New Parent Boost Visitor Visa NZ Opens 29 Sept 2025

iclegalnz
55 minutes ago
3 min read

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is set to open for applications on 29 September 2025, offering parents of New Zealand citizens and residents the opportunity to enjoy extended family time while maintaining strong connections with their home country. This visa category allows eligible parents to stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years, with the possibility of applying for a second 5-year visa, giving families a total of 10 years together.

Unlike residence pathways, Parent Boost Visitor Visa focuses purely on family reunification through long-term visits, providing flexibility, multiple entry rights, and robust conditions to ensure compliance. Below, we detail everything you need to know about eligibility, sponsorship, financial requirements, application steps, and conditions of stay.

Key Features of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa

Stay in New Zealand for 5 years on one visa.
Option to extend for a second 5-year term (maximum 10 years total).
Multiple entry visa – parents can freely leave and re-enter New Zealand.
Visa holders’ partners may also apply and travel separately.
Mid-visa compliance check required between year 3 and year 4.
Not a pathway to residence, but a unique long-term visitor solution for families.

Eligibility Criteria for Parents

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate genuine temporary intent and meet all health, character, and financial criteria.

Core eligibility requirements include:

Applying from outside New Zealand and remaining offshore until the visa is granted.
Being sponsored by an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Meeting character requirements under New Zealand immigration law.
Meeting health standards and agreeing to compliance checks.
Showing sufficient financial resources or having sponsors who meet income thresholds.
Providing evidence of acceptable health insurance for the duration of stay.
Not having any dependent children.

Parent Boost Visitor Visa Application Process

The application involves a clear two-step process designed to ensure applicants are well-prepared before arriving in New Zealand.

Step 1: Initial Application and Approval in Principle

Applicants submit their documents, including sponsorship details and financial proof. If approved in principle, they must:

Provide evidence of 12 months’ acceptable health insurance.
Sign a declaration confirming understanding of visa conditions.

Step 2: Final Visa Grant

Applicants must enter New Zealand within 6 months of visa approval.
The 5-year duration starts from the date of first arrival, not approval.
Parents may travel separately from their partners.

Mid-Visa Compliance Check

Between year 3 and year 4, visa holders must undergo a compliance review. This involves:

Providing an updated medical certificate.
Demonstrating continuous health insurance coverage.
Confirming adherence to all visa conditions.

Failure to pass the compliance check may result in visa cancellation or ineligibility for future visas.

Health Requirements

To safeguard New Zealand’s healthcare system, all applicants must meet an acceptable standard of health.

First visa: Medical certificates up to 12 months old may be reused.
Mid-visa check & second visa: Fresh medical certificates less than 3 months old required.
No medical waivers will be granted.

Mandatory Health Insurance

Visa holders must maintain acceptable health insurance throughout their stay.

Minimum insurance coverage requirements (NZD):

Coverage Type	Minimum Amount per Year
Emergency medical care	$250,000
Cancer treatment	$100,000
Repatriation	$250,000
Return of remains	$50,000

Insurance must be purchased 12 months upfront following approval in principle.
Evidence must be submitted within 3 months of approval.
Insurance from overseas providers is acceptable if from approved insurers.

Financial Requirements

Applicants must prove financial self-sufficiency either through sponsor income, personal income, or available funds.

1. Sponsor’s Income

A single sponsor must earn at least the median wage to support one parent.
Joint sponsors must earn 1.5 times the median wage ($104,707.30 NZD as of 2025).
For each additional parent, income requirements increase by 0.5 times the median wage ($34,902.40 NZD).

Check this out: Learn about Sponsorship for the Parent Resident Visa