Common topic
Overview of parent visas
Published
22 July 2026
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 meets the requirements, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will issue an invitation to apply (ITA). Only people who have received an ITA can submit a residence application, which must be submitted within 4 months of the ITA being issued.
On 5 October 2026, the Parent Resident Visa moved from a ballot model to a hybrid selection process that combines a queue and a ballot. Approximately 90 percent of available places are allocated to EOIs selected from the queue, with the earliest EOIs selected first. The remaining 10 percent are allocated through a ballot. The change provides greater certainty for long-waiting applicants while continuing to provide opportunities for newer EOI holders to be selected.
INZ can approve up to 2,500 Parent Resident Visas each year.
More information on the application process and eligibility criteria can be found on the Parent Resident Visa details page.
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 data
As at 1 October 2026, INZ has received 1,506 Parent Boost Visitor Visa applications. Of these, 1,011 applications have been approved, 84 applications have been declined, and 177 applications have been withdrawn.
Find more statistics for Parent Resident Visa and Parent Boost Visitor Visa applications on the Parent Resident Visa statistics page.