to ensure parents can enjoy long-term visits while fully meeting New Zealand’s immigration conditions.
Parent Boost Visitor Visa Key Features
- Stay duration: Up to 5 years initially, with an option to apply for a second 5-year visa.
- Multiple entry rights: Parents can leave and re-enter New Zealand freely during the visa’s validity.
- Temporary nature: This visa does not lead to residency but is designed for extended family visits.
- Partners included: Parents and their partners can travel separately under the same visa conditions.
- Mid-visa compliance check: Required after 3 years to ensure conditions, health, and insurance requirements are still being met.
Eligibility Criteria of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa
Applicants must satisfy strict immigration, health, and financial conditions to qualify.
General Requirements
- Must apply and be outside New Zealand at the time of application and approval.
- Must have no dependent children.
- Must intend to stay temporarily and return home before visa expiry.
- Must retain ties to their home country.
- Must meet New Zealand’s character and health standards.
Sponsorship Requirements
- The sponsor must be an adult child (18+) who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Sponsorship can be joint, including:
- An adult child and their partner.
- Two adult children (siblings).
- An adult child of the parent and an adult child of the parent’s partner.
- Sponsors are responsible for ensuring compliance with financial and insurance conditions.
Financial Requirements for the Parent Boost Visa
Applicants must show financial capability through one of three options:
1. Sponsor’s Income
- Single sponsor: At least the median wage to support one parent.
- Joint sponsors: Combined income must be 1.5 times the median wage.
- Additional parent(s): Each extra parent requires an additional 0.5 times the median wage.
- Current thresholds:
- One parent supported by joint sponsors: NZD $104,707.20 annually.
- Additional parent: NZD $34,902.40 per parent.
2. Parent’s Ongoing Income
- Single parent: Minimum NZD $32,611.28 annually (pre-tax).
- Couple: Minimum NZD $49,552.88 annually (pre-tax).
3. Parent’s Available Funds
- Single parent: Minimum NZD $160,000 in personal funds.
- Couple: Minimum NZD $250,000 in personal funds.
- Borrowed or gifted money does not qualify; funds must be genuinely owned.
Health and Insurance Requirements
Maintaining good health and comprehensive insurance is mandatory.
Health Standards
- Applicants must meet the acceptable standard of health to avoid burdening New Zealand’s health system.
- First visa: Medical certificates up to 12 months old may be reused if still valid.
- Mid-visa compliance check & second visa: Fresh medical certificates no older than 3 months are required.
- No medical waivers are granted; failing health standards results in ineligibility.
Check this out: What are Acceptable Standards of Health Criteria for NZ Visa Approvals
Application Process
The process requires careful preparation and supporting documentation.
- Application Submission: Must be lodged from outside New Zealand.
- Initial Assessment: Immigration New Zealand checks eligibility, financial proof, and sponsorship.
- Approval in Principle: If successful, applicants must:
- Provide evidence of 12 months’ insurance.
- Sign a declaration confirming understanding of visa rules and temporary nature.
- Visa Grant:
- Applicants must enter New Zealand within 6 months of approval.
- The 5-year stay period begins from the date of first entry.
- Mid-Visa Compliance Check: After 3 years (but before 4 years), applicants must:
- Submit a new medical certificate.
- Provide proof of continuous insurance coverage.
- Second Visa Option: Apply for another 5 years if conditions remain satisfied.
Important Conditions to Remember
- The visa is strictly temporary and not a pathway to permanent residence.
- All conditions related to sponsorship, insurance, and financial support must be met at all times.
- Failure to comply may lead to visa cancellation and deportation.
- Parents must leave New Zealand once the visa expires unless a renewal is granted.
Why the Parent Boost Visitor Visa Matters for Families?
This visa bridges geographical gaps, allowing parents to spend meaningful, extended time with children and grandchildren in New Zealand. While it does not offer residency, it creates a structured, reliable pathway for family reunification without overwhelming the immigration system.
Wrapping up
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is one of the most beneficial long-term visitor options available for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents. With clear requirements for financial independence, sponsorship responsibility, and health compliance, this visa ensures that families can stay connected while safeguarding New Zealand’s public services. By carefully preparing your application, maintaining health insurance, and fulfilling compliance checks, families can enjoy up to 10 years of shared memories in New Zealand.
Why choose Immigration Chambers?
At Immigration Chambers, our skilled immigration advisers in Auckland are here to assist you throughout the Parent Boost Visitor Visa application process. We provide expert guidance on sponsorship rules, financial requirements, and insurance compliance, ensuring your application is thorough, accurate, and submitted on time.
Contact our Licensed Immigration Adviser in Auckland today or email us at advice@iclegal.co.nz for professional support. Let us help you bring your family closer to New Zealand.
FAQs
1. What is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa 2025?
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa 2025 allows eligible parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years initially, with the possibility of extending their stay for another 5 years, allowing a combined stay of up to 10 years. It is designed for extended family visits, not permanent residency.
2. Who can sponsor a parent for this visa?
Only an adult child (18+) who is a New Zealand citizen or resident can sponsor a parent. Joint sponsorship is allowed, which may include the adult child and their partner, two adult children, or an adult child of the parent and an adult child of the parent’s partner.
3. Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes. Applicants must maintain acceptable health insurance for the full duration of the visa. Minimum coverage includes emergency medical care ($250,000/year), cancer treatment ($100,000), repatriation ($250,000), and return of remains ($50,000). Insurance can be from overseas providers if it meets NZ standards.
4. Can parents travel in and out of New Zealand during their stay?
Yes. The visa allows multiple entries, so parents and their partners can leave and re-enter freely during the visa period. However, all visa conditions, including insurance and health compliance, must be maintained.
5. What is the mid-visa compliance check?
After 3 years (but before 4 years), parents must undergo a compliance check, which includes submitting a new medical certificate and proof of ongoing insurance. This ensures applicants continue to meet visa conditions and New Zealand’s health standards.