Changes to the Parent Resident Visa Category

The Government has announced changes to the Parent Resident Visa Category, with a new hybrid selection model taking effect from 5 October 2026.

Under the new system, approximately 90% of expressions of interest (EOIs) will be selected in date order, with around 10% selected through a ballot.

The annual cap of 2,500 Parent Resident Visas each financial year will remain unchanged.

The changes are intended to provide a fairer and more predictable process for families, while continuing to give newer applicants an opportunity to be selected.

The next Parent Resident Visa selection draw will proceed as scheduled on 11 August 2026 under the current settings. The first selection under the new hybrid model is scheduled for 10 November 2026.

The Parent Resident Visa supports New Zealand citizens and residents to sponsor their parents for residence in New Zealand. For many families, having parents close by provides important support, connection and stability.

The Parent Resident Visa is a 2-stage process. People first submit an expression of interest (EOI). If the EOI is selected and meets the relevant requirements, we will issue an invitation to apply (ITA). Only people who have received an ITA can submit a residence application.

Current EOI holders will automatically transition into the new hybrid system on 5 October 2026 and will not need to submit a new EOI. People who have continually maintained an EOI in the pool, including those who submitted a replacement EOI within 90 days of a previous EOI expiring, will generally have their place in the queue based on the date their original EOI was accepted into the pool.

Applicants and sponsors will still need to meet all existing Parent Resident Visa requirements. The changes affect how EOIs are selected for an invitation to apply and do not change visa eligibility requirements.

Under the current system, EOIs expire after 2 years if they are not selected. Under the new model, EOIs will no longer expire, provided applicants confirm every 2 years that they wish to remain in the pool and keep their information up to date. No additional fee will be required.

We can approve up to 2,500 Parent Resident Visas each financial year. As demand is expected to remain higher than the number of places available, some applicants may still wait some time before being selected.

Before the new model takes effect, we will provide current and historical EOI holders with further information about the transition arrangements and what they mean for them. Information about queue positions will be made available to current EOI holders after the hybrid model takes effect on 5 October 2026.

Full details of this announcement are also available on the Beehive website.
Fairer Parent Resident Visa process delivered — The Beehive