New Zealand Unveils ‘Parent Boost Visa’: A Ray of Hope for Indian Families

New Zealand has finally launched its much-anticipated “Parent Boost Visa,” a significant step toward making it easier for families to stay together. This new immigration path will finally allow Indian parents to join their children who already live or are citizens of New Zealand. This is a long-term desire from the Indian diaspora that has been met.

The ‘Parent Boost Visa’, which is set to open on 29 September 2025, introduces a more streamlined and accessible route for family members, diverging from previous, often restrictive, parent visa categories. This visa will allow parents of citizens and residents to stay in the country for 5 years, with a possibility of a 5-year extension. 

The news has made many Indian families hopeful about joining together abroad. This demonstrates that New Zealand is committed to strengthening community ties and recognizing the significance of family support systems for its immigrant population.

It is important to note that the Parent Boost is a visitor visa, not a pathway to residence, and parents are expected to leave before it expires.

Plan Your Admission Strategy Now!

Requirements for Parent Boost Visa

Here’s more crucial information regarding the Parent Boost Visa:

• Eligibility:
  • Applicants must demonstrate that they are of good character.
  • Applicants must meet the acceptable standard of health (aligning with the standard for residence).
  • There is no English language proficiency requirement.
• Sponsorship:
  • Applicants must have an eligible sponsor who is their biological or adopted child and a New Zealand citizen or resident.
  • The sponsor must also agree to take on specific responsibilities for the full duration of the visa, including:
    • Covering essential costs such as accommodation and daily living costs.
    • Ensuring access to health and financial support.
    • Covering costs related to repatriation or deportation, if required.
  • Citizens and residents can sponsor jointly with either their partner or an adult sibling.
• Financial requirements: Applicants must meet one of the following financial criteria:
  • The sponsor earns at least the New Zealand median wage (or 1.5 times the median wage for joint sponsors) to sponsor one parent, with the amount increasing by 0.5 times the median wage for additional parents being sponsored, OR
  • The parent(s) have a personal income equivalent to New Zealand Superannuation, currently NZD 32,611.28 gross per annum for a single parent and NZD 49,552.88 for a couple, OR
  • The parent(s) have sufficient personal funds: NZD 160,000 for a single applicant or NZD 250,000 for a couple.
• Health insurance: Applicants must hold at least one year of health insurance that covers:
  • Emergency medical care (minimum NZD 250,000 a year).
  • Repatriation.
  • Return of remains.
  • Cancer treatment (minimum NZD 100,000).
• Application Process: Applications will commence on September 29, 2025, and can be submitted electronically via the official Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website.
• Associated Costs: The visa application generally costs NZD 3,000. However, applicants who qualify for the Pacific fee band will pay NZD 2,450. These fees cover both the immigration charge and a levy. Additionally, an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of NZD 100 will be applied.
  After three years, a supplementary processing fee for a mandatory health check will be incurred, amounting to NZD 325 for most applicants or NZD 240 for those eligible for the Pacific fee band.
• Processing Timeframe: Applications are typically processed within 4 months.

Visa Guidance

Simplify Your
Student Visa Process!

Start Visa Process

Impact of the Parent Boost Visa

For many Indian students who have successfully navigated the complexities of New Zealand immigration and established their lives there, the inability to bring their parents has been a significant emotional hurdle.

The “Parent Boost Visa” announcement also shows how immigration rules worldwide are changing. It shows that countries like New Zealand are aware of immigrants’ needs as a whole, not just their economic benefits. This includes their social and familial well-being.

In India, potential applicants are already looking for advice as demand in this new visa category soars. This has amplified the role of specialized student visa consultants and overseas education visa consultants in India. Families are seeking the best overseas education visa consultants and top student visa consultants in India who can provide comprehensive student visa consultancy services. 

This new visa is not just a policy change but a beacon of hope for countless Indian families aspiring for a consolidated life in New Zealand.

Nomad Credit can help you explore your visa options and provide guidance on the application process.

Finance Your Education with Ease. Apply Now!