New Zealand has just announced a brand-new initiative that brings joy and relief to many families- the Parent Boost visa. As part of the New Zealand visitor visa category, this visa is specially designed to let parents of New Zealand citizens and residents stay longer in the country to enjoy time with their children and grandchildren. The goal of this visa is to keep families united without putting pressure on New Zealand’s public resources. This detailed blog is written under the expert guidance of Ms. Parwinder Kaur, a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) at West Highlander Immigration, a trusted name in New Zealand visa consultancy.
What This Blog Will Help You Understand
Family is the heart of many cultures, and New Zealand recognizes this by introducing the Parent Boost visitor visa. This visa makes it easier for parents to spend extended time in New Zealand, especially those who wish to be close to their children and grandchildren who live and work in the country. The visa not only promotes emotional well-being through family closeness but also helps build a stronger, more connected community. Here is what this blog will help you understand:
- What exactly the Parent Boost visa is and why it was introduced?
- How it fits into the broader New Zealand visitor visa category?
- Who can apply for it and who can act as a sponsor?
- Detailed eligibility requirements, including character, health, and financial criteria
- Health insurance requirements and why they are critical
- A breakdown of the visa application fees and additional charges
- Application timeline and what happens after three years of the visa
- The key differences between the Parent Boost visa and the Parent Resident Visa
- Expert advice from West Highlander Immigration and Ms. Parwinder Kaur, LIA
A Closer Look at the Parent Boost Visa
The Parent Boost visa is a special type of long-term New Zealand travel visa that will become available from 29 September 2025. The government of New Zealand launched this visa to promote stronger family ties while maintaining a balanced immigration policy. Unlike tourist visas that typically last only a few months, the Parent Boost visa provides a longer stay of up to 5 years per visa, with a chance to renew for another 5 years, making it a valuable long-term solution for families.
The government understands that many skilled migrants living in New Zealand feel isolated without the company of their parents. The Parent Boost visitor visa allows for long, repeated visits without pushing parents toward residency. It is ideal for parents who do not want to move permanently but still wish to spend considerable time with their family. It’s also a great option for retirees who wish to stay in a warm, peaceful country while staying close to their children. However, it’s important to remember that this visa does not lead to permanent residence. If your long-term goal is to bring your parents to New Zealand permanently, then the Parent Resident Visa may be more suitable. This makes it essential to understand the difference between the two, which we will explore later in this blog. But for now, let’s dive into the requirements and benefits of the Parent Boost visa.
Eligibility Criteria for the Parent Boost Visa
To apply for the Parent Boost visa, both the applicant (the parent) and their sponsor (their child in New Zealand) must meet several requirements. These conditions are meant to ensure the applicant’s well-being during their stay and to make sure the visa system remains fair and sustainable. It’s a balanced approach that provides family unity while managing the country’s healthcare and financial systems.
- Character and Health Requirements: Applicants must be of good character and meet an acceptable standard of health. These requirements are similar to those for residence-class visas. Applicants will undergo a health check during their initial visa application process and a second health check outside New Zealand during the third year of their visa.
- Sponsor Eligibility: The sponsor must be the parent’s biological or adopted child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. The sponsor must agree to take responsibility for the parent’s essential needs during their stay. This includes providing accommodation, daily living costs, access to health care, and covering costs related to repatriation or deportation if needed.
- In addition, the sponsor must commit to supporting the parent throughout the entire visa period. This includes submitting a sponsorship declaration as part of the visa application.
Financial Requirements for Parent Boost Visa
Financial requirements are a key part of the Parent Boost visa. They ensure that parents visiting New Zealand will not need public financial assistance and can be fully supported by either their sponsor or their own resources. Applicants must meet at least one of the following three financial conditions:
- Sponsor’s Income: If the parent is financially dependent, the sponsor must earn at least the New Zealand median wage to sponsor one parent. For joint sponsors, they must earn 1.5 times the median wage. For every additional parent sponsored, the income requirement increases by 0.5 times the median wage.
- Parent’s Personal Income: The parent(s) can also qualify if they have an independent income equivalent to New Zealand Superannuation, which is NZD 32,611.28 gross per year for a single person or NZD 49,552.88 for a couple.
- Parent’s Personal Funds: Parents who have personal savings may also qualify. The required fund level is NZD 160,000 for a single applicant or NZD 250,000 for a couple.
These financial checks are important for both visa approval and renewal. Ensuring financial independence or sponsor capability is one of the key conditions for successfully holding a Parent Boost visitor visa.
Health Insurance and Medical Checks
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for the Parent Boost visa. Applicants must purchase and maintain private health insurance for the entire period of their stay in New Zealand. Here are the minimum coverage amounts that the insurance must include:
- Emergency medical care: at least NZD 250,000 per year
- Repatriation (return to home country in case of medical emergency)
- Return of remains (in case of death)
- Cancer treatment: minimum NZD 100,000
Before the visa is granted, parents must show proof of at least 1 year of valid insurance. They are required to keep renewing it every year during their stay. Failing to maintain insurance can lead to visa cancellation, affect future New Zealand travel visa or residence applications, or even make the person liable for deportation. Additionally, visa holders must undergo a second health check in the third year of their visa, which must be done outside New Zealand. This step is essential to continue eligibility for the remaining period of the visa.
Visa Fees and Charges
Applying for the Parent Boost visa involves the following fees:
- Visa Application Fee: NZD 3,000 for most applicants
- Pacific Fee Band Applicants: NZD 2,450
- International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): NZD 100
In the third year, parents must pay an extra fee for the second health check:
- NZD 325 for most applicants
- NZD 240 for Pacific Fee Band applicants
These fees include both processing and levy charges. Make sure all documents and requirements are complete before applying to avoid unnecessary delays or rejections.
Application Timeline and Post-Visa Instructions
Applications for the Parent Boost visa will officially open on 29 September 2025. This is when parents of New Zealand citizens and residents can start applying through Immigration New Zealand’s official platform. It’s highly recommended to prepare well in advance, gather documents, proof of insurance, financial evidence, and complete sponsorship declarations. After receiving the visa, parents can stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years on their first visa. By the third year, they will need to leave New Zealand temporarily to complete a mandatory health check outside the country. This is to ensure that they continue to meet the required health standards. Upon successful completion and continued eligibility, they may apply for a second Parent Boost visa, extending their stay for another 5 years, for a total of up to 10 years. Throughout the stay, it’s critical to maintain valid health insurance and meet all visa conditions. Immigration New Zealand may check insurance compliance and financial stability at any point. Failing to meet these conditions may impact future visa applications or result in visa cancellation.
Parent Boost Visa vs. Parent Resident Visa
It’s important to understand the key differences between the Parent Boost visa and the Parent Resident Visa, especially when deciding which one suits your family’s needs best.
The Parent Boost visitor visa is specifically designed for temporary visits and allows parents to stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years at a time, with the option of applying for another 5-year visa later. This is an ideal solution for families who want to spend regular, extended time together without the parent permanently relocating to New Zealand. It provides flexibility and emotional closeness without adding long-term pressure on public services. On the other hand, the Parent Resident Visa is a pathway to permanent residence. It’s suitable for parents who are ready to make New Zealand their new home and live with their family permanently. However, the application process for the resident visa is much more rigorous. It requires a longer-term financial commitment from the sponsor, including proof of guaranteed income and the ability to support the parent for several years. While the Parent Boost visa gives you the joy of spending valuable time together, the Parent Resident Visa offers the chance to build a future in New Zealand. Both options serve different needs, so families must choose based on their long-term goals and current circumstances.
West Highlander Immigration
West Highlander Immigration is a trusted visa consultancy based in Chandigarh, India, with a strong focus on New Zealand immigration services. Led by Ms. Parwinder Kaur, a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) certified by the IAA New Zealand, West Highlander has over 19 years of experience helping clients with student visas, partner visas, visitor visas, and family reunion visas. Known for their transparent, ethical, and personalised services, they offer step-by-step assistance with New Zealand immigration processes. If you need any information regarding the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, contact West Highlander Immigration. Providing free consultancy with offline as well as online services, making it more convenient for you.