The Parent Boost Visitor Visa: A Decade of Family, If You Can Afford It

Have you dreamed of having your parents close by – not just for a few weeks, but for years? In 2025, that dream may finally be possible., and one of the most talked-about changes in 2025 is the introduction of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa. Designed to reunite families across borders, this visa offers a generous 10-year stay – but only for those who can meet its stringent financial and health requirements.

When Did It Start?

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa was officially announced on 8 June 2025 and opens for applications on 29 September 2025. It was introduced to provide a long-term visitor option for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents, without creating a pathway to residence.

What Does the Visa Offer?

This visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to:

• Stay for 5 years initially
• Apply for a second 5-year visa, totaling 10 years
• Enter and exit New Zealand freely during the visa period

However, it is not a pathway to residence. Applicants must:

• Be outside NZ when applying
• Have no dependent children
• Meet strict health and character standards
• Be sponsored by an adult child in NZ

Financial Eligibility: Who Can Qualify?

Applicants must show financial support through one of three methods:

Sponsor’s Income

• Single sponsor must earn at least the New Zealand median wage
• Joint sponsors must earn 1.5× the median wage (currently NZD $104,707.20/year)
• For additional parents, add 0.5× median wage per parent

Parent’s Own Income

• Single parent: NZD $32,611.28/year
• Couple: NZD $49,552.88/year Benchmarked against NZ Superannuation, the government pension

Parent’s Available Funds

• Single parent: NZD $160,000
• Couple: NZD $250,000 Funds must be liquid and personal — borrowed or gifted money is not accepted

Why Was This Visa Introduced?

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa was created to offer a longer-term visitor option for parents, without placing pressure on the Parent Resident Visa system or creating expectations of permanent settlement.

Visa Costs and Health Insurance Requirements

The visa application fee is NZD $3,000 per applicant. Parents must maintain valid health insurance for the entire duration of their stay. Insurance must cover at least NZD $250,000 per year for emergency care and NZD $100,000 per year for cancer treatment.  

Alternatives for Families Who Can’t Afford It

For families unable to meet the Parent Boost criteria, other options include:

These options are listed on Immigration New Zealand’s official site and may suit families who do not meet the Parent Boost Visitor Visa criteria.

Can the Government Change the Rules?

Yes. The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is governed by Cabinet-level decisions. Immigration New Zealand has stated that financial thresholds, insurance requirements, and compliance timelines may be adjusted over time. The visa is temporary, and expectations of permanent stay must be carefully managed.

Dos and Don’ts for Parent Boost Visitor Visa Applicants

Dos

• Apply from outside New Zealand
• Ensure you have no dependent children included in the application
• Maintain valid health insurance at all times during your stay
• Leave New Zealand for the mid-visa health compliance check (between year 3 and 4)
• Provide accurate and complete financial documentation

Don’ts

• Do not assume this visa leads to residence; it does not
• Do not let your health insurance lapse – this may result in visa cancellation
• Do not submit false or incomplete health records
• Do not apply if you cannot meet the required income or savings thresholds

These conditions are outlined in Immigration New Zealand’s official Parent Boost Visitor Visa FAQs and application guidance.

Final Thoughts

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa offers eligible parents the opportunity to spend extended time with family in New Zealand, subject to meeting health, character, and financial requirements. It does not lead to residence, and applicants must carefully review all conditions before applying.

Need help navigating the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?

Speak with one of our Senior Immigration Advisers at Contact New Zealand Immigration Consultants. We’re here to guide you through every step – from eligibility assessment to application success.