Overview of Parent Visas and application numbers

New Zealand offers 2 visa options for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents: the Parent Resident Visa and the Parent Boost Visitor Visa. These visas enable families to spend time together in New Zealand, either permanently (Parent Resident Visa) or for an extended visit (Parent Boost Visitor Visa).

Parent visa option 1: Parent Resident Visa

The Parent Resident Visa is a 2-stage process. People first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If the EOI is selected and it meets the requirements, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will issue an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Only people who have received an ITA are able to make a residence application, and this application must be made within 4 months of the ITA being issued.

INZ can approve 2,500 parent resident visas per year.

More information on the application process and criteria can be found on the Parent Resident Visa details page.

Parent Resident Visa

Skip to information about the Parent Boost Visitor Visa

Parent Resident Visa Data

The data in these tables are valid as at 26 November 2025.

Table 1: Parent Category resident visas granted by financial year

Counts parent resident visas approved and applications completed by financial year. The data in this table is valid as at 26 November 2025.

* The cap of 2831 for the 2024 to 2025 financial year reflects that the Minister of Immigration approved a one-off increase to the amount of Parent Resident Visas Immigration New Zealand could grant in the 2024 to 2025 financial year to people who made queue EOIs.

** Data is for 1 July 2025 to 26 November 2025

Table 2: Number of Parent Resident Visa EOIs in ballot by submission month

Please note there may be some variation to numbers previously published.

Table 3: Number of EOIs and applicants selected from the queue by selection month

Please note there may be some variation to numbers previously published.

Table 4: Decisions on parent queue EOIs selected

Table 5: Number of EOIs and applicants selected from ballot by selection month

Table 6: Decisions on parent ballot EOIs selected

Table 7: Parent Resident Visa applications submitted by submission month

Please note this table only reflects applications that were accepted for processing. There may be some variation to numbers previously published.

Note: This table only reflects applications that were accepted for processing. There may be some variation to numbers previously published. This data only includes Family Parent Visa Applications (grounds code: ABBIBO).

Table 8: Parent Resident Visa by month

Note: This data only includes Family Parent Visa Applications (grounds code: ABBIBO). There may be some variation to numbers previously published.

* Approved refers to applications approved in principle. After an application is approved in principle, applicants have 6 months to provide evidence of meeting the English Language requirements and passport documentation. Once this information is received and the requirements are met, the application is completed and visas will be issued.

** Completed only includes completed and approved applications.

Table 9: In progress Parent Resident Visa applications allocated vs in queue by submission month

Note: This data only includes Family Parent Visa Applications (grounds code: ABBIBO).

Applications in queue refer to those that have been accepted for processing and have not yet been assigned to an immigration officer for an initial assessment of the application.

Allocated applications refer to applications that have been accepted for processing, have been assigned to an immigration officer for an initial assessment, or have had an initial assessment done by an immigration officer, but are pending as further information is required before the application can be finalised.

Parent visa option 2: Parent Boost Visitor Visa

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa provides flexibility and certainty for families while ensuring sustainability and protecting public services.

• It allows eligible parents to spend extended time with their families in New Zealand and allows stays of up to 5 years, with the option to apply for a second 5-year visa, enabling a total stay of up to 10 years. 
• Visa holders can leave and re-enter New Zealand freely during the visa period.
• The visa is for visiting only and does not lead to residence.
• Applicants must apply from outside New Zealand, meet health and character requirements, and be sponsored by an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
• Applicants must also show financial self-sufficiency or meet sponsorship income thresholds. 
• Health insurance is mandatory for the entire stay and must meet minimum coverage requirements for medical care, cancer treatment, repatriation, and return of remains.
• A compliance check is required after 3 years, including proof of insurance and a new medical certificate. Failure to meet conditions can result in visa cancellation.

More information on the application process and criteria can be found on the Parent Boost Visitor Visa page:

Parent Boost Visitor Visa

Parent Boost Visitor Visa Data

As at 1 December 2025, INZ has received 483 Parent Boost Visitor Visa applications. Of these, 68 applications have been fully approved, and 19 applications have been withdrawn. A further 86 applications have been approved in principle, pending evidence of acceptable insurance.