NZ Parent Boost Visa Launches Sept 2025: 10-Year Stay
Parent Boost Visa to Launch September 29, 2025: NZ Opens 10-Year Homecoming Door for Skilled Migrant
Parent Boost Visa to Launch September 29, 2025: NZ Opens 10-Year Homecoming Door for Skilled Migrant
New Zealand is rolling out a game-changer for migrant families: the Parent Boost Visa, which enables parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to stay for up to 10 years. Applications open on September 29, 2025—mark your calendars!
What is the Parent Boost Visa?
This is not a standard visitor visa. The Parent Boost Visa allows for multiple entries over a 5-year period, which can be extended for an additional 5 years. This means that this visa will allow parents of migrants the longest possible duration to visit and stay in New Zealand as visitors.
Highlights include:
Stay of up to 10 years (5 + 5 years)
No annual quotas or caps on applications
Allows parents to live in New Zealand long-term without residence
Who is eligible to apply?
Sponsorship
Applicants must be sponsored by their adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. The sponsor must agree to provide support for accommodation, living expenses, and health care requirements.
Financial Evidence (select one):
Sponsorship earning at least NZ median wage (1.5x for two sponsors, plus 0.5x for every extra parent)
Parent(s) receive income equivalent to NZ Superannuation
Parents having savings of NZD 160,000 (single) or NZD 250,000 (couple)
Health & Insurance Requirements
Medical check at time of application and in year 3 (offshore)
Minimum Insurance:
NZD 250,000 for emergency treatment
NZD 100,000 for cancer treatment
Includes repatriation or return of remains.
Timeline and Costs
Applications open: September 29, 2025
Visa fee: NZD 3,000 (NZD 2,450 for Pacific fee band)
Visitor levy: NZD 100
Why It Matters
This visa does not only provide convenience; it is also a move to attract and retain skilled migrants.
This visa will support:
The emotional well-being of migrant families
Multigenerational support (for example, grandparents helping the parents with childcare)
Reducing churn in the skilled workforce with stronger family foundations
A comprehensive policy review of the visa will be conducted in 2027 to assess uptake and impact.
Looking Forward
The Parent Boost Visa will be implemented in late September 2025, is a new direction in migrant-family policy for New Zealand and seeks to favourably balance the interests of the nation with the individual interest of a personal connection. For many, it will be the opportunity to welcome parents, not just for holidays but to think that they will be able to share a number of years of life together.