The New Parent Boost Visitor Visa
Over the weekend, the government announced the New Parent Boost Visitor Visa, which offers a longer stay to parents of NZ citizens and residents. The visa aims to help unite families and enhance New Zealand’s appeal to highly skilled migrants.
The Parent Boost Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa that allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to visit for up to 5 years.
Applicants may apply for a second visa, enabling a total stay of up to 10 years, provided they continue to meet all eligibility requirements.
“This visa is designed to support family connections without placing additional strain on public services. It is not a pathway to residence, but it does offer a meaningful way for families to spend time together over the long term. ”
To be eligible, applicants must:
Have an eligible sponsor, and they or their sponsor must have enough income or funds.
Meet residence-level health requirements.Hold comprehensive health insurance for the duration of their stay.
Genuinely intend to stay in New Zealand temporarily.
Visa holders will need to complete a health and insurance check 3 years after their visa is granted.
The visa cost will be NZD $3,000 for most applicants and NZD $2,450 for applicants eligible for the Pacific fee band. This includes both the immigration fee and levy.
Applicants must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of NZD $100.
After 3 years, there is an additional processing fee for the third-year health check of
NZD $325 for most people, or NZD $240 if eligible for the Pacific fee band.
Applications will open on 29 September 2025.
This was one of National's election promises, and it's good to see that they've kept their word and are implementing this.
Although a temporary visa, it will enable migrants who are settled in NZ to bring over their parents to spend time as a family, offer support, etc., while waiting or working towards a more permanent pathway.
Introducing mandatory health insurance is vital to ensure that it does not add to our already strained health system.
