Announcement
Income thresholds to increase for Pacific and parent visa categories
Published
14 April 2026
From 30 April 2026, income and sponsorship thresholds will increase for several Pacific and family visa categories.
The changes affect the Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota, Parent Category Resident Visa and Parent Boost Visitor Visa.
These updates are part of routine annual reviews to ensure income thresholds remain aligned with current wages, benefit settings, and living costs in New Zealand.
What is changing
Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota
For applicants with dependent children, the minimum income threshold will increase from NZD $54,133.04 to NZD $55,404.96 per year.
Pacific Access Category Resident Visa
Parent Category Resident Visa and Parent Boost Visitor Visa
Sponsorship income thresholds will be updated to reflect the June 2025 median wage of NZD $35.00 per hour, up from NZD $33.56.
Parent Category Resident Visa
You can find our sponsor income requirements for the Parent Category Resident Visa here:
Parent Resident Visa sponsor income requirements
Parent Boost Visitor Visa
The new income thresholds for Parent Boost Visitor Visa sponsors From 30 April 2026 are as follows:
| Minimum income to sponsor 1 parent | Minimum income to sponsor 2 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 3 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 4 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 5 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 6 parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZD $72,800.00 | NZD $109,200.00 | NZD $145,600.00 | NZD $182,000.00 | NZD $218,400.00 | NZD $254,800.00 |
| Minimum income to sponsor 1 parent | Minimum income to sponsor 2 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 3 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 4 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 5 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 6 parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZD $109,200.00 | NZD $145,600.00 | NZD $182,000.00 | NZD $218,400.00 | NZD $254,800.00 | NZD $291,200.00 |
Sponsors must earn at least the minimum income each year. They also must have earned at least the minimum income for 2 out of the past 3 New Zealand completed tax years (1 April to 31 March) before applying.
Applicants under the Parent Boost Visitor Visa can alternatively fund their own stay in New Zealand, either through annual income or maintenance funds. Theses thresholds will also increase from 30 April 2026.
Annual income
Applicants will need to earn at least:
NZD $33,663.24 a year, or
NZD $51,182.56 a year if they are including a partner.
Personal funds
Applicants will need to have funds in their bank account of at least:
NZD $170,000, or
NZD $260,000 if they are including a partner.
The minimum income and funds requirement for Parent Boost Visitor Visa applicants are based on New Zealand Superannuation rates (the equivalent annual income is required or the equivalent of 5 years NZ Superannuation for funds held).
Who the changes affect
Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota applicants
For the Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota, the updated income threshold will apply to applications from 30 April 2026 where the principal applicant has dependent children.
Parent Category Resident Visa applicants
Sponsors must meet the income threshold that applied for the chosen two 12-month periods during the 3 years before the Expression of Interest was selected.
People who have already applied under the Parent Category Resident Visa are not affected.
Parent Boost Visitor Visa applicants
For the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, the new sponsorship and applicant income and funds thresholds will apply to applications lodged on or after 30 April 2026.