New Zealand Parent Boost Visa to Open on Sept 29 with 10-Year Family Option
Table of Contents
Family is the heart of life, but for many migrants living in New Zealand, long distances have made it hard to share time with their parents. A short visit visa often feels too limited when parents want to spend more time with children and grandchildren. To solve this, the government has announced the New Zealand Parent Boost Visa, which will officially open for applications on September 29, 2025.
This new visa is not just a small change—it’s a big step toward making family connections stronger. It allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to stay in the country for up to five years at a time. Even better, they can apply for another five years, giving them the chance to spend up to 10 years with their loved ones.
What is the New Zealand Parent Boost Visa?
The New Zealand Parent Boost Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa. This means parents can come and go during their visa period, without worrying about applying again and again. For many families, this is a relief. It means grandparents can help with childcare, celebrate birthdays, and be present in everyday life—not just for a short holiday.
It’s important to remember that this visa is not a pathway to permanent residency. It is designed only for long-term visits. Parents who want to live in New Zealand permanently will still need to explore other options like the Parent Resident Visa.
Why This Visa Matters
Before this visa, most parents could only get short-term visitor visas—usually three months to a year. That was never enough time to truly settle in and enjoy family life. Now, with the New Zealand Parent Boost Visa, families can build stronger bonds without rushing.
Think about it: a grandparent can now watch their grandchild grow through the early school years, not just visit for a few months. Parents can provide emotional support, cultural connection, and practical help. For migrant families, this change is a blessing.
Who Can Apply?
Not every parent will be eligible. To apply for the New Zealand Parent Boost Visa, you must:
- Be the parent, adoptive parent, or step-parent of a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Be outside New Zealand when applying and when the visa is granted.
- Have no dependent children of your own.
- Be sponsored by your adult child (18 years or older) who lives in New Zealand. Joint sponsorship by two children is possible.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Show that you are a genuine visitor who plans to return home after the visa period ends.
Financial Requirements
The visa has clear financial conditions. Families need to show they can support the parent during their stay. There are three ways to meet this requirement:
- Sponsor’s income: The sponsoring child in New Zealand must earn at least the median wage. Higher income is needed if two parents are applying together.
- Parent’s income: Parents can qualify by showing their own income. For a single parent, the required amount is NZD $32,611.28 per year, and for a couple it is NZD $49,552.88.
- Parent’s savings or funds: Parents can also qualify by showing they have enough funds. A single parent needs at least NZD $160,000, while a couple needs NZD $250,000. These funds must be genuine and not borrowed.
Health and Insurance Rules
Health and medical checks are compulsory. Parents must provide a medical certificate before the visa is approved. Later, if applying for the second five-year term, new medical checks are required to show continued good health.
Another major condition is health insurance. Parents must have insurance that covers:
- Emergency medical treatment (at least NZD $250,000 per year).
- Cancer treatment (at least NZD $100,000 per year).
- Repatriation to the home country (NZD $250,000).
- Return of remains in case of death (NZD $50,000).
Families must buy at least one year of insurance after initial approval, and this insurance must stay active for the entire visa period.
Application Process
The process for the New Zealand Parent Boost Visa will be fully online:
- Applications open on September 29, 2025.
- Submit your application through Immigration New Zealand’s official website.
- Provide documents showing family relationship, financial support, health checks, and character certificates.
- After approval in principle, submit proof of medical insurance and a declaration of following visa rules.
- Travel to New Zealand within six months of approval. The five-year countdown begins the day you first enter.
Between the third and fourth year, parents must leave New Zealand temporarily for a compliance check. This includes new health tests and proof that insurance has been maintained. Once this is complete, they can apply for another five years.
Travel Connections: NZeTA
While the New Zealand Parent Boost Visa is separate from the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), it is still useful to keep track of your NZeTA Visa Status if you’ve had one before. Also, those planning short trips to New Zealand before applying for this visa can still Submit NZeTA Online to ensure smooth entry. Keeping travel documents in order avoids last-minute stress.
Why Families Are Excited
This visa has been welcomed with open arms by migrant communities. For years, families have faced the stress of short visas, repeated applications, and limited time together. Now, the New Zealand Parent Boost Visa offers peace of mind.
Take the example of Mr. and Mrs. Sharma in India. Their daughter lives in Wellington with her two young children. Earlier, the Sharmas could only visit for six months at a time. Now, they can apply for the Parent Boost Visa and spend up to ten years with their grandchildren—helping with school runs, sharing stories, and being present for milestones they would have otherwise missed.
Final Thoughts
The New Zealand Parent Boost Visa is a thoughtful step that respects the value of family. It does not offer permanent residency, but it does offer something just as important—time. Time for parents to be there, not just on video calls, but in person. Time for families to create memories, celebrate, and support one another.
If you’re planning to apply, make sure you:
- Check financial eligibility.
- Prepare health and insurance documents.
- Stay updated with your NZeTA Visa Status and Submit NZeTA Online when required.
By planning early and applying carefully, families can unlock a decade of togetherness under this new visa scheme.