Parent Boost Visitor Visa
The Ultimate Guide
Reunite with your parents, grandparents, or guardians for up to 10 years through New Zealand’s Parent Boost Visitor Visa, a revolutionary family visa program.
Maximum visa duration:5 Years
Entry allowed:Multiple
Total possible stay:10 Years
Why Choose Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
A revolutionary approach to family immigration, the Parent Boost Visa NZ prioritizes long-term relationships and practical support for New Zealand families.
Family Reunification
Spend up to 10 years with your loved ones in New Zealand
Long-term Stay
5 years per visa with possibility of one renewal
Multiple Entries
Come and go freely during your visa validity period
Flexible Funding
Multiple ways to meet financial requirements
Comprehensive Coverage
Parents, grandparents, and legal guardians eligible
Settlement Support
Help skilled migrants feel at home with family support
Who Can Apply For Parent Boost Visa NZ?
Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for a successful application.
All requirements must be met.
Relationship Requirements
Must be parent, grandparent, or legal guardian of adult NZ citizen/resident
- Adult means 18 years or older
- Grandparents only if sponsor’s parents deceased
- Legal guardians only if sponsor’s parents deceased
- Documentary evidence required
No Dependent Children
Applicant cannot have any dependent children
- Under 18 years old = dependent
- 18-19 years, single, and reliant = dependent
- Must provide evidence of independence
- Strict definition applied
Health Standards
Must meet NZ residence-level health requirements
- Chest x-ray required with application
- Medical certificate required
- Re-examination after 3 years
- No medical waivers available
Sponsorship Required
Must have eligible adult child as sponsor
- Sponsor must be ordinarily resident in NZ
- Up to 2 adult children can jointly sponsor
- Sponsor can support up to 6 parents total
- Sponsor must meet residency requirements
Critical Eligibility Notes
- Health requirements are strictly enforced with NO medical waivers available
- All family relationships must be proven with official documentation
- Sponsors must maintain NZ residency (184+ days/year) for entire visa period
- Applications must be made from outside New Zealand
Choose Your Financial Pathway
You only need to meet ONE of these financial options for the NZ Parent Boost Visa. Choose the pathway that works best for your situation.
Maintenance Funds
Personal Savings
- Single applicant: NZ $160,000
- With partner: NZ $250,000
- Must be in accessible accounts
- Unencumbered funds required
Annual Personal Income
Ongoing Income
- Single: NZ $32,611.28 annually
- Couple: NZ $49,552.88 annually
- Must be ongoing for full visa term
- Sources: pensions, rentals, dividends
Sponsor Income
Adult Child Support
- 2 of last 3 completed tax years
- Single sponsor: NZ $69,804.80 (1 parent)
- NZ $104,707.20 (2 parents)
- Higher thresholds for joint sponsorship
Mandatory Health Insurance
Insurance Important Notes
- Must be valid for minimum 12 months at grant
- Must be maintained for entire stay in New Zealand
- Pre-existing conditions may be excluded for emergency/cancer care
- Provider must have minimum A credit rating
Sponsor Duties & Important Visa Conditions
Maximum 6 Parents
Per sponsor (including partners)
184+ Days in NZ
Annual residency requirement
Legal Commitment
Legal Commitment
Application Location
Must apply from outside NZ
Entry Window
6 months to enter after grant
Renewal Timing
Apply between years 3-4
How Does Parent Boost Compare?
Understanding your options with the NZ Parent Boost Visa helps you make the right choice for your family situation.
| New Zealand Parent Visa Comparison | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Duration | Work Rights | Residence Path | Financial Requirement | Sponsor Needed | Medical/Insurance |
| Parent Boost (NEW) | 5–10 years |  |
|
Fund/income OR sponsor’s income |  |
Strict, no waivers |
| Parent Resident | Permanent | |
|
High sponsor income, ballot system | |
Strict, possible waiver |
| Parent Retirement | Permanent | |
|
NZ $1.5+ million investment, income | |
Strict, possible waiver |
| General Visitor | ≤9 months | |
|
Sufficient funds for visit | |
Basic, short-term |
| Parent/Grandparent Visitor | 3 years (max 18mos in NZ) | |
|
Sufficient funds for visit | |
Basic, short-term |
Longest Duration
Up to 10 years total stay
Flexible Funding
Multiple financial options
Multiple Entry
Come and go freely
No Ballot System
Direct application process
Pros & Cons: Is NZ Parent Boost Visa Right for You?
Understanding both the advantages and limitations of the Parent Boost Visa NZ helps you make an informed decision for your family.
Key Advantages- Long-Term Family ReunionUp to 10 years of multiple-entry stays, freeing families from frequent reapplications
- Maximum FlexibilityCome and go freely during visa validity with no restrictions on entry/exit
- Flexible EligibilityUMultiple ways to meet financial requirements – parent’s funds OR sponsor’s income
- Comprehensive CoverageGrandparents and guardians covered when parents are deceased
- Settlement SupportHelps skilled migrants with childcare, improving family outcomes and workforce stability
- No Ballot SystemDirect application process without waiting for selection ballots
Important Limitations- Stringent Health RulesNo medical waivers available – not suitable for those with serious health issues
- Costly RequirementsInsurance and financial thresholds are substantial and strictly enforced
- No Residency PathwayCannot convert to permanent residence – only for long-term visits, not settlement
- Sponsor BurdenLong-term commitment requiring sponsors to reside in NZ >184 days/year for up to 10 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, answered based on official Immigration New Zealand guidance.
Registered Migration Agent (Australia)
Founder and Immigration Law Specialist