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

Information about the Parent Boost Visitor Visa is in the following section about option 2.

Parent visa option 2: Parent Boost Visitor Visa

Parent Resident Visa data

Table 1a: Parent Category Resident Visas issued by financial year since 2022/23

This table presents the number of Parent Resident Visas approved and completed by financial year. The data is valid as at 31 August 2026.

* For the financial year ending 30 June 2025, the Minister of Immigration authorised up to a further 331 visas to be granted for persons who were approved in principle before 12 December 2024.

Table 1b: Parent Category Resident Visas approvals by financial year from 2025/26

Important note: From 1 July 2025 the annual limit refers to the number of approvals in principle that can be issued under Parent Category. This is limited to 2,500 people each year ended 30 June.

Note: 2025/26 covers the full financial year ended 30 June 2026. The 2026/27 figures are for the period 1 July 2026 to 31 August 2026 only.

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

Note: There may be some variation to numbers previously published.

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

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

Note: This table only reflects applications that were accepted for processing. There may be some variation to numbers previously published.

Table 8: Parent Resident Visa by month

* 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.

Note: There may be some variation to numbers previously published.

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

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 2 February 2026, INZ has received 708 Parent Boost Visitor Visa applications. Of these, 230 applications have been approved, 6 applications have been declined, and 44 applications have been withdrawn. A further 108 applications have been approved in principle, pending evidence of acceptable insurance.