Parent Resident Visa

Eligibility for this visa is determined by the qualifications of both the applicant (the parent) and the sponsor (the child).

Applicant Criteria

• Family Relationship: You must be the parent of an adult New Zealand citizen or resident. Grandparents and legal guardians are only eligible if the child’s biological parents are deceased.
• No Dependent Children: You cannot have any dependent children of your own at the time of application.
• English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate a minimum standard of English. If you do not meet the English requirement, you must "pre-purchase" English language tuition (ESOL) from a New Zealand provider.
• Health and Character: You must be in good health and of good character, which involves passing medical examinations and providing police clearances.

Sponsor Criteria

Your child (and their partner, if they are co-sponsoring) must meet strict financial and residency thresholds:

• Status and Residency: The sponsor must be a New Zealand citizen or resident for at least 3 years and must have spent at least 184 days in New Zealand during each of those three years.
• Income Threshold: Sponsors must earn a specific amount based on the New Zealand median wage (currently $69,804.80). This income must be proven through Inland Revenue (IRD) tax statements for two 12-month periods within the three years prior to your EOI being selected.
  • 1 Parent / 1 Sponsor: Must earn 1.5x the median wage ($104,707.30).
  • 2 Parents / 1 Sponsor: Must earn 2x the median wage ($139,609.60).
  • 2 Parents / 2 Sponsors (Joint): Must earn 2.5x the median wage ($174,512.00).