New Parent Boost Visitor Visa – Strengthening Family Connections in Aotearoa
On 8 June 2025, Immigration New Zealand announced the Parent Boost Visitor Visa—a significant new initiative facilitating stronger family ties across borders. This multiple-entry visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to visit for up to 5 years, with eligibility for a second 5‑year term, meaning a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years.
Purpose and Rationale
Enhances family unity, enabling long-term parental presence without pressuring public services.
Augments New Zealand’s attractiveness to skilled migrants by easing their separation anxiety.
Delivers flexibility that aligns with modern family dynamics and professional lifestyles.
Key Features
Multi‑entry validity – allows re‑entry over 5‑year periods
Potential renewal – application possible for a second 5‑year visa
No residence pathway – maintains clear distinction from residency options
Eligibility Requirements
Sponsorship
Sponsor must be the biological or adopted child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
The sponsor must undertake responsibility for accommodation, daily living, healthcare support, and any repatriation costs.
Health and Character
Applicants must:
satisfy good character and residence-level health standards.
undergo initial health screening at application and a second health check in Year 3 (outside New Zealand), confirming continued health insurance coverage.
Financial Criteria
Parents must satisfy one of the following:
Sponsor earns at least median wage (1× for single, 1.5× for joint; additional 0.5× per extra parent)
Parents’ annual income equal to NZ Super: NZD 32,611.28 (single) or NZD 49,552.88 (couple)
Parents hold liquid assets: NZD 160,000 (single) or NZD 250,000 (couple)
Health Insurance
Must maintain at least one year's coverage of:
Emergency medical care (min NZD 250,000)
Cancer treatment (min NZD 100,000)
Repatriation and return of remains
Failure to maintain insurance may lead to visa cancellation or affect future residency applications
Fees & Application Timeline
Visa fee: NZD 3,000 (standard); NZD 2,450 (Pacific fee band).
IVL: NZD 100.
Year-3 health-check fee: NZD 325 (standard); NZD 240 (Pacific band).
Applications open from 29 September 2025; anticipated processing time: up to 4 months.
Policy Boundaries
This visa is for visitor episodes only, not a pathway to residence.
Those seeking permanent residency should explore the Parent Resident Visa, governed by its own caps and requirements.