New Zealand’s Parent Boost Visitor Visa: Reuniting Families for the Long Term

Written By Bukky Oyawale

Effective from 29 September 2025, Immigration New Zealand is launching the Parent Boost Visitor Visa — a multiple-entry long-term visa designed to help families spend more meaningful time together.

This new visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to visit their children in New Zealand for up to 5 years, with the opportunity to apply for a second visa extending the stay to 10 years total.

 Please note: This visa is not a pathway to residence.

Who is it for?

  • Parents (biological or adopted) of New Zealand citizens or residents

  • Applicants must be sponsored by their child, who agrees to cover living, health, and repatriation costs

Key Eligibility Requirements

1. Sponsorship

  • Sponsor must be a NZ citizen or resident

  • Must commit to financial and welfare support for the full visa duration

2. Financial Criteria (choose ONE of the following):

  • Sponsor earns at least the NZ median wage (1.5x for joint sponsors, plus 0.5x per extra parent), OR

  • Parents earn personal income equivalent to NZ Superannuation:

    • Single: $32,611.28

    • Couple: $49,552.88, OR

  • Parents have personal funds:

    • Single: $160,000

    • Couple: $250,000

3. Health & Character

  • Must meet standard NZ health and character checks

  • Two medical assessments required:

    • One during application

    • One in the third year (completed outside NZ)

4. Health Insurance

  • Mandatory for full visa duration

  • Minimum coverage includes:

    • Emergency medical: $250,000/year

    • Cancer treatment: $100,000

    • Repatriation and return of remains

 Failure to maintain valid health insurance may lead to visa cancellation or future ineligibility.

 Fees

  • Visa application fee:

    • Most applicants: $3,000

    • Pacific applicants: $2,450

  • Tourism Levy: $100

  • Third-year health check:

    • Most: $325

    • Pacific applicants: $240

 Looking for Residence?

If your goal is permanent settlement in New Zealand, the Parent Category Resident Visa remains your pathway. The Parent Boost Visa is purely for long-term visits, not residency.

 When Can You Apply?

Applications open 29 September 2025.
We recommend early preparation to ensure all requirements are met.

🤝 Need Help Applying?

At Charis Immigration Partners, we can guide you through the process — from eligibility checks to preparing your documents and navigating sponsorship and financial obligations.

📩 Contact us today to get started with your Parent Boost Visitor Visa application.

Bukky Oyawale
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