Parent Boost Visitor Visa
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa enables parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to visit and stay in New Zealand for an extended period. It is a temporary, multi-entry visitor visa designed to allow family reunion over several years rather than short-term visits.
It is suitable for individuals who:
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Have a child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident
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Intend to stay with their family in New Zealand for an extended period
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Are able to meet the health, character, financial and insurance requirements
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Are living outside New Zealand at the time of application
Eligibility Requirements
1. Sponsor
Your sponsor must be your adult child (aged 18 or over) who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. The sponsor must generally live in New Zealand and commit to supporting you while you hold the visa (for example, covering essential living costs, ensuring access to health and financial support, and assisting in repatriation if needed).
2. Financial Requirements
You must meet one of the following financial tests:
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Your sponsor (or sponsors, in the case of joint sponsorship) earns at least the New Zealand median wage (or 1.5 × the median wage if joint) and the amount increases if additional parents are sponsored.
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You (as applicant) have personal ongoing income at least equivalent to the New Zealand Superannuation rate (for a single parent and for a couple).
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You (as applicant) have personal funds available: NZD 160,000 (single parent) or NZD 250,000 (for a couple) held in a bank account accessible to you during your stay.
3. Health Insurance, Health & Character
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You must hold comprehensive health insurance for at least one year at the time of application, covering emergency medical care, repatriation, return of remains and cancer treatment.
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You must maintain valid health insurance for the full duration of your stay in New Zealand.
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You must meet the acceptable standard of health and character.
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You must be a genuine visitor with intention to stay temporarily.
4. Stay Duration and Re-Entry
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The visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to five years with multiple entries.
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You may apply for a second term of up to five years (bringing total possible stay to ten years) provided you still meet the requirements.
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You must apply from outside New Zealand and may be required to leave during the third year for a medical check and to confirm your insurance.
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You are not permitted to work for a New Zealand employer under this visa, although short-term study (up to three months) may be allowed.
Processing Times
Confirm you and your sponsor meet the eligibility, financial, health insurance, health and character requirements.
Prepare your supporting documents — sponsor evidence, income/funds, insurance, health/character checks.
Submit your online application from outside New Zealand once the application portal opens.
Upon approval, you must enter New Zealand within the stipulated timeframe and maintain compliance with visa conditions (insurance, health check during year three, sponsor residing in New Zealand).
At the appropriate time you may apply for the second term of the visa if you wish to remain longer.
Key Features
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Gain multi-entry access for up to five years, and possibly up to ten years with renewal.
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You can visit your children and grandchildren and maintain strong family connection.
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No direct pathway to residence provided under this visa; it remains a longterm visitor category.
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Sponsor must live in New Zealand and support you during your stay.
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High-quality health insurance and compliance with health check conditions are essential.
Important Notes
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Because this is a temporary visa, you should not assume permanent residence rights are included.
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The insurance requirement and the mid-visa exit/health check requirement emphasise that you maintain links with your home country.
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If your sponsor stops residing in New Zealand, or you stop meeting the conditions (insurance or health), the visa may be revoked.
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If you are considering staying permanently, you should explore other visa routes such as the Parent Resident Visa or Parent Retirement Visa (if eligible).
Summary
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa offers a compelling way for parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to spend extended time together in New Zealand. While it does not lead to residence, it addresses the need for longer-term stays and enhanced family reunion, provided you meet the financial, insurance, health and sponsorship requirements.
If you are ready to plan for your long-term visit to New Zealand, we can assist you with assessing eligibility, preparing documentation, and lodging your application to maximise your chance of success.
