Eligibility Quiz
Are you the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian of an adult New Zealand citizen or resident?
Requirements
Eligibility for this visa is determined by the qualifications of both the applicant (the parent) and the sponsor (the child).
Applicant Criteria
- Family Relationship: You must be the parent of an adult New Zealand citizen or resident. Grandparents and legal guardians are only eligible if the child’s biological parents are deceased.
- No Dependent Children: You cannot have any dependent children of your own at the time of application.
- English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate a minimum standard of English. If you do not meet the English requirement, you must "pre-purchase" English language tuition (ESOL) from a New Zealand provider.
- Health and Character: You must be in good health and of good character, which involves passing medical examinations and providing police clearances.
Sponsor Criteria
Your child (and their partner, if they are co-sponsoring) must meet strict financial and residency thresholds:
- Status and Residency: The sponsor must be a New Zealand citizen or resident for at least 3 years and must have spent at least 184 days in New Zealand during each of those three years.
- Income Threshold: Sponsors must earn a specific amount based on the New Zealand median wage (currently $69,804.80). This income must be proven through Inland Revenue (IRD) tax statements for two 12-month periods within the three years prior to your EOI being selected.
- 1 Parent / 1 Sponsor: Must earn 1.5x the median wage ($104,707.30).
- 2 Parents / 1 Sponsor: Must earn 2x the median wage ($139,609.60).
- 2 Parents / 2 Sponsors (Joint): Must earn 2.5x the median wage ($174,512.00).
Conditions & Warnings
Selection is via a quarterly ballot system; EOIs expire after 2 years if not drawn.
Sponsors are legally responsible for accommodation and well-being for the first 10 years; welfare receipt may trigger debt repayment or deportation.
Grandparents and legal guardians only qualify if the child's parents are deceased.
Qualifications
Minimum English standard required or pre-purchase of ESOL tuition (NZD $1,735 - $6,795).
Fees
Includes NZD $450 EOI fee and NZD $5,360 residence application fee. Excludes ESOL tuition.
Program Details
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Key Developments
The New Zealand government launched the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, a new 5-year multi-entry visa (extendable to 10 years) that provides an alternative for parents who do not meet residency requirements.
immigration.govt.nz ↗Immigration New Zealand removed the 2,000-visa queue allocation and the temporary 2024/25 cap increase, resetting the annual visa cap for the 2025/26 financial year.
immigration.govt.nz ↗The minimum income requirements for sponsors increased to align with the new median wage, requiring a single sponsor to earn at least NZD $104,707.30 to support one parent.
immigration.govt.nz ↗