Parent Boost Visitor Visa Now Open for Eligible Parents

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is now open, giving eligible parents of New Zealand citizens and residents the chance to spend meaningful, extended time with their families. Designed to strengthen family bonds, this visa allows parents to stay for up to 5 years initially, with the option of a second 5-year visa, making a total stay of up to 10 years possible. Unlike standard visitor visas, Parent Boost Visitor Visa comes with specific financial, health, and sponsorship requirements to ensure parents can enjoy long-term visits while fully meeting New Zealand’s immigration conditions.

Parent Boost Visitor Visa Key Features

• Stay duration: Up to 5 years initially, with an option to apply for a second 5-year visa.

• Multiple entry rights: Parents can leave and re-enter New Zealand freely during the visa’s validity.

• Temporary nature: This visa does not lead to residency but is designed for extended family visits.

• Partners included: Parents and their partners can travel separately under the same visa conditions.

• Mid-visa compliance check: Required after 3 years to ensure conditions, health, and insurance requirements are still being met.

Eligibility Criteria of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa

Applicants must satisfy strict immigration, health, and financial conditions to qualify.

General Requirements

• Must apply and be outside New Zealand at the time of application and approval.

• Must have no dependent children.

• Must intend to stay temporarily and return home before visa expiry.

• Must retain ties to their home country.

• Must meet New Zealand’s character and health standards.

Sponsorship Requirements

• The sponsor must be an adult child (18+) who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.

• Sponsorship can be joint, including:

  • An adult child and their partner.

  • Two adult children (siblings).

  • An adult child of the parent and an adult child of the parent’s partner.

• Sponsors are responsible for ensuring compliance with financial and insurance conditions.

Financial Requirements for the Parent Boost Visa

Applicants must show financial capability through one of three options:

1. Sponsor’s Income

• Single sponsor: At least the median wage to support one parent.

• Joint sponsors: Combined income must be 1.5 times the median wage.

• Additional parent(s): Each extra parent requires an additional 0.5 times the median wage.

• Current thresholds:

  • One parent supported by joint sponsors: NZD $104,707.20 annually.

  • Additional parent: NZD $34,902.40 per parent.

2. Parent’s Ongoing Income

• Single parent: Minimum NZD $32,611.28 annually (pre-tax).

• Couple: Minimum NZD $49,552.88 annually (pre-tax).

3. Parent’s Available Funds

• Single parent: Minimum NZD $160,000 in personal funds.

• Couple: Minimum NZD $250,000 in personal funds.

• Borrowed or gifted money does not qualify; funds must be genuinely owned.

Health and Insurance Requirements

Maintaining good health and comprehensive insurance is mandatory.

Health Standards

• Applicants must meet the acceptable standard of health to avoid burdening New Zealand’s health system.

• First visa: Medical certificates up to 12 months old may be reused if still valid.

• Mid-visa compliance check & second visa: Fresh medical certificates no older than 3 months are required.

• No medical waivers are granted; failing health standards results in ineligibility.

Check this out: What are Acceptable Standards of Health Criteria for NZ Visa Approvals

Application Process

The process requires careful preparation and supporting documentation.

1. Application Submission: Must be lodged from outside New Zealand.

2. Initial Assessment: Immigration New Zealand checks eligibility, financial proof, and sponsorship.

3. Approval in Principle: If successful, applicants must:

   • Provide evidence of 12 months’ insurance.

   • Sign a declaration confirming understanding of visa rules and temporary nature.

4. Visa Grant:

   • Applicants must enter New Zealand within 6 months of approval.

   • The 5-year stay period begins from the date of first entry.

5. Mid-Visa Compliance Check: After 3 years (but before 4 years), applicants must:

   • Submit a new medical certificate.

   • Provide proof of continuous insurance coverage.

6. Second Visa Option: Apply for another 5 years if conditions remain satisfied.

Important Conditions to Remember

• The visa is strictly temporary and not a pathway to permanent residence.

• All conditions related to sponsorship, insurance, and financial support must be met at all times.

• Failure to comply may lead to visa cancellation and deportation.

• Parents must leave New Zealand once the visa expires unless a renewal is granted.

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