Coming to New Zealand on the Parent Resident Visa
Learn about how to come to New Zealand on the Parent Resident Visa. This visa allows for a parent, grandparent or legal guardian of a New Zealand citizen or resident to live in New Zealand.
There are 2 steps to applying for the visa. The first step is submitting an expression of interest (EOI) and being invited to apply for the visa if you are eligible. The second step is making a Parent Resident Visa application.
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) changed on 5 October 2026. The number of Parent Resident Visas we can approve each year and the visa criteria has not changed.
Check the following pages for updates about the next EOI selection and common questions about the changes.
Parent Resident Visa category hybrid selection process now in place
2026 changes to the Parent Resident Visa EOI selection process
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Parent Resident Visa sponsor income
If your sponsor is a New Zealand resident or citizen and earns enough, check if they can help you come to New Zealand on the Parent Resident Visa. Find out about who can sponsor you, their eligibility and what minimum taxable income they need to earn.
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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
To apply for a Parent Resident Visa, you must first submit an expression of interest (EOI). The EOI goes into the parent category EOI pool. When we select your EOI, if you meet the requirements, you can be invited to apply for the visa.
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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 from the parent category EOI pool.
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Parent Resident Visa successful expressions of interest
Find out which EOIs for the Parent Resident Visa were selected from the parent category EOI pool.
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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 changed on 5 October 2026. Read a summary about the new parent category EOI pool and upcoming EOI selection dates.