WELLINGTON- The government will open applications for the new Parent Boost Visitor Visa on September 29, creating a pathway for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to spend extended time with their families.
The visa allows eligible parents to stay for up to five years, with the option to renew once, making it possible to remain in New Zealand for a total of 10 years. Officials have emphasized that this is not a pathway to permanent residence but a temporary arrangement to strengthen family ties.

New Zealand Extends Parent Visitor Visa
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa has been introduced to help families stay connected while maintaining clear rules. Unlike permanent residence options, this visa is designed for parents who want to spend significant but temporary periods with their children in New Zealand.
Applications must be made from outside the country, and parents must show they are genuine visitors who intend to return home after their stay. They also need to meet strict health standards, pass character checks, and provide proof of financial stability. An adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident must act as the sponsor.
Once approved in principle, applicants must show proof of at least 12 months of health insurance, sign a declaration of compliance, and agree to leave before the visa expires. Any breach of conditions could result in cancellation or deportation.

Health and Insurance Conditions
Medical fitness is non-negotiable for this programme. Applicants must meet New Zealand’s health requirements, and medical waivers will not be considered. Past medical certificates can be reused for the first application, but fresh certificates, no older than three months, will be required for mid-visa checks and renewals.
Insurance is another strict requirement, ensuring parents do not become a financial burden on public services. Minimum coverage includes:
- Emergency medical care: NZD 250,000 per year
- Cancer treatment: NZD 100,000 per year
- Repatriation: NZD 250,000
- Return of remains: NZD 50,000
Insurance must remain active for the full duration of stay. The first 12 months must be purchased upfront, and proof must be submitted within three months of approval in principle. Non-compliance with insurance requirements can result in visa cancellation or ineligibility for future visas.

Financial and Sponsorship Requirements
Financial independence is a core condition. Parents can qualify either through personal funds or through sponsorship by their children. The rules are as follows:
- A single sponsor must earn at least the median wage to support one parent.
- Joint sponsors must have a combined income equal to 1.5 times the median wage.
- For each additional parent, the income threshold rises by 0.5 times the median wage.
- Parents using their own funds must show at least NZD 160,000 (single) or NZD 250,000 (couple).
Sponsorship must come from adult children who are New Zealand citizens or residents. Joint sponsorship is permitted, and combinations can include siblings, partners, or children with their partners. Sponsors are also responsible for ensuring parents comply with all conditions.

Compliance and Renewal Rules
Visa holders must arrive in New Zealand within six months of approval. The five-year validity begins from the first arrival, not the approval date. Parents can leave and re-enter during this period, and partners may travel separately.
After three years but before the fourth, parents must complete a compliance check. This includes providing a new medical certificate and proof of continuous insurance. If these conditions are met, they may apply for a second five-year visa, extending their stay to a maximum of 10 years.
Failure to comply with health, insurance, or sponsorship rules can result in visa cancellation and future ineligibility for both visitor and residence categories.

Balancing Family Unity and National Interests
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is being presented as a balanced policy that supports family unity while safeguarding New Zealand’s health and social systems.
It gives parents a structured, renewable option to stay close to their children without creating pressure on permanent residence pathways.
For families spread across countries, this visa provides a reliable and long-term way to maintain strong personal connections while ensuring compliance with national regulations.
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