New Zealand Set to Launch Parent Boost Visitor Visa Applications in September 2025

New Zealand is set to introduce the Parent Boost Visitor Visa on September 29, 2025. This new visa enables parents of citizens and residents to stay for up to 10 years. It aims to promote family reunions while ensuring health, insurance, and financial compliance.

Overview: Parent Boost Visitor Visa

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to enjoy extended visits. Opening for applications on September 29, 2025, this visa provides a five-year stay to reconnect with family. Eligible parents can also apply for a second five-year visa, allowing a total stay of up to 10 years.

However, this visa does not lead to permanent residency. Instead, it serves as a meaningful way for families to spend quality time together.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, applicants must meet several criteria:

• Be outside New Zealand when applying and upon visa approval.
• Be sponsored by an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Demonstrate genuine visitor intent and ties to their home country.
• Prove they have sufficient funds or that their sponsor meets income criteria.
• Applicants must not have dependent children.

Application Process

If your application meets the requirements, you will receive an approval in principle. At this stage, you must:

• Provide proof of 12 months of acceptable insurance.
• Sign a declaration confirming that the visa is temporary and that you agree to adhere to all conditions.

Once granted, you must enter New Zealand within six months. The five-year period begins on your arrival, not on the approval date. Parents and partners may travel separately, but compliance checks will occur after three years, requiring a medical update and proof of ongoing insurance. Non-compliance could result in visa cancellation or deportation.

Health Requirements

Applicants must adhere to New Zealand’s health standards. For the initial visa, medical certificates from the past 12 months can be reused if still valid. For the mid-visa check and second visa application, new certificates (less than three months old) are necessary. No medical waivers will be permitted, ensuring that visa holders do not burden New Zealand’s healthcare system.

Insurance Rules for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa

Valid insurance is mandatory throughout the stay. The minimum coverage levels are:

Applicants can secure insurance outside New Zealand if it meets these standards. Failing to maintain insurance may lead to visa cancellation or future ineligibility.

Why This Visa Matters

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a vital development for families wishing to spend extended time together in New Zealand. It establishes a clear and organized way for parents to stay connected with their children and grandchildren while prioritizing temporary residency. This initiative makes it easier for families to share special moments and strengthen bonds across generations.