Parent Boost Visa New Zealand: Complete Guide for Long-Term Family Stays
- iclegalnz
- Jan 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 27
Extended Family Stay Options Under New Zealand Immigration
The New Zealand Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a long-term visitor visa introduced by Immigration New Zealand to allow parents to spend extended periods with their children and grandchildren. It provides stability, flexibility, and certainty for parents who wish to remain in New Zealand for longer durations without transitioning to permanent residence.
What Is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa, opening for applications on 29 September 2025, is a multiple-entry visitor visa that permits eligible parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to stay in New Zealand for up to five years per grant. After a brief offshore interval, it is possible to reapply once, allowing a maximum cumulative stay of ten years.
This visa is strictly a visitor visa and does not offer eligibility for permanent residence. Parents who wish to reside permanently must pursue the Parent Resident Visa.
Key Benefits of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa
1. Extended Stay per Grant
Eligible parents can remain in New Zealand for up to five consecutive years, much longer than the usual visitor visa limits.
2. Up to Ten Years Total
A second application after a short offshore period allows parents to stay for a total of ten years, ensuring long-term family connection.
3. Multiple-Entry Flexibility
The visa allows multiple entries and exits during its validity without affecting the duration of stay.
4. Clear Sponsorship Framework
Parents benefit from defined financial and accommodation support through their New Zealand-based sponsor.
Sponsorship Requirements
Applicants must be sponsored by a biological or legally adopted child who is either:
A New Zealand citizen, or
A New Zealand resident
Sponsor Responsibilities
The sponsor is responsible for:
Accommodation and living arrangements
Daily living expenses
Healthcare and medical costs
Repatriation if necessary
Sponsorship must remain valid for the entire visa period.
Financial Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy one of the following:
Sponsor Income
Sponsor earns at least one New Zealand median wage, or
1.5 × median wage for joint sponsors
Parent Personal Income
Single applicant: NZD 32,611 (aligned with NZ Superannuation)
Couple: NZD 49,553
Parent Personal Funds
Single applicant: NZD 160,000
Couple: NZD 250,000
Proof of financial eligibility must be current and verifiable.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must meet residence-level health and character standards.
Medical Checks
Initial medical examination at application
Second medical examination in Year Three, completed offshore
Failure to complete the Year Three check may result in non-compliance.
Mandatory Health Insurance
Visa holders must maintain private health insurance covering at least:
Emergency medical treatment: NZD 250,000 per year
Ongoing health coverage throughout the stay
Validity for the entire visa term
Insurance must remain active at all times.
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit:
Sponsorship evidence from New Zealand-based child
Financial proof (sponsor’s income, applicant’s income, or personal funds)
Initial and offshore medical assessment reports
Comprehensive health insurance documents
Identity and relationship proof
Incomplete documents may lead to processing delays.
Parent Boost Visa Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Submit application online via Immigration New Zealand
Sponsor submits required documents
Complete initial medical checks
Upload financial and insurance evidence
Await decision from Immigration New Zealand
Complete offshore medical check in Year Three
Maintain compliance throughout the stay
Parent Boost Visitor Visa Fees
Fee Category | Amount (NZD) |
Standard Application Fee | 3,000 |
Pacific Fee Band | 2,450 |
International Visitor Levy (IVL) | 100 |
Year-Three Health Check | 325 |
Year-Three Health Check (Pacific Band) | 240 |
Fees are non-refundable once the application process begins.
Expected Processing Time NZ Parent Boost Visitor Visa
Applications are usually processed within up to four months, depending on:
Volume of applications
Completeness of documents
Timeliness of medical and financial evidence
Submitting a complete and accurate application improves processing speed.
Parent Boost Visitor Visa vs Regular Visitor Visa
Feature | Parent Boost Visitor Visa | Regular Visitor Visa |
Maximum Stay | 5 years per grant | Typically up to 6 months |
Total Possible Stay | Up to 10 years | Short-term only |
Entry Rights | Multiple-entry | Limited |
Sponsorship | Mandatory | Not required |
Residency Pathway | Not permitted | Not permitted |
Conclusion
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa provides an effective solution for parents who wish to stay in New Zealand for extended periods while maintaining a strong family connection. For those seeking permanent residency, the Parent Resident Visa remains the recommended pathway.
Long-term planning, financial preparedness, health compliance, and accurate documentation are essential for maximizing the benefits of this visa.
How Immigration Chambers Can Assist with Parent Boost Visitor Visa NZ
Immigration Chambers provides expert guidance for a smooth Parent Boost Visitor Visa NZ application. They help check eligibility, prepare sponsorship documents, organize financial and health documentation, and ensure all requirements are met accurately. Their team supports end-to-end application filing to minimize delays or errors.
Get in touch with our Licensed Immigration Lawyer Auckland now for professional assistance in securing your Parent Boost Visitor Visa NZ efficiently.
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