Who can apply for a parent and grandparent multiple entry visitor’s visa?
A parent or grandparent of a New Zealand citizen or resident, can apply for a visa under this policy.
Note that a partner of a parent or grandparent may be included in the application; however, a dependent child (or children) of the parent or grandparent cannot be included. They must apply in their own right under another visitor’s visa policy.
What is the difference between a visitor’s visa and a visitor’s permit?
A visitor’s visa is an endorsement in your passport allowing you to travel to New Zealand. It shows you have permission to travel to New Zealand and the visa may be valid for one journey (single) or for more than one journey (multiple).
When you arrive, for example at a New Zealand airport, an immigration officer will check your visa. If the officer is happy you meet all the conditions stated on the visa, they will grant you a permit. It is the permit that gives you permission to be in New Zealand and states the date your permit will expire and any other conditions that apply.
How long will the multiple visa be valid for?
The multiple visa will generally be valid for three years from the date of issue.
How long can I stay in New Zealand on each visit?
You can stay in New Zealand up to six months on each visit, up to 18 months in total during the visa’s currency.
If my visa is valid for less than six months, how long will my permit be granted for?
Six months. Note you must make sure that you do not exceed the maximum entitlement of 18 months during the currency of your visa.
What should I do if I need to stay in New Zealand for more than six months on one visit?
If you entered New Zealand on a parent and grandparent multiple entry visitor’s visa and you wish to stay in New Zealand for more than six months on one visit, you will need to apply for a further permit under another temporary entry policy.
If you are granted a further permit or visa under another temporary entry policy (eg a work or student permit or visa), your ‘parent and grandparent multiple entry visitor’s visa’ will become invalid.
Is there any time limit for me to stay outside New Zealand before I can return to New Zealand on this multiple visa?
No. You can return to New Zealand at any time during the currency of your multiple visa; however, you must not exceed the maximum entitlement of 18 months in New Zealand during the currency of your visa.
What happens if I stayed in New Zealand longer than 18 months during the currency of my previous visa and I want to apply for another visa under this policy?
If you have previously breached the conditions of your visa and/or permit by staying in New Zealand longer than 18 months during the currency of your visa, you will not normally be eligible for a further visa under this policy.
I have spent 9 months in New Zealand as a visitor and have now returned to my home country. Do you count the time I have already spent in New Zealand towards the maximum entitlement of 18 in 36 months?
No, your previous time in New Zealand is not counted. The 18 in 36 months starts with the parent and grandparent multiple entry visitor’s visa.
Who can sponsor me under this policy?
You may be sponsored by:
- your New Zealand citizen or resident child or grandchild, aged 17 years or older, or
- where your New Zealand citizen or resident child or grandchild is less than 17, the New Zealand citizen or resident parent of your child or grandchild.
I have two children who are both under 17 years old. They are living in New Zealand with their father and his partner. I want to apply for a parent and grandparent multiple entry visa, who can sponsor me?
Your children are too young to sponsor you; however, your children’s New Zealand citizen or resident father may act as your sponsor in this case. Your sponsor will need to provide evidence of his family relationship to your child.
I have an 8-year-old grandson who is a New Zealand resident. His New Zealand citizen parent is not related to me. Can his New Zealand parent sponsor me under this policy?
Yes. Your sponsor will need to provide evidence of his or her family relationship to your grandchild.
What obligations does my sponsor have?
Your sponsor must provide a completed Sponsorship Form for Visiting New Zealand (NZIS 1025) PDF, in which they guarantee to meet the cost of the following:
- maintenance
- accommodation
- health care, and
- repatriation.
In addition, your sponsor must be in New Zealand during the period(s) of your visit(s) to New Zealand.
What happens if my sponsor did not stay in New Zealand during the period(s) of my visit(s) to New Zealand?
If your sponsor was not in New Zealand during your visit(s) to New Zealand, you will not normally be eligible for a further visa under this policy.
Can a New Zealand child or grandchild sponsor more than one application under this policy at the same time?
No. Only one person, and his or her partner, can be sponsored at any one time by an individual sponsor.
Do I have to submit a full medical certificate if I intend to remain in New Zealand for less than 12 months?
Yes. You must meet the health requirement for visitors intending to stay in New Zealand for more than 12 months (see Health Requirements Leaflet (NZIS 1121) PDF).
Do I need to submit a police certificate?
You will not need to provide a police certificate unless you are specifically requested to do so.
Where do I apply for this type of visa?
You have to apply from outside New Zealand. See our contacts for your closest INZ branch.
What is the fee?
The fee is the same as the general visitor’s visa fee. Our office and fee finder can find this fee for you.
Where can I find more information about family visit or residence opportunities?
You can find more information here on our website, see:
Who can I contact with further questions?
You can visit your local INZ branch or phone:
• 0508 55 88 55 (if you are within New Zealand but outside of Auckland), or
• 09 914 4100 (if you are calling from Auckland), or
• +64 9 914 4100 (if you are calling from outside of New Zealand)