Coming to New Zealand on the Parent Resident Visa
Learn about how to come to New Zealand on the Parent Resident Visa. Find out about the expression of interest (EOI) process and who can sponsor you.
Note
How we select Parent Resident Visa expressions of interest (EOIs) is changing on 5 October 2026. From 5 October, every year we will select around:
- 90% of EOIs based on the date order they were submitted
- 10% of EOIs based on a random ballot.
The first selection using this new model will be on 10 November 2026. The number of Parent Resident Visas we can approve each year and the visa criteria will not change.
For more information about the changes to the selection process:
Changes to the Parent Resident Visa Category
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Parent Resident Visa sponsor income
If your child earns enough and is a New Zealand resident or citizen, they may be able to help you come to New Zealand on the Parent Resident Visa.
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Parent Resident Visa expression of interest
Use this form to register online for the Parent Resident Visa ballot.
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Parent Resident Visa expression of interest (EOI) selection
When you submit your Parent Resident Visa EOI it goes into a ballot. If we select your EOI, we may invite you to apply for residence. Find out how the EOI and application process works.
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Update or withdraw your Parent Resident Visa expression of interest
If you made an expression of interest (EOI) for the Parent Resident Visa you can update or withdraw it.
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Parent Resident Visa successful expressions of interest
Find out which EOIs for the Parent Resident Visa were successful in the ballot.
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2026 changes to the Parent Resident Visa EOI selection
The expression of interest (EOI) selection process for the Parent Resident Visa is changing on 5 October 2026. If your current EOI is about to expire, or you want to know about the new process, read about your options.