NZ Govt announces 'Parent Boost' visa to bring families together, check eligibility criteria

The New Zealand government on Sunday, June 8 announced a programme for parents of its country’s citizens and residents granting them access to a Parent Boost visa to bring families together.

The new programme was announced by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford stating that the Government was delivering on its commitment to support parents who live in other countries to visit and stay with their families for an extended period.

According to public broadcaster RNZ, the visa may be renewed once provided the holder spends at least three months outside New Zealand before obtaining the second visa. The visa allows a total stay of up to 10 years,


PM Luxon stated that the skilled migrants needed to be incentivised to choose New Zealand to drive economic growth. "Ensuring we continue to attract the right people with the skills this country needs will deliver significant economic and social benefits for all New Zealanders," he said.

Immigration Minister Stanford said that a longer-term visitor visa for parents was an "important consideration" for migrants when it comes to making a choice about where to build their lives.

"Whether it be welcoming a new child, additional support during health challenges or providing childcare so parents can work, there is nothing quite like having family support close by,” she said.

Parent Boost visa: Eligibility criteria

The Parent Boost visa will be granted to an eligible sponsor who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. The applicant should meet Acceptable Standard of Health requirements

According to RNZ, the applicant should demonstrate they have at least one year of health insurance coverage which provides emergency medical cover (of at least up to $250,000), repatriation, return of remains and cancer treatment (of at least $100,000) and maintain this insurance for the entire duration they are in New Zealand.

Meet character requirements and be a bona fide / genuine visitor. While offshore during the 3rd year of the multiple entry visitor visa, complete a new medical assessment and demonstrate they have maintained their insurance.

Income requirements for visa

The person applying for the Parent Boost visa must fulfill one of the following income requirements

The sponsor must earn the median wage to sponsor one parent, joint sponsors must earn 1.5x the median wage; or The parent/s have an ongoing income aligning with the single rate of New Zealand Superannuation for a single parent and the couple rate for a couple; or The parent/s have available funds of $160,000 for a single parent and $250,000 for a couple to support themselves for the duration of their visa.

Stanford said the new visa struck the balance between making New Zealand attractive for migrants and not putting additional strain on public services. The applications for the Parent Boost visa will be available from September 29.