The Parent Boost Visa: What You Need to Know.
On June 8th, the government announced something that a lot of migrant families have been waiting for. It’s called the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, and it’s set to open for applications on September 29, 2025.
This isn’t just another short-term visit visa. It’s a longer-term option that lets parents of New Zealand citizens and residents stay for up to five years, with the ability to come and go during that time.
Let’s break down what it all means in plain language.
How do you apply?
From September 29, you’ll be able to apply online through the Immigration New Zealand website. You won’t need to meet any English language requirements, which is great news for many families.
How much does it cost?
The visa fee is $3,000, or $2,450 if you qualify for the Pacific fee band. On top of that, you’ll need to pay a $100 tourism and conservation levy.
There’s also a requirement to keep valid health insurance the whole time your parent is in New Zealand. The cost will depend on things like their age and current health.
Who can be a sponsor?
Sponsorship can be done by an individual or jointly by a couple or adult siblings. That means you don’t have to carry the financial responsibility alone if you have a brother or sister who’s also willing to support your parent.
You’ll need to show that either:
you earn at least the median wage (or 1.5x that if it’s a joint sponsorship), or
your parent has regular income that’s likely to continue for five years, or
your parent has at least $160,000 (for one parent) or $250,000 (for two parents) in accessible assets
Only one of these needs to be met—but whichever one you choose, you’ll need solid evidence to back it up. More details on what counts will be released in August.
How long does it take?
INZ expects most applications will be processed within about four months, but this can vary depending on your documents, your parent’s health, and the overall demand for the visa.
What about health checks?
Health is a big part of this visa.
Parents will need health insurance that covers things like emergency care and cancer treatment. The insurance can be from overseas as long as the company has a strong credit rating and meets INZ’s criteria.
Also, there’s a mid-visa medical check. In year three, your parent will have to leave New Zealand to get a new health assessment. They’ll need to stay offshore until INZ confirms that they still meet the required health standard. It’s a way of making sure the visa stays temporary and that people maintain ties to their home country.
Can they come and go?
Yes. This is a multi-entry visa, so travel flexibility is built in. The government actually expects that parents will come and go during the five-year period.
After the five years are up, they’ll need to apply for a new visa from offshore. They can’t stay beyond the expiry date, even if their health or circumstances have changed. This isn’t a pathway to residence, so it’s really important to understand the temporary nature of the visa.
Can they still apply for other parent visas?
Yes, absolutely. Holding a Parent Boost Visa doesn’t stop someone from submitting expressions of interest for other visas like the Parent Resident Visa or the Parent Retirement Visa. Just keep in mind that people can only hold one visa at a time, so if your parent switches to Parent Boost, their existing visa will be cancelled.
What can they do while in New Zealand?
They can study for up to three months a year or do remote work for an overseas employer. If they earn income while they’re here say from pensions or rental income it’s worth checking if any tax rules might apply. The IRD has more details on that.
Final thoughts
The Parent Boost Visa is a major step forward for families who want more than just short visits. It provides more time together, more flexibility, and more stability. But it also comes with some serious financial, medical, and legal responsibilities.
If you’re thinking of applying or sponsoring a parent, now’s the time to start getting ready. The official guidance on documents and eligibility will be available in August, but there’s plenty you can do now to prepare.
And if you need help making sense of the process or figuring out the best visa for your family, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help you make a plan.