New Parent Boost Visitor Visa Explained
What is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa and how might it benefit skilled migrants?
Starting from 29 September 2025, New Zealand will roll out a new immigration initiative designed to help unite families of skilled migrants for longer periods.
In a move to make New Zealand more attractive to global talent, the new Parent Boost Visitor Visa will grant the parents of New Zealand citizens and residents multiple-entry access for up to five years, provided they meet the required health, income, and insurance criteria. A renewal option will also be available for an additional five years, generally a maximum of two visas is permitted per applicant.
Applicants must also be outside New Zealand when both applying for and being granted the visa.
This visa not only acknowledges the growing role grandparents play in caregiving but also provides families with a long-term option for flexible, regular contact without having to navigate the complex Parent Resident Visa process.
Who is eligible for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
To qualify, applicants must:
Be the biological or adoptive parent of a New Zealand citizen or resident. If both parents of the sponsoring adult child are deceased, grandparents and legal guardians can qualify.
Have a sponsor who is willing and able to cover essential costs, provide health and financial support and cover repatriation or deportation costs if needed.
Meet health and character requirements, including medical exams at application and again in the third year of their visa. No medical waivers will be granted for Parent Boost visas
Have at least one year of private health or travel insurance, covering:
Minimum NZD $250,000 in emergency medical costs.
Minimum NZD $100,000 in cancer care.
Costs for repatriation and return of remains.
Maintain this insurance for the entire duration of their stay in New Zealand, with coverage from a provider rated at least A.
Financial criteria for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa
Applicants must also meet one of the following financial criteria:
Their sponsor must earn at least the median wage ($33.56 an hour) for one parent, or 1.5 times the median wage for joint sponsors This increases to 150% of the media wage if sponsoring both parents jointly (sponsor income must be proven for two of the last three tax years using Inland Revenue verification): OR
The parent or parents must have a personal annual income equivalent to NZ Superannuation (NZD $32,611.28 for a single parent and NZD $49,552.88 for a couple); OR
Demonstrate personal savings or wealth of:
NZD $160,000 (individual)
NZD $250,000 (couple)
Sponsor income must be proven for two of the last three tax years using Inland Revenue verification. Further to this, any debt to the Crown must be cleared before a second visa or residence visa application is considered.
Limitations of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa
The Parent Boost Visa is a visitor visa only and does not provide a path to permanent settlement in New Zealand. This means parents cannot gain employment in New Zealand and they will not have access to public healthcare or superannuation. Self-sufficiency is essential here. Those seeking permanent residence should consider alternative visa options such as the Parent Resident Visa or the Parent Retirement Visa or the Active Investor Plus Visa instead.
Key features compared to Australia’s Parent Visa
From 29th of September 2025, both New Zealand and Australia will offer long-term visitor visas for parents of citizens and residents. Australia’s equivalent, the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870), has been available since July 2019. While both schemes are designed to strengthen family connection, they differ in eligibility requirements, duration, costs and conditions.
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Length of stay - 5 years, renewable once (max 10 years total; two visas only).
Work rights - No work permitted.
Health insurance - Mandatory cover for the full duration, including cover for emergency, repatriation and cancer cover. If a person (or their partner) holds or previously held a Parent Boost Visitor Visa, they must show they maintained acceptable travel and/or health insurance for the entire period they were in New Zealand while holding the Parent Boost visitor visa.
Medical checks - Initial health check upon application then again during the third year as a compliance check. Parent Boost visitor visa holders must provide a medical certificate and a chest X-ray certificate that is less than 3 months old when they submit a compliance with conditions form.
Number of places available - No annual cap (policy review set for 2027).
Sponsors - Sponsor must be a citizen or resident. Joint sponsorship allowed. Each sponsor must be ordinarily resident in New Zealand and continue to stay in New Zealand for a minimum of 184 days in each 12-month period from the date of the first arrival of the Parent Boost visitor visa holder.
Location at time of visa application - Parents must be outside New Zealand both when applying and when the visa is granted.
Cost (visa application fees) - NZD $3,000 (most applicants) ; NZD $2,450 (Pacific fee band) ; NZD $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy ; NZD $325 (or NZD $240 for Pacific applicants) Third-year health check.
Processing time frames - Details currently unavailable.
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Length of stay - Up to 3 or 5 years. Renewable to a maximum of 10 years in Australia.
Work rights - No work permitted.
Health insurance - Must maintain adequate health insurance for entire stay.
Medical checks - Full medical check on application.
Number of places available - Capped at 15,000 visas per program year (1 July to 30 June). If this cap is reached, no further visas will be granted until the next program year.
Sponsors - Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen and must have resided in Australia for at least 2 years. Adult child must apply for approval as Parent Sponsor before a visa application can be submitted.
Location at time of visa application - Outside Australia, unless permission to apply in Australia granted.
Cost (visa application fees) - AUD$5,895 (3 years); AUD $11,785 (5 years).
Processing time frames - 50% processed in 5 months; 90% processed in 7 months.
Sponsorship: 50% processed in 4 months; 90% processed in 5 months.
Planning to submit a Parent Boost Visitor Visa application?
This is an area to watch closely as further details emerge. We also recommend seeking tailored immigration advice before applying to maximise the chances of a successful outcome.
How Pitt & Moore can help
Our immigration team is here to help you navigate the new immigration rules with clear, trusted advice you can rely on.
With expertise in both New Zealand and Australian immigration law, we provide well-rounded support to help bring families together in either country. For New Zealand visa enquiries, we offer an initial, free 15-minute consultation to discuss your individual situation.
How to apply for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa (NZ)
Updated: 7/11/2025
Confirm eligibility and sponsorship
Apply online via INZ. (Some applicants—e.g., those holding a 3-year Parent & Grandparent Visitor Visa—must apply from outside New Zealand.)
Arrange health insurance
Policy must cover emergency care, cancer treatment, and repatriation/return of remains for the full visa duration.
Gather documents
Identity, relationship, health/character evidence, proof of funds (or assets), and insurance confirmation.
Create or sign in to your INZ account
Be ready to apply from 29 September 2025 when applications open.
Complete the online application and pay fees
Include the IVL; upload all required evidence.
Respond to INZ requests (PPI/extra info) promptly to avoid delays.Receive your decision and plan your travel
Note that in year 3 of the visa, you must leave NZ to complete an offshore medical before re-entering.
Parent Boost Visitor Visa (NZ) – FAQs
When is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa application date?
Applications open on 29 September 2025, according to Immigration New Zealand. We’ll keep this page updated as INZ confirms any timing changes.
Is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa multi-entry?
Yes. It’s a multi-entry visitor visa, allowing parents to come and go during the visa period (subject to conditions set by INZ).
Do parents need to leave New Zealand during the visa?
Yes. In year 3, parents must leave New Zealand to complete a medical examination offshore and remain outside NZ until INZ confirms acceptable health.
What health insurance is required?
Insurance must cover emergency care, cancer treatment, and repatriation/return of remains for the visa duration. Offshore insurers are acceptable if they meet INZ’s credit-rating requirements.
Who can sponsor and what financial evidence is needed?
Sponsorship can be by a partner or adult sibling. Applicants can qualify via sponsor income, parent income, or parent assets—evidence must show funds are genuinely available.
Is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa a pathway to residence?
No. It is a long-term visitor visa. Those seeking residence should consider residence visa options and get tailored advice.
Processing time
INZ estimates most applications are decided in ~4 months (varies).
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice. It is important that you seek legal advice that is specific to your circumstances.