Parent Boost Visitor Visa: Bring your parents to NZ for 10 years!

Here’s some good news — and a big step forward for migrant families in New Zealand.

The Government has finally announced a long-term visitor visa that makes it possible for parents to stay here for longer periods. It’s a move that acknowledges what we’ve known for a long time — that strong family support is not a ‘nice to have’, it’s a lifeline. Especially for working parents, new mums and dads, and families trying to juggle life in a new country.

What’s the Parent Boost Visa all about?

In short, it let's parents of NZ citizens or residents stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years at a time, on a multiple-entry basis — meaning they can come and go as needed.

And it doesn’t stop there — a second visa can be applied for later, allowing a total stay of up to 10 years, provided they continue to meet the requirements.

Now let’s be clear — this isn’t a pathway to residence. But it’s a great option if you want your parents around for longer stretches of time, without the hassle of applying for new visas every few months.

And yes — if they’re looking at residence, the Parent Resident Visa is still a thing. If your family is considering permanent residence, check out the Parent Resident Visa FAQs.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be the biological or adopted parent of a New Zealand citizen or resident
• Be sponsored by that child
• Meet the Acceptable Standard of Health (the same standard required for residence)
• Hold at least one year of valid health insurance that covers:
  • Emergency medical care (min. $250,000/year)
  • Repatriation and return of remains
  • Cancer treatment (min. $100,000/year)
• Maintain this insurance for the full duration of their stay
• Meet character requirements and demonstrate they are bona fide (genuine) visitors
• In the third year of their stay, while offshore, undergo a second medical assessment and provide evidence of continuous insurance coverage

Sponsor Requirements

Your sponsor must:

• Be your biological or adopted child
• Be a NZ citizen or resident
• Meet one of the following financial thresholds:

In addition, sponsors must:

• Cover essential costs such as accommodation and daily living expenses
• Ensure their parent(s) have access to health and financial support as required
• Be responsible for the costs associated with repatriation or deportation, if needed

Health Insurance Requirements

Applicants must have insurance that covers the following minimums:

• Emergency care: NZD $250,000 per year
• Cancer treatment: NZD $100,000
• Repatriation and return of remains

They must maintain this insurance for the entire duration of their stay.

 A second health check is required during the third year, to be completed while outside New Zealand, along with proof of continuous insurance.

Visa Costs

• Visa application fee:
  • $3,000 (standard)
  • $2,450 (Pacific fee band)
• Tourism Levy: $100

• 3rd-year health check processing fee:
  • $325 (standard)
  • $240 (Pacific fee band)

When Can You Apply?

Applications open: 29 September 2025

More details on the process will be released closer to the date.

Got Questions? Join Our Webinar

We know there’s a lot to take in — so let’s talk.

📍Live Webinar: Pathways to New Zealand: For you & your Family

 🗓️ Thursday, 26th June

 🕖 7:00 PM

🎙️ Hosted by Arunima Dhingra and Helen Strange, our Senior Licensed Immigration Advisers.

This is your chance to hear directly from the experts, ask your questions, and understand whether this visa is the right option for your family.