The New Zealand Government has announced the long-awaited Parent Boost Visitor Visa Category, which allows parents to stay in NZ for up to five years, with the option to renew for a total of 10 years.
What are the key requirements?
Applicants must:
- Be outside NZ when applying and when the visa is granted;
- Meet acceptable health and good character requirements;
- Have no dependent children;
- Show sufficient funds for self-support;
- Hold travel and/or health insurance throughout the visa; and
- Not have previously held more than one Parent Boost Visa.
Who can sponsor a parent?
Applicants must be sponsored by a NZ citizen/resident, or joint NZ citizen/resident sponsors who are:
- Their biological/adopted child/children and their partner, if joint sponsorship is needed, and be
- Ordinarily resident in NZ and will continue to be ordinarily resident whilst the parent is here.
How does a parent show sufficient funds for self-support?
This can be demonstrated by:
- Having maintenance funds of either NZ$160,000 or NZ$250,000 depending on the number of applicants; or
- Having an annual income of either $32,611.28 or $49,552.88, depending on the number of applicants; or
- The sponsoring New Zealand child or grandchild meeting sponsorship income requirements
What are the sponsorship income requirements?
These are determined by the median wage. If a NZ citizen or resident child is supporting a single parent, they must show that they have earned the median wage for two of the preceding three years. A higher income is required if the sponsor is supporting two parents or is relying on a partner as a joint sponsor.
What is needed to meet the travel insurance requirements?
Insurance must be from a provider with experience in health/travel insurance and at least a credit rating of A (strong). The coverage must include:
- Emergency medical care with a minimum cover of NZ$250,000 per year
- Cancer treatment with a minimum cover of NZ$100,000 per year
- Repatriation for illness/disability with a minimum cover of NZ$250,000 per year
- Return of remains with a minimum cover of NZ$50,000 per year.
Important Considerations
Immigration New Zealand cannot waive the health requirements. Therefore, it is important that parents/grandparents are in good health when they apply.
Parents must maintain valid insurance while on a Parent Boost Visa, especially if applying for residence. This will be checked by Immigration New Zealand as part of the resident visa application process.
For tailored advice regarding immigration our team is here to assist.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.
