Understanding the New Parent Boost Visitor Visa

For many Chinese families living in New Zealand, having parents around is not only an emotional support, but also invaluable in childcare, daily living assistance, and cultural continuity.

However, making long-term family companionship a reality has never been easy:

• Standard visitor visas allow only short stays;

• Parent residence visas have limited quotas and long waiting times;

• Every farewell means another emotional goodbye.

Good News!

On 8 June 2025, Immigration New Zealand announced a new visa category — the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, offering greater opportunities for family reunification.

This visa is expected to open for applications from September 2025.

Key Features of the New Visa

This visa is specifically designed for families who wish to have their parents visit for the medium to long term, with a focus on flexibility and duration:

• Valid for up to 10 years 

• Multiple-entry — no need to reapply frequently

• More flexible stay periods per visit (subject to approval)

• No requirement for permanent residency application or English test

• Not a residence visa, but enables long-term family companionship 

For families who want their parents to visit frequently without immediate migration plans, this is an excellent option.

Eligibility Requirements

Sponsorship Requirements

Children acting as sponsors must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident;

• Meet certain income or asset thresholds;

• Undertake to provide accommodation and financial support;

• Ensure their parents obtain compliant health insurance;

• Ensure parents depart New Zealand and complete a new medical assessment before the third year.

Financial Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following three financial criteria:

1. Sponsor Income Threshold

• Sponsoring one parent:

  Sponsor’s income must meet the New Zealand median wage (or 1.5× median wage if jointly sponsored);

• For each additional parent:

  Income requirement increases by 0.5× median wage 

2. Applicant’s Own Income

• Single parent:

  Annual income must meet the New Zealand Superannuation rate (currently NZD $32,611.28 before tax)

• Couple:

  Combined annual income must be at least NZD $49,552.88 

3. Applicant’s Personal Assets

• Single applicant:

  At least NZD $160,000 in funds

• Couple:

  At least NZD $250,000 in funds

Health Insurance Requirements

Applicants must hold at least 12 months of valid health insurance, which must cover:

• Emergency medical treatment (minimum NZD $250,000 per year)

• Repatriation costs

• Return of remains

• Cancer treatment (minimum NZD $100,000)

In addition, applicants must maintain valid health insurance throughout their stay in New Zealand.

Contact Compass Lawyers

Compass Lawyers has an experienced team of immigration lawyers providing comprehensive New Zealand immigration services, including:

• Visitor visas (family visits, tourism, student accompaniment)

• Parent and partner residence visas

• Skilled migration and work visa pathways

• Investment and entrepreneur visas

• Appeals and compliance advice following visa refusals

If you are planning to apply for a Parent Boost Visitor Visa for your parents, or have any other immigration-related questions, please feel free to contact us. We offer bilingual services in English and Chinese, ensuring clear communication and a smooth process.

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Disclaimer

Information on this site is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please seek independent legal advice for your specific situation.  Use of this site does not create a solicitor-client relationship.