The Parent Resident Visa allows New Zealand citizens and residents to bring their parents to live in New Zealand permanently. However, this category is competitive with annual caps, strict income requirements, and significant sponsorship obligations. This guide explains how the parent visa works and what you need to qualify.
Understanding the Parent Category
Overview
The Parent Resident Visa category:
Residence Visa: Provides permanent residence to approved parents.
Sponsorship Required: Adult children in New Zealand must sponsor their parents.
Annual Limits: A limited number of places are available each year.
Competitive: Not all eligible applications are approved—spots may be allocated by selection.
Who Can Be Sponsored
Parents eligible for sponsorship:
Biological Parents: Birth parents of the sponsor.
Adoptive Parents: Legally adopted parents where adoption is recognized.
Step-Parents: Step-parents in some circumstances.
In-Laws: Parents-in-law may be sponsored by the married or de facto couple together.
Categories Within Parent Visa
There are variations within the parent category:
Parent Resident Visa: Standard pathway for parents.
Parent Retirement Resident Visa: Alternative for parents who can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.
The standard pathway is more common; the retirement pathway requires significant assets.
Sponsorship Requirements
Who Can Sponsor
Sponsors must be:
Adult Citizens or Residents: New Zealand citizens or residents aged 18+.
Living in New Zealand: Must be based in New Zealand.
Eligible Centre of Gravity: Parents' "centre of gravity" must be in New Zealand (explained below).
Centre of Gravity
This key requirement means:
More Children in NZ: The parents must have at least as many children living in New Zealand as in any other single country.
Example: If parents have 3 children—1 in NZ, 1 in Australia, 1 in Canada—the centre of gravity test is met (1-1-1 split, NZ has equal share). If 2 are in Australia and 1 in NZ, the test fails.
All Adult Children Count: All the parents' adult children worldwide are considered.
Income Requirements
Sponsors must meet income thresholds:
Combined Sponsor Income: Significant income requirements apply—often $65,000+ per sponsor or equivalent combined family income.
Income Evidence: Recent tax returns, payslips, and IRD information required.
Sustainable Income: Income must be sustainable, not temporary or one-off.
Check Current Thresholds: Income requirements change—verify current amounts.
Sponsorship Undertaking
Sponsors commit to:
Support Duration: Financial support for a specified period (often 5-10 years).
Accommodation: Ensuring parents have appropriate housing.
Healthcare: May need to guarantee healthcare costs in some circumstances.
Repayment Liability: If parents receive certain benefits, sponsors may be liable to repay.
Parent Application Requirements
Health Requirements
Parents must meet health standards:
Medical Examination: Full medical examination by panel physician.
X-Rays: Chest X-ray required.
Health Standard: Must meet "acceptable standard of health."
Healthcare Costs: High potential healthcare costs may require waiver or affect approval.
Age Considerations: Older parents face more health scrutiny—this is significant.
Character Requirements
Parents must meet character requirements:
Police Certificates: From all countries of residence.
Good Character: No disqualifying criminal history.
Declaration: Character declaration required.
Financial Requirements
Self-Support Transition: Parents should be able to support themselves after sponsorship undertaking period ends.
Settlement Funds: Evidence of funds for settlement may be required.
Ongoing Support: Realistic plan for ongoing financial situation.
Application Process
Expression of Interest
The process typically involves:
EOI Submission: Submit Expression of Interest when applications are invited.
Selection: EOIs are selected from the pool when places are available.
Invitation to Apply: If selected, you receive an invitation to apply.
Full Application: Submit complete application with all evidence.
Timing and Selection
Annual Quotas: Limited places available each year.
Selection Rounds: Selections occur periodically when places are available.
Wait Times: Long waits possible between EOI submission and selection.
No Guarantee: Meeting criteria doesn't guarantee selection.
Required Documents
Full applications typically need:
Sponsor Documents:
- Identity documents
- Citizenship/residence evidence
- Income evidence (tax returns, payslips, employer letter)
- Sponsorship undertaking
Parent Documents:
- Passport
- Birth certificates
- Medical certificates
- Police certificates
- Relationship evidence
- Character declarations
Family Evidence:
- Evidence of all adult children's locations (for centre of gravity)
- Relationship documentation
Alternative Options
Parent Retirement Resident Visa
If sponsors can't meet income requirements:
Parent Self-Funding: Parents demonstrate their own financial resources.
Asset Requirements: Significant assets required (varies—check current amounts).
Guaranteed Income: Evidence of ongoing income streams.
Less Common: Higher thresholds make this less accessible.
Visitor Visas
When residence isn't possible:
Extended Visits: Multiple visitor visas for extended family time.
9-Month Maximum: Generally 9 months in any 18-month period.
No Work Rights: Cannot work in New Zealand.
Healthcare Limitations: Limited access to subsidized healthcare.
Travel Insurance Required: Must maintain travel insurance.
Super Visa (Proposed)
New Zealand has discussed but not fully implemented:
Multi-Year Visitor Visa: Proposals for longer-duration visitor visas for parents.
Check Current Status: Verify whether any such options are currently available.
Once Parents Have Residence
Settlement
When parents receive residence:
Permanent Living: Can live indefinitely in New Zealand.
Work Rights: Can work in New Zealand.
Healthcare Access: Access to subsidized healthcare.
Superannuation: May be eligible for NZ Super after meeting requirements (10 years' residence after 50).
Travel Conditions
Resident visa travel conditions:
Initial Travel Condition: Usually 2 years to return to NZ after departure.
Renewal: Can apply to renew travel conditions.
Permanent Residence: Can progress to permanent residence for indefinite travel rights.
Sponsorship Period
During the sponsorship undertaking period:
Support Obligations Active: Sponsor commitments apply.
Benefit Restrictions: Parents may have limited benefit access.
Sponsor Liability: Sponsors may be liable for certain costs.
After Period Ends: Full resident entitlements become available.
Practical Considerations
Healthcare Costs
Older parents may have significant healthcare needs:
Public System Access: Residents access public healthcare.
Wait Times: Some treatments have waiting periods.
Chronic Conditions: Pre-existing conditions may require ongoing care.
Insurance: Consider health insurance for additional coverage.
Accommodation
Housing considerations:
With Family: Many parents initially live with sponsoring children.
Independent Living: Some prefer independent arrangements.
Aged Care: Residential aged care options exist but can be expensive.
Planning Ahead: Consider long-term accommodation needs.
Social Integration
Parents face integration challenges:
Language: English proficiency helps with daily life and independence.
Community: Ethnic community connections provide support.
Activities: Community organizations offer activities for seniors.
Isolation Risk: Particularly for parents with limited English or mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the parent visa take?
From EOI to residence, expect years rather than months. Annual caps and high demand create long waits. The full process from EOI to visa approval can take 2-4+ years.
What if I don't meet the income threshold?
Options include: waiting until income improves, exploring the Parent Retirement category if parents are self-sufficient, or using visitor visas for extended visits.
Can both parents apply together?
Yes, parents typically apply as a couple. They go through the process together and receive decisions together.
Do my parents need to speak English?
There's no formal English requirement for parent visas. However, English ability significantly helps with settlement and independence.
What happens if my parents need expensive healthcare?
Residents can access public healthcare. The health assessment process considers healthcare costs—conditions projecting high costs may require waivers or affect approval.
Can I sponsor my in-laws as well as my parents?
You can sponsor parents-in-law, but centre of gravity requirements apply to them separately. Their children's locations determine their eligibility.
Want to bring your parents to New Zealand? Find a licensed immigration adviser who specializes in family immigration to assess your eligibility and guide you through the process.