Parent Boost Visa: The New Zealand government has introduced the new Parent Boost Visa, a multiple-entry visitor visa that allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to stay for up to five years. If parents continue to meet all eligibility criteria, they can apply for a second visa, which extends their stay to a total of ten years.

Since this visa serves as a visitor permit rather than a pathway to permanent residency, most parents are expected to leave New Zealand before the Parent Boost Visa expires on September 29, 2025. Those who remain in the country after their visa expires risk facing deportation. Meanwhile, the current Parent Resident Visa option remains available for individuals who want to settle permanently in New Zealand.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must prove they are of good character and that their health meets New Zealand’s residency standards. While the country requires strong moral and medical qualifications, it does not require English language proficiency, making the process more accessible for many families.

When it comes to sponsorship, candidates must have an eligible sponsor, specifically, their biological or adopted child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. But that’s not all. The sponsoring child must also commit to fully supporting their parent for the entire duration of the visa. This includes providing accommodation, daily living expenses, access to healthcare, and financial support. In emergencies, the sponsor must also cover repatriation or deportation costs. This level of support is a serious commitment, but it helps families reunite and thrive together under one roof in New Zealand. Additionally, citizens and residents may share this responsibility by sponsoring jointly with a sibling or partner, making it a more flexible and family-centered option.

Financial Requirements:
To bring their parents to New Zealand under the new Parent Boost Visa, sponsors must meet clear financial criteria. If sponsoring one parent, they must earn at least the current median wage, or 1.5 times that amount if applying jointly with a partner. For each additional parent, that threshold increases by half the median wage. Alternatively, parents can qualify by showing they earn an income equivalent to New Zealand Superannuation, NZD 32,611.28 annually for singles or NZD 49,552.88 for couples. Another option? Show the money! A personal fund of NZD 160,000 for a single parent or NZD 250,000 for a couple seals the deal.

Health Insurance:

To qualify for New Zealand’s Parent Boost Visa, applicants must secure comprehensive health insurance that proves they’re prepared for life’s uncertainties. Their policy must cover at least NZD 250,000 per year for emergency medical care, NZD 100,000 for cancer treatment, and full coverage for repatriation and the return of remains. These requirements ensure that parents receive quality medical care without placing a strain on New Zealand’s healthcare system, offering peace of mind to both families and authorities.

Moreover, applicants must maintain valid and up-to-date health insurance throughout their stay in New Zealand. Failing to do so can affect their eligibility for future visas, including permanent residency under the Parent Category. In more serious cases, immigration authorities may revoke the visa or even deport the individual. Therefore, consistent coverage isn’t just a requirement; it’s a safeguard for a secure and worry-free stay.

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To make sure their health is up to par, applicants will need to go through two medical evaluations. The initial visa application includes the completion of the first health examination. Applicants are required to have a second health examination while they are not in New Zealand during the third year of the visa. Additionally, they will have to provide documentation proving they had health insurance while in New Zealand.

Visa Application Process:
When the applications begin on September 29, 2025, you can apply online at the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website.

Visa fees:

Most applicants must pay a visa fee of NZD 3,000, while those eligible under the Pacific fee band pay a reduced fee of NZD 2,450. This amount includes both the immigration charge and the applicable levy. In addition, applicants must also pay a NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, which contributes to environmental and tourism initiatives. Furthermore, after three years, most visa holders need to undergo a third-year health check. This costs NZD 325, or NZD 240 for those under the Pacific fee band. The government has stated that it aims to process visa applications within four months, offering a relatively quick turnaround for eligible families.

Can Parent Boost Visa Holders Work?

Parent Boost Visa holders can work remotely for an offshore employer or study for up to three months each year. This is similar to the conditions of other visitor visas. To engage in longer-term work or study, they must apply for the appropriate visa. Additionally, some parents may face tax liabilities in New Zealand. This applies if they earn income through remote work or passive sources while staying in the country on a Parent Boost Visa.

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