Parent Resident Visa: Immigration NZ removes queue cap and clarifies process

From 1 July 2025, several updates to New Zealand’s Parent Resident Visa category have come into effect, aimed at making the pathway more transparent and accessible for families planning to reunite. This visa allows eligible New Zealand citizens and residents to sponsor their parents for Permanent Residence, supporting both family connections and long-term migration planning.

Key updates now in effect

The adjustments made by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) are designed to reflect the evolving status of the programme and to streamline the application process:

1. Removal of queue allocation

Previously, a portion of available visas under the Parent Resident Visa category were reserved for applicants already in the processing queue. As the queue has now almost been cleared, this reserved allocation is no longer necessary. Removing the reference to the 2,000-place set-aside means more spaces are now accessible to applicants entering via the ballot system, increasing their chances of selection.

2. End of temporary cap increase

INZ has also removed references to the temporary increase to the visa cap for the 2024/25 financial year. While not all applications submitted under that increase have been finalised, any approvals already granted in principle will still be counted under the previous cap.

3. Reset of visa cap

As is standard each year, the overall cap for the Parent Resident Visa has now reset as of 1 July 2025 for the 2025/26 financial year. This provides a clearer picture of availability for new applicants.

Together, these changes offer greater clarity and predictability for families considering applying, helping sponsors and applicants understand how many places may realistically be available in the upcoming draws.

Next ballot draw and deadline

The next Parent Category ballot draw is scheduled for Tuesday, 12 August 2025. To be eligible for consideration in this round, interested applicants must submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) no later than 31 July 2025.

Who can apply and key requirements

The Parent Resident Visa is a pathway for parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to live in New Zealand permanently. It allows successful applicants to stay indefinitely, and after holding the visa for 10 consecutive years, they may become eligible for a Permanent Resident Visa, enabling unrestricted travel in and out of New Zealand.

To apply, individuals must first submit an EOI form and be selected in a ballot before they can apply for residence.

Sponsorship requirements

Applicants must be sponsored by an eligible adult child who:

• Is a New Zealand citizen or resident (excluding those with conditions on their visa)
• Has held their residency or citizenship for at least 3 years
• Has spent 184+ days per year in New Zealand for the past 3 years
• Lives in New Zealand and can show evidence of residence, such as utility bills or employment records
• Meets minimum income requirements to support the parent(s) for the first 10 years

Joint sponsorship with a partner or sibling is allowed, and income requirements increase depending on the number of parents sponsored. Sponsors must also agree to cover living and repatriation costs if necessary.

Eligible sponsors can include natural, adopted, stepchildren (if raised in the household), and in some cases, grandchildren or children for whom the applicant was a legal guardian.

Health, character, and language requirements

All applicants (and their partners, if included) must:

• Be in good health — a medical exam and chest X-ray will be required if invited to apply
• Be of good character — police certificates must be supplied for all countries lived in for 12+ months over the past 10 years
• Demonstrate English language ability or agree to pre-pay for English lessons in New Zealand

Evidence of relationship, health, and character must be submitted during the residence application stage and must be recent (generally within 3–6 months of submission).

Planning ahead

These changes signal a positive move toward a more streamlined Parent Resident Visa system in New Zealand. As always, applicants are encouraged to check current eligibility requirements and timeframes before submitting an EOI.

Need advice or support with your Parent Resident Visa application? Contact the team at Absolute Immigration NZ for trusted guidance on family migration pathways at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.