What is the Parent Boost Visa?

The Parent Boost Visa is a new initiative from Immigration New Zealand that allows parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to visit the country for extended periods. It offers a five-year, multiple-entry visa with the possibility to extend for another five years—enabling up to 10 years of temporary stay.

Please note: This is a visitor visa, not to be confused with the Parent Category Resident Visa, which offers permanent residency.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Parent Boost Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Have an Approved Sponsor
Relationship to Sponsor
Intend a Genuine Temporary Stay
Meet Health & Character Requirements
Show Financial Stability
Have Comprehensive Health Insurance
Comply with Previous Visa Conditions

Eligibility Criteria for the Sponsor (Child)

To sponsor a parent under this visa, the sponsoring child must meet the following requirements:

Relationship to Applicant: Must be the applicant’s biological, adoptive, or step-child.
Citizenship/Residency: Must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
Residency in New Zealand: Must currently reside in New Zealand and be a New Zealand tax resident.
Minimum Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Character Requirements: Must meet good character standards, including providing police clearances if required.
No Adverse History: Should not have any adverse immigration or legal history, unless Immigration New Zealand considers it reasonable to overlook.
Sponsorship Responsibilities: The sponsor must agree to support the parent throughout their stay by:
- Covering essential expenses (accommodation, daily living)
- Ensuring access to healthcare and financial assistance
- Covering repatriation or deportation costs, if applicable
Sponsorship Limit: A sponsor can support a maximum of two parents per household at any given time.

Financial Requirements

To qualify, either the sponsor or the parent(s) must meet one of the following financial conditions:

Sponsor's Income:
The sponsoring child must earn at least the New Zealand median wage to sponsor one parent, with the threshold increasing by 0.5x the median wage for each additional parent. For joint sponsors, the requirement is 1.5x the median wage.
Parent's Income:
The applicant(s) must have a personal income equal to the New Zealand Superannuation rate:
- NZD $32,611.28 annually for a single parent
- NZD $49,552.88 annually for a couple
Parent's Personal Funds:
The applicant(s) must hold personal savings of:
- NZD $160,000 for a single parent

NZD $250,000 for a couple

Health Insurance Requirements

Applicants must hold comprehensive health insurance that covers at least 1 year, including:

Emergency medical care (minimum NZD $250,000 per year)
Repatriation and return of remains
Cancer treatment (minimum NZD $100,000)

They must maintain valid health insurance for their entire stay in New Zealand. Failure to do so may lead to visa cancellation or impact eligibility for future residency under the Parent Category.

Health Assessments

Two health checks are required:

Initial Assessment: As part of the first visa application.
Third-Year Assessment: Conducted outside New Zealand in the third year. Applicants must also provide proof of continuous valid health insurance during their stay.

Key Points for Applicants and Sponsors

Temporary Visa: This visa is not a pathway to permanent residency.
Duration: Parents may stay up to 5 years per visa, with a one-time renewal (maximum 10 years).
No Work Rights: This visa does not grant the right to work in New Zealand.
Fees:
- Visa application fee: NZD $3,000 (2025)
- International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): NZD $100
- Third-year health check processing fee: NZD $325