Waiting for a Parent Resident Visa? The Selection Process Is Changing
For families who have spent years waiting in the Parent Resident Visa ballot, a major change is coming.
From 5 October 2026, how long you have been waiting will finally count towards your chances of being selected.
The current random ballot will be replaced by a new hybrid system, with approximately 90% of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) selected in date order and the remaining 10% selected through a random ballot.
The change should provide greater certainty for families who have been waiting the longest, while still giving newer applicants an opportunity to be selected earlier.
However, with the annual cap remaining at 2,500 Parent Resident Visas per financial year, the new system won't necessarily mean a shorter wait for everyone.
So, what does the new system mean if you already have an EOI in the pool or you're thinking about submitting one?
Why is the Parent Resident Visa process changing?
The Parent Resident Visa allows eligible parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to live permanently in New Zealand.
Demand for the category is significantly higher than the number of visas available each year. Under the current system, EOIs are selected through a random ballot, meaning the length of time someone has been waiting does not determine when they will be selected.
The new hybrid system is intended to provide greater priority and certainty to families who have been waiting longer, while retaining an opportunity for newer applicants to be selected earlier.
It will not necessarily remove waiting times, but for many families it should make the process more predictable.
How will the new Parent Resident Visa system work?
From 5 October 2026:
Around 90% of EOIs will be selected chronologically, based on their position in the queue
approximately 10% will continue to be selected through a random ballot
the overall cap will remain at 2,500 Parent Resident Visas per financial year
The first selection under the new hybrid model is scheduled for 10 November 2026.
This means the date an EOI entered the pool will become much more important than it is under the current system.
People who have an existing EOI in the pool, including those who submitted a replacement EOI within 90 days of an earlier EOI expiring, will have their position determined by the date their original EOI was accepted into the pool.
Do I need to do anything if I already have a Parent Resident Visa EOI?
For most current EOI holders, no.
Current EOIs will automatically transition into the new hybrid system on 5 October 2026. If your EOI expires on or after 5 October 2026, you do not need to submit a new EOI before the new system begins.
However, if your current EOI expires before 5 October 2026, you will need to submit a new EOI to remain in the process.
Immigration New Zealand has said information about queue positions will be made available to current EOI holders after the new system takes effect.
Will EOIs still expire after two years?
Another important change is that EOIs will no longer automatically expire after two years.
Instead, applicants will need to confirm every two years that they wish to remain in the pool and ensure their information is kept up to date.
What if I haven't submitted an EOI yet?
For families considering the Parent Resident Visa, the move towards a predominantly chronological system makes timing more relevant.
Under the new system, around 90% of selections will be made in date order. This means submitting an EOI earlier may ultimately result in an earlier position in the chronological queue.
However, an EOI should not be submitted without first considering whether the parent and their New Zealand-based sponsor are likely to meet the relevant requirements. Gaining legal advice for this step can be very beneficial given the potentially significant wait before an EOI is selected.
Get in touch
If you have an existing Parent Resident Visa EOI or are considering bringing your parents to New Zealand permanently, contact our immigration team to discuss your options.