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Parent Category
If your adult child is a New Zealand Citizen or Resident residing in New Zealand, they may be eligible to sponsor you. To qualify as a sponsor, your child must meet the minimum income threshold and commit to financially supporting you for the initial ten years following approval.
Applicant Checklist
The government permits a restricted number of parents annually to join their adult children who have settled in New Zealand.
Applicants must:
- Be sponsored by an adult child who commits to providing accommodation and financial support for their parent(s) during their initial 10 years in New Zealand.
- Demonstrate that the sponsoring child (and their partner in applicable cases) has maintained a high annual income to sustain their parent(s) in at least two out of the three years preceding the application.
- Have no dependent children.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Up to 2,500 parents are approved each year. The application process is intricate, with typical delays. This category maintains a lengthy queue, often taking several years to reach the front. Additionally, an annual "lottery" offers parents a chance to expedite their application, yet demand consistently exceeds available spaces. Seek advice to manage expectations and avoid potential disappointment.
Useful Information
The NZIHS immigration advisers and experts take away the stress and worry of navigating the complex world of New Zealand Visitor visas, policies, and immigration.
Parent Retirement Category
This category provides a streamlined pathway for parents to join their adult children residing in New Zealand.
Requirements include:
- Committing to making investments in New Zealand over a four-year period, supported by evidence of assets and income.
- Having at least one child permanently residing in New Zealand, with no minimum residency period required.
- Having no dependent children.
- Being capable of investing NZD 1 million for a minimum of four years.
- Demonstrating additional financial readiness, including at least $500,000 in available assets for settlement costs and a regular income of at least $60,000 per annum to support themselves.
The Route To Parent Residence
The requirements for Parent and Parent Retirement visas differ significantly. Parent visas are constrained by an annual quota for approvals, whereas Parent Retirement visas have no such limit. Navigating these regulatory processes can be frustrating due to bureaucratic complexities.
Long queues are common. For parents seeking to join their children in New Zealand sooner, consider exploring our special parent temporary visa options.
If you require assistance in navigating these intricate conditions, don't hesitate to reach out to us. The Parent visa categories in New Zealand may appear daunting, but you can trust the expertise of NZIHS to navigate you through this intricate maze.
General Comments
Families sometimes hope rules can be flexible for respected parents, but immigration procedures always apply.
Applicants from certain regions may encounter extra delays due to special "security checks". Even elderly parents must meet rigorous health standards. While NZIHS can advocate for exceptions case by case, this process may cause delays.
It's crucial for families not to postpone planning for a reunion with their parents. Contact NZIHS early to address any issues, ensuring a smoother path to a happy outcome for your family.