The New Zealand Parent Resident Visa provides a chance for family reunification for parents of citizens or residents of New Zealand who are applying for permanent residency. Sponsors are permitted to bring their parents to New Zealand with this visa, which is intended to facilitate skilled migration.

Application Process and Criteria

The Parent Resident Visa has an annual quota of 2500 and a starting cost of NZD 3180. Depending on when applications are submitted, they are either handled via a ballot system or a queue.

On October 12, 2022, sponsors were introduced with updated criteria, requiring them to make 1.5 times the median salary in New Zealand. For every extra sponsor, this need rises by half the median wage. Interestingly, a parent can be jointly sponsored by two adult children.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) and the Invitation to Apply (ITA) are the two steps in the application process. Applicants have four months from the date they get an ITA from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to submit their application for permanent residency.

Quota and Selection Process

A total of 571 applications for Parent Resident Visas were filed in December 2023, and 455 more in January 2024. INZ will approve a limit of 2000 visas per year for EOIs received by October 10, 2022. The order of these EOI selections is chronological.

Furthermore, EOIs received after October 10, 2022, may apply for 500 visas annually, which will be chosen randomly using a vote method. The ballot's EOIs expire two years after they are submitted.

All 2500 visas in the quota will be made available to individuals on the ballot after all EOIs in the queue that were submitted before October 10, 2022, have been chosen.

Alternatives and Additional Options

Parents of citizens and residents of New Zealand may also choose the Parent Retirement Resident Visa. This strategy necessitates certain New Zealand investments.

Another option is the three-year multiple-entry Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa.

In a nutshell, parents can live in New Zealand with their citizen or resident children through the New Zealand Parental Sponsorship Scheme for Permanent Residency. Families can seek reunification in a nation renowned for its prospects and high standard of living, provided that the requirements and application procedures are well-defined.

FAQS

Is it possible for multiple adult children to sponsor their parents jointly for a Parent Resident Visa?

Yes, two adult children may jointly sponsor their parents for a Parent Resident Visa under the amended guidelines. This clause makes it easier for families to support and reunite.

Is there a cap on the total number of visas granted each year to parents?

Indeed, there is a 2500 annual cap on Parent Resident Visas. Visas granted for EOIs filed before October 10, 2022, and those filed thereafter, differ from one another, though.