FAQs: Parent Resident Visa Category

The Parent Resident Visa provides an opportunity for parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to gain residency and reunite with their family in New Zealand. This visa category requires the adult child or children in New Zealand to act as sponsors and meet specific eligibility criteria, including income thresholds.

Under the current immigration policy, up to 2,500 visas are available each year (ending 30 June) through this category. The visa is a 2-stage process. People first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If the EOI is selected and it meets the requirements, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will issue an Invitation To Apply (ITA). Only people who have received an ITA are able to make a residence application and this application must be made within 4 months of the ITA being issued.

Here are some frequently asked questions about this visa:

How many visas are available each year under this category?

2500 per year.

Do my parents need to meet the English requirements for the Expression of Interest (EOI)?

Yes, to get approved under this category. If they cannot get an acceptable English language test result or do not want to sit a test, they can pre-purchase ESOL, but this can be done after the EOI. Parents will need to attend English language classes once they arrive in New Zealand.

How much income do I need to show as the sponsor? 

See the table below:

I have gained my residency through the 2021 Resident Visa; can I sponsor my parents?

You need to be a resident for at least 3 years.

Can parents apply if they have dependent children? 

No, they can't. Eligible parents should have no dependent children.

What if my parent has a medical issue? 

Parents must have good health to be granted residence. Having a medical issue by itself doesn't mean parents won’t meet INZ’s health requirements, but the depth of the medical issue can have a negative impact. The severity of the condition needs to be ascertained.

How long does an EOI remain valid in the ballot if it isnot selected? 

2 years from when it was selected.

Will the government change the income requirements for sponsors? 

From 28 February 2025, income thresholds for sponsors under the Parent Category were indexed to the new median wage of NZD $33.56 an hour.

How is INZ selecting EOIs? 

INZ selects EOIs every 3 months from 2 sets.

• The queue contains EOIs received before 12 October 2022. The first selection was 14 November 2022.
• The ballot contains EOIs received from 12 October 2022 onwards. The first selection was 8 August 2023.

Is there an EOI submission deadline for each month that draws are made from the ballot?

EOIs should be submitted before the first day of the selection month to be considered for that month’s ballot. For example, if you want to be considered for the November draw, ensure your EOI is submitted on or before 31 October. 

EOI selections will take place every three months starting August 2023, i.e. November, February, May, August.

How long does the entire process take?

The average wait time is 13 months. Most will be completed within 16 months. 

Who can be my co-sponsor? 

Co-sponsors can be either spouses or siblings. If using your spouse as a co-sponsor, you must have lived together for at least 12 months.

Is it a paper or online application? 

Both modes of application are available.

How much is INZ's application fee?

Stage 1 – EOI: NZD $575 for paper EOI, NZD $450 for online EOI

Stage 2 – Applying: NZD $5,360 

Are you thinking of applying for residency for your parents?