Your Guide To Parent Boost Visitor Visa: Unlock Family Time Up To 10 Years
In a heartening move, the New Zealand Government has announced the new ‘Parent Boost’ Visitor Visa, a purpose-built multiple-entry visa for parents of New Zealand citizens or residents. Starting 29 September 2025, this visa will allow:
- A five-year stay with the option to reapply for another five, enabling up to 10 years of extended visits.
- The flexibility to travel in and out of New Zealand during this period.
- A supportive yet cautious framework that strengthens family ties without triggering permanent residence or strain on public services.
While the final requirements are yet to be released, this blog post will provide you with all the available information and help you prepare to lodge your application when the time comes.
Eligibility Criteria
Sponsorship
Parent Boost Visa applications must be supported by an eligible sponsor—typically a biological or adopted child living in New Zealand as a resident or citizen. The sponsor accepts responsibility for the parent’s accommodation, daily support, and emergency costs.
Health & Character
Applicants will need to undergo standard medical examinations—including an initial check at the time of application and a follow-up around year three. They must also meet character requirements.
Healthcare Cover
A private health insurance policy will be essential, covering emergency care, cancer treatment, repatriation, and return of remains. Minimum sums have been prescribed, such as $250,000 for emergency care and $100,000 for cancer. Coverage must be active throughout the stay.
Financial Assurance
Applicants or sponsors must demonstrate financial ability through one of the following:
- A sponsor earning at least the New Zealand median wage or 1.5 times the median wage for joint sponsors (increasing for multiple parents)
- The parent(s) having personal income comparable to New Zealand Superannuation to support themselves
- The parent(s) having sufficient savings to support themselves while in New Zealand
Why You’ll Want Guidance from the Experts at Sharma Law
Though the framework is clear, making your application stand out and ensuring it meets evolving benchmarks requires professional insight. Our experienced team at Sharma Law has a proven track record of successfully guiding clients through complex immigration processes. We can help you with:
- Financial structuring: Deciding whether to meet requirements through the sponsor’s income or the parent’s savings or ongoing income—and how best to evidence it
- Document readiness: Preparing sponsorship documentation, medical and character certificates, and proof of relationships to avoid delays
- Timing strategy: With high expected uptake, early preparation and prompt lodging can streamline processing
- Renewal planning: Tracking key timings (like the third-year check) to ensure no gaps in legal status
- Residency roadmap: If permanent residency is the ultimate goal, we can guide you from this visa to pathways like the Parent Resident Visa or Retirement Visa
How to Start Planning with Sharma Law Now
Before applications open in late September 2025, our team at Sharma Law can help you:
- Select your sponsor and begin organising income or resource assessments
- Explore health coverage options—whether insurance or levy-based
- Arrange preliminary medical or character checks
- Book a prep session with our team to map a hassle-free, well-supported application journey on launch day
Family First—With Peace of Mind
The Parent Boost Visa offers an unprecedented opportunity: years of extended family time, reliable healthcare coverage, and freedom to manage visits—including visiting grandchildren or supporting children through life’s milestones.
But with evolving policy details and high interest expected, getting your application right matters. Our experienced team at Sharma Law is ready to help you navigate the variable landscape, structure your application effectively, and take prompt action when applications open.
Contact us today for a free 15-minute consultation to secure your place in the queue—so your family’s long-term reunions in New Zealand can become a reality.