Changes to the Parent Resident Visa

The government has announced a change to how applicants are selected for the Parent Resident Visa which will make it more predictable and fairer.

The Parent Resident Visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to apply for residence. The sponsoring child must meet the required income threshold and commit to sponsoring their parent for 10 years.

The current system is a ballot – it is akin to putting your name in a hat and being drawn at random.

The new model will mean that 90% of Expressions of Interest will be selected in date order, with around 10% still being selected through a ballot.

The cap of 2,500 Parent Resident Visas each financial year will remain unchanged.

Immigration Minister Erica Standford has said the new model “will make a meaningful difference for families who have been advocating for a return to the certainty and stability provided by a chronological queue.”

The current requirement to reapply every two years and pay an additional fee has also been removed.

The change will come into effect on 10 November.

Another option for parents of residents is citizens is the Parent Retirement Visa, which you can read more about here.

Want to know more?

If you have any questions, please contact our specialist Immigration Team.