In a move that significantly expands support for migrant families, New Zealand has announced a new long-term visa—the Parent Boost Visa—designed to facilitate family reunification. Launching on 29 September 2025, the visa enables eligible parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to stay in the country for up to 10 years. This multiple-entry visitor visa allows stays of up to five years at a time, with the option to renew for another five years, provided all conditions remain satisfied.
This new policy represents a major shift in how New Zealand accommodates the family members of temporary and permanent residents, particularly skilled migrants. The initiative aims to enhance the country’s attractiveness to foreign talent while also supporting family cohesion and migrant well-being.
A New Option for Long-Term Family Togetherness
Unlike short-term visitor visas that only allow brief stays, the Parent Boost Visa creates an extended window for families to live, grow, and support one another in New Zealand. While the visa does not lead directly to permanent residency, it offers unprecedented flexibility for parents to visit and remain close to their families over a longer horizon.
Eligible applicants can enjoy up to five years of continuous stay under the initial visa. Following that period, they may apply for a second five-year visa, provided they still meet all eligibility criteria.
Important Requirements: Health, Insurance, and Sponsorship
To qualify for the Parent Boost Visa, applicants must satisfy several key conditions:
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Sponsorship: The applicant must be sponsored by a New Zealand citizen or resident who serves as their anchor in the country.
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Health Insurance: The applicant must maintain comprehensive health insurance covering at least NZD 250,000 in emergency medical care. At least one year of coverage must be arranged before arrival.
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Medical Assessments: Two health checks are mandatory—one during the visa application process and another in the third year of stay. The second must be completed outside New Zealand.
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Proof of Coverage: Throughout their stay, visa holders must provide documented proof that their health insurance remains valid and continuous.
These health-related conditions are designed to ensure that visiting parents can access emergency medical services without becoming a burden on the public health system.
Financial Pathways: Multiple Options to Qualify
To demonstrate financial stability, applicants must meet at least one of the following financial criteria:
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Sponsor’s Income: The sponsoring child (or children) must earn at least:
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100% of the median wage for sponsoring one parent
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150% of the median wage for sponsoring two parents jointly
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Parent’s Income: Alternatively, the parent or parents can qualify by showing they receive ongoing income equal to the New Zealand Superannuation rate for either:
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A single person, or
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A married couple
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Savings Option: Applicants can instead show available savings of:
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NZD 160,000 for a single applicant, or
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NZD 250,000 for a couple
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These options make the visa more inclusive by accommodating diverse financial situations, particularly for retired parents who may not have a steady income but possess sufficient savings.
Cost Breakdown: Visa Fees and Additional Charges
Applicants for the Parent Boost Visa must pay the standard application fee of NZD $3,000, which covers both the immigration processing fee and a government levy. However, applicants from Pacific nations benefit from a reduced fee of NZD $2,450.
Additional costs include:
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International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): NZD $100
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Mandatory third-year health assessment:
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NZD $325 (general applicants)
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NZD $240 (Pacific fee band)
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These charges reflect New Zealand’s broader immigration funding and public health cost-sharing strategy, while ensuring the visa remains accessible for a wide demographic.
A Game-Changer for Migrant Families
The introduction of the Parent Boost Visa brings substantial long-term benefits to migrant families. By allowing up to a decade of cumulative stay, this visa enables migrants to:
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Offer emotional and physical care to ageing parents
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Strengthen intergenerational bonds
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Avoid the repeated costs and administrative hassle of frequent visa renewals
This move is widely seen as an effort to improve migrant retention, particularly among skilled workers who may otherwise feel isolated or forced to choose between career opportunities and family proximity.
Complementary Visa Options Still Available
While the Parent Boost Visa expands long-term visitation rights, other parent visa pathways remain active for different needs:
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Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa: Suitable for shorter visits
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Standard Visitor Visa: General option for temporary travel
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Parent Resident Visa: Offers permanent residency, though capped at 2,500 places annually
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Parent Retirement Resident Visa: Permanent option for wealthier retirees
These alternatives ensure that New Zealand retains a flexible migration framework, catering to families at different life stages and income levels.
A Strategic Move to Support Social Well-Being
New Zealand’s new Parent Boost Visa sends a clear message: family unity matters. By introducing this long-term visa option, the government acknowledges the emotional, cultural, and economic importance of keeping families together.
In an increasingly competitive global talent market, this policy also boosts New Zealand’s appeal as a migrant-friendly destination for skilled professionals who want to build lives—not just careers—in a welcoming and supportive environment.
With strong checks and balanced eligibility requirements, the Parent Boost Visa strikes a thoughtful compromise between compassionate immigration and fiscal responsibility, offering a powerful new incentive for global migrants to call New Zealand home.
