Over the weekend, the New Zealand Government confirmed the launch of the long-anticipated Parent Boost visitor visa, welcome news for many migrant families.
This is a longer-term, multiple entry visitor visa aimed at parents of New Zealand citizens or residents. It offers an initial stay of up to 5 years, with the option to apply for a second visa, allowing for a total stay of up to 10 years.
This visa expands on the current parent/grandparent visitor visa, allowing for more flexibility and longer stays without having to return overseas after 6 months.
There are some strict health criteria and, importantly, it is not a route to residency. For permanent residence options, the Parent Resident Category or Parent Retirement Category remain available.
Eligibility:
To qualify for the visa, applicants must:
- Be of good character.
- Meet health standards similar to those required for residency.
- Have a sponsor who is a New Zealand citizen or resident (their child) and agrees to take on financial responsibilities, including covering living expenses, health support, and potential repatriation costs.
Financial requirements:
- The sponsor (child) must earn at least New Zealand’s median wage (currently NZD $33.56/hour) to sponsor 1 parent. For joint sponsors, the required income is 1.5 times the median wage, increasing by 0.5 times the median wage for each additional parent sponsored, OR;
- Parents can qualify by showing they receive a regular income equivalent to New Zealand Superannuation, currently NZD $32,611.28 per year for a single parent, or NZD $49,552.88 per year for a couple, OR;
- Parents may also meet the requirements by showing they have sufficient personal funds; at least NZD $160,000 for a single applicant or NZD $250,000 for a couple.
Health insurance & medical checks:
- Applicants must maintain valid health insurance that covers emergency medical care, repatriation, and other essential health services (such as cancer treatment) for the entire duration of their stay.
- Importantly, applicants will be required to undergo health assessments to ensure they are of an acceptable standard of health:
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- The first health check is completed as part of the initial visa application.
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- In the third year of the visa, applicants must get another health check while outside of New Zealand.
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- They will also need to show proof that they have continued to hold valid health insurance while visiting New Zealand.
Start date & details:
Applications will open on 29 September 2025.
Note that final application instructions and eligibility requirements will be released closer to this date. However, key fee information has already been confirmed:
- The visa will cost NZD $3,000 for most applicants. Those eligible for the Pacific fee band will pay a reduced fee of NZD $2,450. These amounts include both the standard immigration fee and the applicable levy.
- In addition, all applicants will be required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, which is currently NZD $100.
- As part of the visa conditions, a second health check must be completed outside New Zealand in the third year. There is a processing fee for this check of NZD $325, or NZD $240 for Pacific fee band applicants.
Need immigration advice?
The Parent Boost visitor visa is a fantastic new option for families. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help preparing, our team of 9 licensed immigration advisers can guide you through your options.
Contact Greenstone Immigration today for personalised immigration advice.
Carol Wright
Licenced immigration Adviser