Jun 13, 2025
Key Highlights:
|
In a significant move to support family unity, the New Zealand Government has announced the new Parent Boost Visitor Visa. This long-term, multiple-entry visa allows parents of New Zealand migrants to stay in the country for up to five years, with the possibility of extending their stay for another five years.
The initiative, set to open for applications from 29 September 2025, is part of New Zealand’s broader effort to attract skilled migrants by offering greater support to their families. However, this visa is strictly for visiting purposes and does not lead to permanent residency. It also complements the wider appeal for those looking to study in New Zealand, as it gives families more flexibility and reassurance when planning their stay.
To be eligible for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, applicants must:
To meet the financial eligibility for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, applicants should fulfil one of three conditions.
1. Firstly, their sponsor, who must be a New Zealand citizen or resident child, should be earning at least the current New Zealand median wage, which is NZ$ 33.56 per hour. If there are joint sponsors involved, their total income should be at least 1.5 times higher than the median household income.
2. Alternatively, the parent or parents can qualify if they have a personal annual income that matches the New Zealand Superannuation threshold, set at NZ$ 32,611.28 for a single applicant or NZ$ 49,552.88 for a couple.
3. A third option allows parents to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency through personal savings, at least NZ$ 160,000 for individuals or NZ$ 250,000 for couples.
As part of the health and insurance requirements for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, applicants should undergo two medical assessments—one during the initial application process and another in the third year of the visa, which should be completed outside of New Zealand. In addition, they are required to hold valid health insurance for the entire duration of their stay.
This insurance should provide coverage for emergency medical care with a minimum of NZ$ 250,000 per year, cancer treatment of at least NZ$ 100,000, and expenses related to repatriation and the return of remains.
The cost of applying for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa has been set at NZ$ 3,000 for most applicants, while those eligible under the Pacific fee band will pay a reduced fee of NZ$ 2,450.
In addition to the visa application fee, all applicants are required to pay a tourism levy of NZ$ 100. In addition, applicants will need to pay a separate fee for the compulsory health check in the third year—NZ$ 325 for most applicants and NZ$ 240 for those qualifying under the Pacific fee band.
With these expenses, families planning visits or those already exploring the cost to study in New Zealand should factor in the Parent Boost Visa as an additional way to stay connected while managing their financial planning effectively.
So, wrapping up the news for today by knowing how the Parent Boost Visitor Visa offers a meaningful way for New Zealand-based families to stay connected with their parents over the long term.
However, some important details are still pending, such as whether sponsors need to reside in New Zealand throughout the parents' stay, what residency history is required, and the exact documentation standards for income and savings. To stay informed about the pending details, connect with the experts at KC Overseas Education. Whether you have queries about the Parent Boost Visa or the New Zealand student visa, the team is here to guide you with the latest updates and expert advice.