How the 2-Stage Parent Resident Visa Process Works

This visa follows a two-step process. First, you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If your EOI meets all the requirements and is selected, you’ll get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Once you receive an ITA, you can officially apply for residence, but make sure to submit your application within 4 months.

Limited Visas Available Each Year

Each year, INZ can approve a maximum of2,000 visas for people who submitted EOIs before October 10, 2022. These EOIs are in a queue, and INZ selects them based on their submission date, starting with the oldest.

For those who submitted EOIs on or after October 10, 2022, there’s a cap of 500 visas per year. These EOIs go into a ballot and are chosen randomly. If you’re in this ballot, note that your EOI is only valid for 2 years after submission.

When INZ completes the selection of all EOIs submitted before October 10, 2022, the full 2,500 visas per year will then be available for the ballot system.

Source: Immigration New Zealand