Why Apply for a Parent Boost Visitor Visa?

• Stay up to 5 years at a time in New Zealand with your children or grandchildren.
• Apply twice (after a short time offshore) for a total stay of up to 10 years.
• Requires annual health insurance and health checks (at application and in year three).
• Sponsored by your NZ citizen or resident child/children, who must meet income criteria.
• Designed for family connection only (This visa does not lead to permanent residency)

What is the New Parent Boost Visitor Visa?

From 29 September 2025, Immigration New Zealand will open applications for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, a new multiple-entry visitor visa that allows parents of NZ citizens or residents to stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years at a time. Eligible applicants may apply once more, after a short period offshore, to stay for up to 10 years in total, provided they continue to meet all criteria. New Zealand’s existing Parent Resident Visa remains the pathway for permanent stay.
 

Benefits of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa

• Stay Longer with Family: Enjoy extended visits of up to 5 years at a time in New Zealand.
• Up to 10 Years Together: Eligible to reapply once, letting you spend a total of 10 years with your loved ones.
• Freedom to Travel: A multiple-entry visa means you can come and go as you wish during its validity.
• Peace of Mind: With your New Zealand-based sponsor covering financial and accommodation needs, you’ll be well supported throughout your stay.

Eligibility Criteria for a Parent Boost Visitor Visa

To qualify for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Sponsorship

• Must be sponsored by your biological or legally adopted child, who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
• Sponsor is responsible for your accommodation, living costs, healthcare, and repatriation if needed.

Financial Requirements (meet one of the following):

• Your sponsor earns at least the New Zealand median wage (or 1.5× median wage for joint sponsors).
• You have a personal income equal to NZ Superannuation: approx. NZD 32,611 (single) or NZD 49,553 (couple).
• You hold sufficient personal funds: NZD 160,000 (single) or NZD 250,000 (couple).

Health & Character

• Must meet New Zealand’s residence-level health and character standards.
• Two medical checks required: one at the time of application and another in Year 3 (completed while offshore).
• Health Insurance
• Must hold private health insurance that covers:
• Emergency medical care (min. NZD 250,000 per year)

Note: Insurance must be maintained throughout your stay.

Documents Required for the New Zealand Parent Boost Visitor Visa

The documents required for the New Zealand Parent Boost Visitor visa is as follows:

• Proof of sponsorship from your New Zealand citizen or resident child
• Evidence of meeting financial requirements (sponsor’s income, applicant’s income, or personal funds)
• Health assessment reports (initial medical check and third-year offshore medical check)
• Valid and comprehensive health insurance documentation (emergency care, cancer treatment, and repatriation)

Steps to apply for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa

You can follow the below steps to apply for the Parent Boost Visitor visa:

Step 1: Apply online from 29 September 2025 via Immigration New Zealand.

Step 2: Your New Zealand citizen or resident child submits the required sponsorship documents.

Step 3: Complete the initial medical check at the time of application.

Step 4: Provide evidence of meeting the required financial thresholds.

Step 5: Immigration NZ assesses your application and issues the visa if approved.

Step 6: Complete a second health check in Year 3 from offshore.

Step 7: Maintain valid and comprehensive health insurance throughout your stay.
 

Parent Boost Visitor Visa Fees

The table below has a detailed overview of the New Zealand Parent Boost Visitor Visa fees:
 

Fee Type	Amount (NZD)
Standard Application Fee	$3,000
Pacific Fee Band (reduced rate)	$2,450
International Visitor Conservation & Tourism Levy (IVL)	$100
Third-Year Health Check – Standard	$325
Third-Year Health Check – Pacific Fee Band	$240

Processing Time for a Parent Boost Visitor Visa

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is expected to be processed within up to 4 months, though actual timelines may vary depending on application volumes and whether all required documents are complete at the time of submission.
 

New Zealand Parent Boost Visitor Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa

Feature	Parent Boost Visitor Visa	Regular Visitor Visa
Stay Duration	Up to 5 years per visa, renewable once for a total of 10 years	Typically up to 6 months per visit
Validity	Can be renewed once, allowing a total stay of up to 10 years	Usually shorter, aligned with visit duration
Entry Type	Multiple entries allowed throughout the visa period	Multiple entries may be allowed but within shorter validity
Residency Pathway	No pathway to permanent residency, visitor visa only	No pathway to residency, different category

How Can Y-Axis help you?

The Y-Axis team is your trusted partner in making the New Zealand Parent Boost Visitor Visa application smooth and stress-free.

• Check your eligibility and confirm whether you meet sponsorship, financial, and health requirements.
• Guide your sponsor (your NZ-based child) in preparing the sponsorship documents correctly.
• Assist in gathering and organizing all required financial, health, and insurance documentation.
• Support with online application filing, ensuring all details are accurate and compliant.
• Review your documents thoroughly before submission to minimize errors or delays.
• Provide end-to-end updates and support until your visa outcome is finalized.