Parent Boost Visa

Written By Joanne Doyle

In mid-2025, the New Zealand government introduced the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, a new visa option aimed at helping parents of New Zealand citizens or residents spend longer periods of time in New Zealand with their families. Immigration New Zealand+3Immigration New Zealand+3The Beehive+3

Here’s a breakdown of what it offers, how it works, and what you (or your parents) need to do to qualify.

What Is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa

Who Is Eligible

To qualify, applicants must meet a number of criteria, including (but not limited to):

  1. Sponsorship / Sponsor Requirements

    • You need at least one child aged 18 or older who is a New Zealand citizen or resident to sponsor you. Immigration New Zealand+1

    • Joint sponsorship is allowed (for example by a child + their partner, or by more than one adult child) in certain circumstances. Immigration New Zealand+1

    • The sponsor(s) must live in New Zealand and commit to supporting you while you are here — covering essential living costs, ensuring access to health and financial support, and possibly providing for repatriation if required. Immigration New Zealand+1

  2. Health, Character & Insurance

    • Applicants (and their partners if included) must satisfy health and character standards, similar to those for residence. Immigration New Zealand+1

    • You must have medical or travel insurance covering specific minimums (e.g. emergency medical care, treatment including cancer, repatriation / return of remains) and maintain acceptable insurance for the duration of your stay. The Beehive+2Immigration New Zealand+2

    • There is also a health check during the third year of the visa to ensure you still meet health requirements and that insurance has been maintained. Immigration New Zealand+2The Beehive+2

  3. Financial Requirements
    Applicants must satisfy one of the following financial options:

    OptionRequirementsSponsor’s incomeThe sponsor must earn at least the New Zealand median wage for sponsoring one parent, or 1.5× the median wage if two sponsors are involved. If more parents are being sponsored, higher income thresholds apply. Immigration New Zealand+2The Beehive+2Parent(s)’ ongoing incomeThe parent(s) themselves have a regular income at least equal to the NZ Superannuation rate (for single or couple as relevant). That is, for a single parent the single rate; for a couple, the couple rate. Immigration New Zealand+1Parent(s)’ available fundsHaving sufficient funds: NZD $160,000 for single parent; NZD $250,000 for a couple. These funds must be genuinely available and not borrowed or gifted. Immigration New Zealand+1

  4. Other Requirements

Visa Conditions & Costs

  • Stay duration: Up to 5 years, with multiple entries and exits. If conditions are met, you may apply for a second 5-year term. Total possible stay = 10 years. Immigration New Zealand+1

  • Visa cost: The fee is NZD $3,000 for most applicants. For those who qualify under the Pacific fee band, there is a discounted rate of NZD $2,450. Immigration New Zealand+1

  • Other levies: An International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100 is also required. Immigration New Zealand+1

  • Year 3 health check: In the third year of the visa, you must leave NZ (remain offshore) to complete a health check and prove you have maintained valid insurance. There is also an additional fee for this check (for most people NZD $325; Pacific fee band NZD $240). Immigration New Zealand+2Immigration New Zealand+2

How It Fits with Other Parent Visa Options

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is part of a broader set of parent-related visa options. It’s aimed especially at those who want to spend longer periods with family without pursuing permanent residence. Some comparisons:

  • The Parent Resident Visa still exists, with its own quota / cap system (currently 2,500 places per year). That visa leads to residence. Immigration New Zealand+1

  • The Parent & Grandparent Visitor Visa is a shorter visitor visa, with more limited stay periods (e.g. 18 months in a 3-year period, etc.). Immigration New Zealand+1

  • The Parent Retirement Resident Visa is for parents who meet investment requirements and wish to get residence by investing in New Zealand (subject to the relevant rules). Immigration New Zealand+1

So the Parent Boost visa fills a gap: it provides a much longer-term visitor option than before, while still preserving the distinction between visitor status vs residence. Immigration New Zealand+1

Practical Considerations & Things to Watch Out For

  • While this visa offers longer stays, it’s not a substitute for residence if that is desired. Always check whether you or your child may instead qualify under parent residence categories.

  • Insurance and health requirements are strict and ongoing. If you fail to maintain required insurance or fail the health check in Year 3, your visa may be cancelled, or you may become ineligible for a second Boost visa. The Beehive+1

  • Sponsors must meet financial obligations, so the child (or children / joint sponsors) need to be ready to support costs.

  • Because applications must be made from outside NZ, travel planning is essential (timing of application, flights, re-entry, etc).

  • Visa fee and health check costs add up, especially for longer-term planning.

Timeline & Status

Why It Matters

For many families, the Parent Boost Visitor Visa provides a more flexible, longer-term option to bring parents closer without committing to permanent residency. It can help with:

  • Supporting family cohesion, caregiving, childcare, companionship etc.

  • Offering emotional, social, and practical support to both parents and children.

  • Making New Zealand a more attractive destination for international skilled migrants, knowing their parents can visit long term. The Beehive

It also reflects the government’s attempt to balance those social goals with protecting public services (health, social infrastructure), hence the insurance, health, character, and financial requirements

Joanne Doyle
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