New Zealand Grants Additional Parent Visas to Reduce Queue Backlog

In a significant policy update, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has approved a one-time increase in the number of Parent Category Resident Visas for the financial year ending June 30, 2025. While the total visa cap remains at 2,500 annually, the government has adjusted the allocation to accommodate more applicants in the queue system. This decision aims to streamline family reunification and provide relief to applicants awaiting residency approval.

New Zealand: Key Changes in Parent Resident Visa Allocation

Under normal conditions, INZ distributes 2,000 visas through the queue-based system and 500 via a ballot selection. However, the recent approval allows an additional 331 visas for queue applicants, bringing the total to 2,331 for this financial year. This adjustment does not impact the 500 visas reserved for the ballot system. The increase applies exclusively to applicants who have already received approval in principle, ensuring those further along in the process benefit first.

INZ has confirmed that eligible applicants or their advisers will be contacted directly to confirm their acceptance under the new instructions. Importantly, the overall cap of 2,500 visas will be reinstated for the 2025-26 financial year, indicating that this increase is a temporary measure.

Parent Resident Visa Eligibility and Application Process

The Parent Resident Visa program is designed to allow foreign nationals residing in New Zealand to bring their parents to the country permanently. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements, including:

• Having a New Zealand citizen or resident child as their sponsor.
• The sponsoring child must meet defined income thresholds.
• Sponsors must commit to supporting their parents financially.

The application process begins with an Expression of Interest (EOI) submission. INZ selects EOIs randomly through a ballot every three months, with the first selection taking place on August 8, 2023. Subsequent draws occur in February, May, August, and November, typically on the second Tuesday of the month. To be eligible for an upcoming selection, EOIs must be submitted by the end of the previous month.

Sponsorship Criteria and Financial Requirements

The Parent Resident Visa program resumed in October 2022, introducing revised sponsorship criteria. Two notable changes include:

• Allowing two adult children to combine their income to sponsor their parents.
• Reducing the income requirement for sponsors from twice the median wage to 1.5 times the median wage.

From February 28, 2025, New Zealand’s median wage will be NZD 69,804.80. Based on this, the minimum income requirement for a single sponsor will be NZD 104,707.20, while two sponsors supporting two parents must collectively earn at least NZD 139,609.60. Sponsors must be New Zealand citizens or residents who have lived in the country for a minimum of three years. If a sponsor applies with their partner, they must have lived together for at least 12 months.

Additionally, sponsors must have met the required income level for at least two of the three years preceding the EOI selection. This ensures financial stability and the ability to provide adequate support for incoming parents.

Ballot System and Future Prospects

The ballot system for the Parent Resident Visa remains unchanged. EOIs are valid for two years, after which they expire if not selected. The New Zealand government has not announced further changes beyond the current adjustments, meaning applicants should plan accordingly.

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