Imagine Family Time Without Borders: The New ‘Parent Boost Visitor Visa’

Imagine missing birthdays, anniversaries, or even everyday moments with your parents because of visa restrictions. That changes from 29 September 2025.

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to stay for up to five years – extendable to ten – giving families the chance to plan life together without constant worry.

“This visa is a real step forward for families wanting to stay connected in New Zealand,” says Ritvik Roop, immigration solicitor at Corban Revell Lawyers. “It gives parents and children more certainty, so you can focus on enjoying family life rather than stressing over visa applications.”

Applications for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa will open online via Immigration New Zealand from 29 September 2025. Many families find it helpful to have expert guidance to make the process smoother. Corban Revell Immigration Law team can help you confidently navigate requirements, minimise mistakes, and ensure everything is done correctly the first time.

Parent Boost Visa: What You Need to Know

• Applications: Online from 29 September 2025
• English Language Requirement: None
• Fees: NZD $3,000 for most applicants; $2,450 for Pacific fee band applicants, plus International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of NZD $100
• Health Insurance: Must cover emergency care, repatriation, return of remains, and cancer treatment
• Processing Time: Around four months, depending on documentation and health checks
• Multi-entry Visa: Your parents can travel to and from New Zealand. A mid-visa medical assessment in the third year ensures ongoing eligibility

“Even with instructions online, the process can feel a little overwhelming,” says Ritvik. “Having a professional guide you through can make the process much less stressful.”

Sponsorship and Financial Requirements

• Parents can be sponsored by adult children, with siblings able to share sponsorship responsibilities.
• Your parents’ stay can be supported in three ways: through the income of their sponsors, your parents’ own income, or your parents’ assets, like savings, investments, pensions, or property, whether held in New Zealand or overseas.
• Immigration New Zealand will assess whether your family can adequately support your parents during their stay.

“Financial rules can be tricky, particularly if you have overseas income or assets,” says Ritvik. “We help you understand exactly what counts, so your application is robust and complete.”

When You Might Benefit From Legal Guidance

While you can apply on your own, families often seek help in areas like:

• Financial and documentation complexity: Ensuring all income and asset documentation meets Immigration New Zealand requirements
• Health and insurance obligations: Choosing compliant insurance and managing mid-visa medical checks
• Visa strategy: Comparing Parent Boost with other parent visas, coordinating multiple applications, or handling joint sponsorship
• Peace of mind: Minimising delays, avoiding mistakes, and knowing your application is handled correctly

“We provide guidance where it really matters,” Ritvik notes. “So you can focus on what really counts – spending time with your loved ones.”

Comparing Parent Boost With Other Parent Visas

• Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa: Short-term stays (up to 18 months within a 3-year period)
• Visitor Visa: Up to 9 months, or up to 3 months for citizens of visa-waiver countries using a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
• Parent Resident Visa: 2,500 places per year via ballot
• Parent Retirement Resident Visa: Residence via investment of at least NZD $1 million for 4 years

“Choosing the right visa can be confusing,” Ritvik says. “We help you understand your options and pick the path that’s right for your family.”

Health and Insurance Requirements

• Your parents must maintain comprehensive health insurance from approved New Zealand or overseas providers.
• Medical assessments are required before arrival and mid-way through the visa. Mid-visa health checks may require a short stay offshore

“We help families manage these requirements smoothly, so you can spend your time together without worrying,” Ritvik says.

How Corban Revell Can Help You

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a fantastic opportunity to spend extended quality time with your parents. Corban Revell Immigration Law can guide you through every step, including:

• Understanding sponsorship and financial obligations
• Meeting health and insurance requirements
• Comparing visa options and planning your long-term family stay
• Managing mid-visa checks, renewals, or changes in family circumstances

“Every family is different,” Ritvik says. “We give friendly, practical guidance so you can just enjoy being with your loved ones.”

If you’d like help or have questions about the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, contact Corban Revell’s Immigration Law team or reach out directly to Ritvik.