On 29 September 2025, Immigration New Zealand will begin accepting applications for the transformative 10-Year Parent Boost Visa, designed to reunite families by granting parents of New Zealand citizens and residents a decade-long right to live, work, and study in Aotearoa. This first-of-its-kind visa underscores New Zealand’s commitment to family unity and offers unparalleled stability. Here’s everything you need to know:
Why the Parent Boost Visa?
- Family Reunification: Empowers Kiwi citizens and residents to bring parents to New Zealand for extended time.
- Long-Term Stability: A 10-year visa reduces the stress of frequent renewals and allows multi-year planning.
- Economic & Social Contribution: Parents can work, contribute to the economy, and integrate into communities over a decade.
Key Benefits
- 10-Year Residency: No need for annual or biennial renewals—peace of mind for a decade.
- Work Rights: Full open work rights for parents; no employer sponsorship required.
- Study & Training: Up to three months’ study; longer courses require separate student visas.
- Family Sponsorship: Visa holders may sponsor dependent grandchildren under age 18.
- Health & Superannuation: Access to NZ’s public healthcare system and eligibility for superannuation contributions.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must satisfy all of the following on the application open date (29 September 2025):
- Relationship Test
- Be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of a New Zealand citizen or residence visa holder who is aged 18+.
- Balance of Family Test
- At least half your children live permanently in New Zealand, or more children reside in New Zealand than elsewhere.
- Financial Support (Assurance of Support)
- Your sponsoring child lodges an Assurance of Support (AoS) Bond of NZD 10,000, guaranteeing no reliance on main benefits.
- Health & Character
- Pass a health examination by an Immigration NZ–approved panel physician.
- Police certificates from every country lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years.
- Passport Validity
- A valid passport with at least 12 months remaining at time of application.
Also Check: Australia Temporary Work Visa 2025: Requirements and Application Process
Required Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Completed Visa Application Form | Online via Immigration NZ RealMe® portal |
| Passport Bio-data Page | Clear scan, valid ≥ 12 months |
| Child’s NZ Citizenship/Residence Proof | Copy of child’s NZ passport or residence visa |
| Birth/Adoption/Marriage Certificates | Evidence of parent–child relationship |
| AoS Bond Receipt | Sponsoring child’s guarantee bond payment proof (NZD 10,000) |
| Health Examination Certificate | From an approved panel physician within 6 months |
| Police Clearance Certificates | From all relevant countries, translated/notarised if required |
| Passport-Style Photographs | Two recent 4 × 3 cm color photos |
Tip: Have non-English documents translated by a certified translator and attach both originals and translations.
Fees & Processing Times
| Item | Fee (NZD) | Processing Target* |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | 495 | 80% in 6 weeks |
| Health Exam Fee | 200 – 400 | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Police Certificate | 50 – 100 | 2 – 4 weeks |
| AoS Bond | 10 000 (refundable) | Released after 5 years of no benefit claim |
*Timesensitive—apply early to avoid delays during the initial surge.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Gather Documents
- Ensure all relationship, identity, health, and police records are ready.
- Set Up RealMe® Account
- Register at Immigration NZ RealMe® to access online forms.
- Complete Online Application
- Choose “10-Year Parent Boost Visa” under family visas, upload documents, and pay NZD 495.
- Sponsor Lodges AoS Bond
- Your child, as sponsor, pays the NZD 10,000 bond via RealMe®.
- Undergo Health & Character Checks
- Attend medical exam and submit police certificates when requested.
- Await Decision
- Track progress in RealMe®; respond to any information requests within 14 days.
- Receive Visa & Move
- On approval, receive an e-visa confirmation.
- Plan travel and settle in New Zealand—start work immediately.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Apply on Day One: Demand will be high—submit on 29 September 2025 morning NZT.
- Complete Forms Accurately: Mismatches in names or dates cause delays.
- Maintain Clear Communication: Keep email and phone contacts up to date in your RealMe® profile.
- Prepare for Volume: Allow extra time for medical and police checks in peak season.
FAQs
Q: Can grandparents apply?
A: No—only parents (biological, adoptive, or step-parents) qualify.
Q: Can the AoS bond be waived?
A: Only in exceptional hardship cases—otherwise, bond is mandatory.
Q: Are dependents included?
A: Dependent grandchildren under 18 can be added; spouses require separate partnership visas.
Q: What if my child’s status changes?
A: Your visa validity aligns with your sponsor’s residency; reapply if they change status.
Conclusion
The 10-Year Parent Boost Visa represents a landmark policy to strengthen family unity in New Zealand. With applications opening 29 September 2025, eligible parents can secure a decade of stability, work rights, and community integration. Prepare your documents early, apply first thing, and reunite with loved ones in Aotearoa.