🇳🇿 Unlock 10 Years with Your Parents in New Zealand: The Parent Boost Visitor Visa Guide
Bringing your parents to New Zealand for an extended stay has never been easier. Opening on September 29, the Parent Boost Visitor Visa lets parents of citizens or residents live in New Zealand for up to five years—and renew once for a total of ten years. This visa is designed to strengthen family bonds without creating a path to permanent residence.
What Is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa offers a long-stay option for parents of New Zealand citizens or residents. Unlike other visitor visas, this one allows stays of up to five years, with the possibility of adding another five-year term. It’s expressly temporary, ensuring parents can share precious family moments without bypassing the standard immigration channels.
Who’s Eligible?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Apply from outside New Zealand
- Pass health and character checks
- Be sponsored by an adult child who holds NZ citizenship or residency
- Prove they’re genuine visitors with strong ties back home
- Show sufficient funds or that the sponsor meets income requirements (no borrowed or gifted money)
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Step-by-Step Application Process
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
- Receive Approval in Principle. Provide evidence of 12 months’ insurance and sign a declaration agreeing to leave New Zealand before expiry.
- Gather Health Documents. New medical certificates no older than three months are required for your first stay, mid-stay check and second-term application.
- Purchase Insurance. Secure upfront coverage for the first 12 months and submit proof within three months of principle approval.
- Book Your Travel. Arrive within six months of visa approval to activate the five-year clock.
Visit INZ for full details: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/options/parent-boost-visitor-visa
Health and Insurance Essentials
Medical fitness is non-negotiable—no waivers granted. Insurance must cover:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Annual Amount (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Emergency medical care | 250,000 |
| Cancer treatment | 100,000 |
| Repatriation | 250,000 |
| Return of remains | 50,000 |
Maintain this policy throughout your stay. If you skip renewal or let the policy lapse, your visa can be canceled and you may be deported.
Financial and Sponsorship Rules
Your sponsor (or sponsors) must meet income thresholds:
- One parent, one sponsor: at least the median wage
- Joint sponsors: 1.5 × median wage for one parent; add 0.5 × median wage per extra parent
- Alternatively, parents can self-sponsor with NZD 160,000 (single) or NZD 250,000 (couple) in available funds
Eligible sponsors include your New Zealand–based adult children, their partners, or siblings. They share responsibility for ensuring you adhere to visa conditions.
Staying Compliant and Renewing Your Stay
Your five-year clock starts on your first entry. You can travel in and out freely, but between year three and four you must:
- Obtain a new medical certificate
- Show continuous insurance coverage
On meeting those conditions, apply for your second five-year term. Miss a requirement and you risk cancellation, deportation, or bans from future visas.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Application
- Double-check all documents before submission
- Use accredited insurance providers familiar with New Zealand requirements
- Keep a checklist of renewal dates
- Maintain clear records of your sponsors’ income proofs
Ready to reunite your family in New Zealand? Gather your documents and mark September 29 on your calendar. Apply the moment applications open to secure your spot.
Safe travels and happy visa applying!
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