Parent Boost Visa set to bridge the gap

Over the weekend, the Government has announced the upcoming launch of its Parent Boost Visa. This visa has been designed to allow families to spend more time together, where parents cannot or do not want to secure a resident visa for New Zealand. 

It isn't set to launch until 29 September 2025, and the full policy will not be released until close to that time, but what has been confirmed is:

- applicants must have an eligible sponsoring child

- there will be an income threshold for the sponsoring child

- usual character and bona-fides requirements for temporary visas will apply

- health requirements must be met, to a residence threshold

- applicants will need to hold comprehensive health insurance

The boost visa will be granted for up to 5 years at a time, and can be applied for twice. The visa is also going to be subject to a health and insurance check at the 3 year mark. 

This visa serves as a middle-ground between the Parent/Grandparent Visitor visa, which allows parents to visit New Zealand for up to 18 months over its 3 year duration, and the Parent Residence category. Both of these visa categories will remain in place and unchanged. 

Our team will provide further clarity on the policy once it is fully released and will be happy to provide guidance and assistance in filling Parent Boost visa applications when the category launches.