New Zealand is making it easier for migrants to reunite with their families by introducing a new long-term visa for parents. The “Parent Boost” Visa, introduced on September 29, 2025, was established to assist temporary residents in bringing their parents to the country for extended stays of up to 10 years in total.
This action is part of New Zealand’s broader strategy to support skilled migrants by strengthening family ties and enhancing its appeal as a long-term destination for global talent.
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Meaning Of Parent Boost Visa
The Parent Boost Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa that permits parents of New Zealand nationals or residents to remain in the country for a period of up to 5 years at a time.
Parents can apply for a second 5-year visa, allowing a total stay of up to 10 years, provided they continue to meet all qualification requirements. Hence, this visa does not offer a direct route to permanent residence.
For individuals seeking permanent residency, the existing Parent Resident Visa and Parent Retirement Resident Visa remain valid alternatives.
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Major Qualification Conditions
To make an application for the Parent Boost Visa, the following requirements are required to be satisfied:
- Support: This needs to be supported by a New Zealand National or resident.
- Health insurance: A minimum of 12 months of comprehensive health insurance protecting emergency care.
- Health reviews:
- A first health evaluation is required during the initial visa application.
- A second health evaluation outside New Zealand in the third year of the visit.
- Evidence of insurance: Proof that authentic health insurance has been maintained all through the stay.
Earning And Financial Measure
To be sure of financial stability, one of the following earning or fund-based measures is required to be satisfied:
|
Alternative |
Condition |
|
Supporter earning |
The sponsor is paid a median income for one parent, 1.5 times the median income for two parents (joint sponsors). |
|
Parent earning |
Ongoing earning equivalent to New Zealand Superannuation (single or couple rate) |
|
Parent savings |
$96,700.80 (single) or $151,095.00 (couple) obtainable to sponsor their visit. |
Visa Fees And Additional Expenses
The Parent Boost Visa comes with the following expenses;
Standard request fee: $1,813.40 ($1,480.87 for candidates qualified for the Pacific fee band). This pertains to the immigration charge and levy.
Foreign Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy: An additional $60.45
Third-year health review processing: $196 for several candidates and $145.12 for people qualified for the Pacific fee band. This fee is applied after 36 months of holding the visa.
Ways The Parent Boost Visa Assists Families And Migrants
Unlike short-term visitor visas, the Parent Boost visa allows households more time to connect, care for aging parents, and enjoy life in New Zealand together.
This program supports the health of migrants and is expected to make the nation even more attractive to skilled international employees considering long-term residency.
Other Visa Choices For Parents
Furthermore, the Parent Boost Visa, New Zealand provides:
- Parent and grandparent visitor visa (short-term stays)
- Standard visitor visa
- Parent resident visa (2,500 slots limited every year.
- Parent retirement resident visa
New Zealand’s Parent Boost Visa highlights a significant step toward family reunification. While it does not directly result in permanent residency, it provides long-term comfort and adaptability for migrant households, a benefit few nations offer on this scale.
For families desiring to spend quality time together without usual visa renewals, this new visa could be the answer they have been waiting for.
