Gladness Gideon
In a significant policy shift aimed at strengthening family ties among migrant communities, New Zealand has announced a new long-term visa that will allow parents of temporary residents to remain in the country for up to ten years. Known as the Parent Boost Visa, the initiative will take effect from September 29, 2025.
The visa provides an initial five-year stay and the opportunity to extend for another five years, provided the applicant continues to meet eligibility requirements. Though it offers an extended period of residence, the visa does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency. Parents who wish to settle permanently must still apply under existing categories such as the Parent Resident Visa or the Parent Retirement Resident Visa.
This move is expected to offer relief to skilled migrants who often face prolonged separation from their parents due to restrictive visa policies. By enabling longer visits, the government hopes to support the emotional and practical needs of migrant families while maintaining control over long-term immigration numbers.
To qualify, parents must be sponsored by a New Zealand citizen or resident and demonstrate access to adequate financial resources. This can be through the sponsor’s income, the applicant’s steady pension-level income, or sufficient personal savings. Comprehensive health insurance is also required, covering emergency care, and applicants must undergo health assessments during the application process and again in the third year of their stay. Proof of continuous insurance coverage will be necessary throughout the visa period.
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The visa fee is set at NZD $3,000, which includes both the immigration fee and government levy. Applicants who qualify under the Pacific fee band will pay a reduced amount of NZD $2,450. Additionally, a NZD $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy will apply. A third-year health check will also be mandatory, costing NZD $325 for most applicants or NZD $240 under the Pacific fee band.
While the Parent Boost Visa does not grant work rights or access to public healthcare, it represents a major step forward in New Zealand’s immigration framework, providing families with the opportunity to stay connected for longer periods. The government sees this as a balanced approach that supports migrants without compromising the integrity of the broader immigration system.
The visa complements other available options for parents and grandparents, including short-term visitor permits and capped residency schemes. Officials have encouraged prospective applicants to begin preparing their documentation early ahead of the visa’s launch date, given the expected high demand.