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.

'Parent Boost' Visitor Visa - Eligibility requirements

applicants must demonstrate that they are of good character, meet the acceptable standard of health (aligning with the standard for residence), and can meet the following requirements.

Sponsorship

Applicants must have an eligible sponsor who is:

• their biological or adopted child
• a New Zealand citizen or resident.

The sponsor must also agree to take on specific responsibilities for the full duration of the visa, including:

• covering essential costs such as accommodation and daily living costs
• ensuring access to health and financial support
• covering costs related to repatriation or deportation, if required.

Financial requirements

Applicants must meet ONE of the following financial criteria:

• the sponsor earns at least the New Zealand median wage (or 1.5 times the median wage for joint sponsors) to sponsor 1 parent, with the amount increasing by 0.5 times the median wage for additional parents being sponsored, or
• the parent(s) have a personal income equivalent to New Zealand Superannuation currently NZD $32,611.28 gross per annum for a single parent and NZD $49,552.88 for a couple, or
• the parent(s) have sufficient personal funds: NZD $160,000 for a single applicant or NZD $250,000 for a couple.

Health insurance

Applicants must hold at least 1 year of health insurance that covers:

• emergency medical care (minimum NZD $250,000 a year)
• repatriation
• return of remains
• cancer treatment (minimum NZD $100,000).

They must also maintain valid health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in New Zealand.

Not maintaining valid health insurance while in New Zealand may impact a person’s eligibility for future visas, including residence under the Parent Category. 

It may also result in visa cancellation or make the individual liable for deportation.

Applicants will be required to undergo 2 health assessments to ensure they are of an acceptable standard of health. 

The first health check is completed as part of the initial visa application. In the third year of the visa, applicants must get a second health check while outside of New Zealand. 

They will also need to show proof that they have held valid health insurance while visiting New Zealand.

Visa fees

The cost of the visa 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 will also be required to 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 – more details on the process will be available closer to this date.

No pathway to NZ Residency

The Parent Boost Visa is a visitor visa only and does not provide a pathway to residence. 

Those seeking permanent residence should consider submitting an expression of interest under the Parent Category Resident Visa.

Other visa options for parents

Temporary:

• Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa
• Visitor Visa

Residence:

• Parent Resident Visa (capped at 2,500 places annually)
• Parent Retirement Resident Visa

For more information or if you have questions, get in touch with Steve.