Parent Category

The Parent Resident Visa lets parents, grandparents and legal guardians of New Zealand citizens and residents live in New Zealand. You first submit an expression of interest (EOI), and you can only apply once you're invited. Up to 2,500 visas are available each year.

Your adult child must sponsor you, either alone or jointly with their partner or an adult sibling. They must have lived in New Zealand for at least 3 years and earned a minimum income for 2 of the 3 years before your EOI is selected. The minimum income depends on how many sponsors and parents are included, and INZ updates it regularly. You must also speak English or pay for English lessons.

Immigration New Zealand sets its application fees, levies, sponsor income levels and processing times and updates them regularly, so we don't quote them here. Check the current cost and decision time with INZ's Fees, decision times and where to apply tool, and the current sponsor income levels and full requirements on INZ's Parent Resident Visa page.

INZ changed how EOIs are selected on 5 October 2026: about 90% are now selected in date order and 10% by random ballot, with the first selection on 10 November 2026. Concord helps families check sponsor income early, keep the EOI current, and be ready to apply within 4 months of an invitation. New Zealand matters are handled by Sejoo Han, Licensed Immigration Adviser (IAA licence 202400274).