Parent Boost Visitor Visa advice in New Zealand

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a new long-term visitor visa announced on 8 June 2025, designed to help families stay connected and make New Zealand more attractive to skilled migrants. 

It allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to spend extended periods in New Zealand while remaining on a temporary visa. 

How long does the Parent Boost Visitor Visa last? 

The visa is designed as a long-term, multi-entry visitor visa, typically granted for up to 5 years. 

• Visa holders can travel in and out of New Zealand freely 

• A mid-visa health check is required in year 3, which must be completed offshore. 

Applicants must meet one of three financial support options: 

• Sponsor’s income 

• Parent’s income 

• Parent’s personal assets 

• Sponsor income is generally based on the New Zealand median wage 

• Joint sponsors (e.g., partners or siblings) may combine income 

• Parent income may include pensions, investments, rental income, and dividends 

If none of these thresholds are met, the visa will not be granted. 

Sponsors must be New Zealand citizens or residents, and: 

• Can sponsor jointly with a partner or adult sibling 

• Must remain living in New Zealand during the sponsorship period 

• Must be able to meet specific obligations  

If a sponsor fails to meet their responsibilities: 

• The visa holder’s visa may be cancelled 

• The parent may become liable for deportation 

Yes. Applicants must hold comprehensive health insurance that includes: 

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

• Cancer treatment (minimum NZD $100,000 per year) 

• Repatriation and return of remains 

• Insurance can be from a New Zealand or offshore provider with a strong credit rating. 

Yes. Applicants must meet New Zealand’s Acceptable Standard of Health (ASH). 

• Initial medicals must be completed before approval 

• A second medical check is required in year 3 (from offshore) 

• The visa may be cancelled if health requirements are no longer met 

The visa costs: 

• NZD $3,000 for most applicants 

• NZD $2,450 for Pacific fee band applicants 

• Plus NZD $100 International Visitor Levy 

• Additional costs include health insurance premiums, medicals and police certificates fees 

Yes. Applicants can: 

• Lodge applications for Parent Resident Visa, Parent Retirement Visa, or others 

• However, a person can only hold one visa at a time