New Zealand Opens Parent Boost Visitor Visa Applications: Who Can Apply

New Zealand has officially opened applications for the new Parent Boost Visitor Visa, available from September 29, 2025. The visa is designed for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents who want to spend extended time with family while retaining the flexibility to travel in and out of the country.

What the Parent Boost Visitor Visa Offers

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a multi-entry option that allows parents to visit children and grandchildren in New Zealand for up to five years. There is no limit on the duration of each visit, but holders must leave New Zealand at least once during the third year for a mandatory health and insurance check.

The visa costs from NZD $3000 and can include your partner in the application. However, applicants can hold a maximum of two Parent Boost Visitor Visas in their lifetime, and the visa does not provide a pathway to residence.

• Length of Stay: Up to 5 Years
• Cost: Starting from NZD $3000
• Health Checks: Must leave New Zealand during the third year for mandatory health and insurance checks.
• No Residency Pathway: This is a temporary visa and does not provide a route to permanent residency.
• Visa Limit: Applicants can only hold two Parent Boost Visitor Visas in their lifetime.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, you must:

• Have a child or children who are New Zealand citizens or residents.
• Be living outside New Zealand at the time of application.
• Be sponsored by your adult child (or joint sponsors).
• Have no dependent children.
• Demonstrate that you or your sponsor can cover your living expenses.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Hold medical or travel insurance for the duration of your stay.

Applicants can also include their partner, provided they meet the same health and character standards.

Sponsorship Rules

Every applicant needs at least one adult child aged 18 or older to act as a sponsor. Joint sponsorship is possible, either with a partner, another sibling, or an adult child’s partner.

Sponsors must normally live in New Zealand and spend at least 184 days each year in the country during the visa holder’s stay. They are also legally responsible for covering essentials like accommodation, healthcare, and even potential repatriation costs.

Financial Requirements

Applicants who wish to apply for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa must show they can support themselves through one of three options:

1. Annual income of at least NZD $32,611.28 (single) or NZD $49,552.88 (with partner).
2. Personal funds of at least NZD $160,000 (single) or NZD $250,000 (with partner).
3. Sponsor’s income meeting strict thresholds, which vary depending on how many parents they sponsor. For example:
   • One sponsor, one parent: NZD $69,804.80 per year.
   • Joint sponsors, one parent: NZD $104,707.20 per year.

These figures are updated annually based on the median New Zealand wage.

Insurance and Health Checks

Every parent boost visitor visa applicant must hold at least 12 months of medical or travel insurance at the time of approval in principle. Coverage must include:

• NZD $250,000 per year for emergency medical care.
• NZD $100,000 per year for cancer treatment.
• NZD $250,000 for repatriation.
• NZD $50,000 for the return of remains.

During the third year, visa holders must undergo a health and insurance check, which includes a chest X-ray, medical exam, and proof of continuous insurance coverage.

How to Apply

Applications must be lodged from outside New Zealand. The process includes:

1. Confirm eligibility and ensure this is the right visa type.
2. Gather documents such as proof of funds, passport, sponsor relationship evidence, medical certificates, and police checks if required.
3. Submit an online application and pay the fee.
4. Sponsor completes a form and uploads proof of income.
5. Wait for Immigration New Zealand to assess your application.
6. If approved in principle, provide evidence of your medical or travel insurance.
7. Once approved, you will receive an eVisa.

Applicants must enter New Zealand within six months of visa issuance. The five-year validity starts from the first entry date.

Key Takeaways

• Valid for up to 5 years, multi-entry.
• Costs from NZD $3000.
• Only 2 Parent Boost Visitor Visas allowed per person.
• Sponsorship and strict financial requirements apply.
• Insurance and health checks are mandatory.

Final Word

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa gives parents a real chance to stay close to their families in New Zealand for longer stretches, but it comes with significant financial and insurance conditions. For families spread across continents, it strikes a balance between flexibility and responsibility.