Latest news with #ParentBoostVisa
India Today
18-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Indians in New Zealand can now host parents for 10 years under new visa rule
The New Zealand government has announced a new long-stay visa option for parents of citizens and residents, called the Parent Boost Visa, which allows eligible parents to stay in the country for up to 10 years. The visa, set to open for applications from September 29, 2025, is a multiple-entry visitor visa, not a pathway to permanent this scheme, parents can initially stay for up to five years. A second application may extend their stay by another five years, provided all conditions are residency visas, this visitor visa does not provide permanent settlement rights, and holders must leave New Zealand before the visa expires. Overstaying the visa will make them liable for THIS MATTERS TO INDIANS New Zealand is home to a significant Indian diaspora, many of whom are citizens or permanent residents. Until now, parents could only visit under limited short-term new Parent Boost Visa gives Indian parents a chance to spend extended time with their children and grandchildren — without the need for frequent visa also provides flexibility and peace of mind for families looking to stay connected across continents, especially during key life events like births, festivals, and medical CAN APPLY?1. Indian Parents of NZ Citizens or ResidentsIf your son or daughter is a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand, you may be eligible to apply. Adopted children are also included under the sponsorship Good Health and CharacterApplicants from India must pass standard health and background checks. Two medical checks are required — one during the first visa application and another in the third year, which must be completed outside New Zealand.3. No English RequirementUnlike many visa routes, this one does not require proof of English language skills — a key advantage for elderly parents from non-English speaking AND FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTSIndian families in New Zealand must show they earn at least the median wage to sponsor one parent (more if sponsoring jointly or multiple parents).Alternatively, parents can apply if they have personal income equal to New Zealand Superannuation (around NZD $32,600 per year for individuals).A savings route is also available -- applicants must show NZD $160,000 (single) or NZD $250,000 (couple) in personal must carry comprehensive health insurance throughout their stay. This must cover emergency medical costs, cancer treatment, and holders can't take up jobs in New Zealand but may study for up to three months a year or do remote work for offshore employers. Any income may trigger tax MAKES IT BETTER?Compared to the existing Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa, which allows a maximum of 18 months over three years, the Parent Boost Visa offers a continuous five-year stay with the option to extend -- making it ideal for elderly Indian parents needing long-term support or citizens currently holding another parent visa can apply for the Parent Boost Visa -- but will only hold one visa at a time.
Mint
16-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Immigration news for Indians: New Zealand launches Parent Boost Visa
The New Zealand government is launching a new Parent Boost Visa, a multiple-entry visitor visa that allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to visit for up to five years. The Parent Boost Visa holders can apply for a second visa, enabling a total stay of up to 10 years, provided they continue to meet all eligibility requirements. Opening on September 29, 2025, the Parent Boost is a visitor visa, not a pathway to residence, and parents are expected to leave before it expires. People who remain in New Zealand after their visas expire are automatically liable for deportation. For those seeking permanent residency, the existing Parent Resident Visa remains available. Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate that they are of good character, meet the acceptable standard of health (aligning with the standard for residence). There is no English language proficiency requirement. Sponsorship: Applicants must have an eligible sponsor who is: • Their biological or adopted child The sponsor must also agree to take on specific responsibilities for the full duration of the visa, including: • Covering essential costs such as accommodation and daily living costs • Ensuring access to health and financial support • Covering costs related to repatriation or deportation, if required Citizens and residents can sponsor jointly with either their partner or an adult sibling. Financial requirements: Applicants must meet one of the following financial criteria: • The sponsor earns at least the New Zealand median wage (or 1.5 times the median wage for joint sponsors) to sponsor one parent, with the amount increasing by 0.5 times the median wage for additional parents being sponsored, or • The parent(s) have a personal income equivalent to New Zealand Superannuation, currently NZD $32,611.28 gross per annum for a single parent and NZD $49,552.88 for a couple, or • The parent(s) have sufficient personal funds: NZD $160,000 for a single applicant or NZD $250,000 for a couple. Health insurance: Applicants must hold at least one year of health insurance that covers: • Emergency medical care (minimum NZD $250,000 a year) • Cancer treatment (minimum NZD $100,000) They must also maintain valid health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in New Zealand. Not maintaining valid health insurance while in New Zealand may impact a person's eligibility for future visas, including residence under the Parent Category. It may also result in visa cancellation or make the individual liable for deportation. Applicants will be required to undergo two health assessments to ensure they are of an acceptable standard of health. The first health check is completed as part of the initial visa application. In the third year of the visa, applicants must get a second health check while outside of New Zealand. They will also need to show proof that they have held valid health insurance while visiting New Zealand. How to apply: Apply online through the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website when the applications open on September 29, 2025. Visa fees: The cost of the visa is NZD $3,000 for most applicants and NZD $2,450 for applicants eligible for the Pacific fee band. This includes both the immigration fee and levy. An International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of NZD $100 will also be charged. After three years, there is an additional processing fee for the third-year health check of NZD $325 for most people, or NZD $240 if eligible for the Pacific fee band. Processing: Within 4 months. As with other visitor visas, Parent Boost Visa holders may study for up to three months each year or undertake remote work (for an offshore employer). For more substantial work or study, they will need to apply for the appropriate visa. Some parents who come to New Zealand on a Parent Boost Visa and receive income (either from remote work or passive income sources) may trigger New Zealand tax obligations. • The Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa allows parents to come to New Zealand for 18 months within a three-year period for a maximum of six months at a time. • The Parent Resident Visa provides 2,500 places per annum for residence (through a ballot system). • The Parent Retirement Resident Visa provides residence to parents who will invest at least NZD $1 million in New Zealand bonds, shares or property (excluding their home) for at least four years. Applying for or holding a Parent Boost Visa will not prevent anyone from submitting a visa application or having an active expression of interest in applying for other visas- Parent Boost, Parent Retirement, and Parent Resident. However, a person can only hold one visa at a time. For example, if a parent currently has a Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa, they can apply for a Parent Boost Visa. When the Parent Boost Visa is granted, the Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa will be cancelled.
RNZ News
12-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
What you need to know about the Parent Boost Visa
Ethnic communities were excited to see the unveiling of the long-awaited Parent Boost Visa on Sunday, which aims to support parents visiting their families in New Zealand for longer durations. However, the excitement was followed by mixed emotions as they worked hard to figure out the conditions they would need to satisfy for their parents to be eligible for the visa. Questions emerged about the visa's health insurance and income requirements, among other things. Immigration New Zealand said it would release more information on its website prior to applications opening on 29 September. Until then, here's what we know about the Parent Boost Visa so far. It is a multiple-entry visitor visa that allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to visit for up to five years, with the possibility of extending it for another five years, enabling a total stay of up to 10 years. Applicants must have a sponsor who is their biological or adopted child and is a New Zealand citizen or resident. The sponsor must also agree to cover the applicants' essential costs, including accommodation and other daily expenses. There are three ways to meet the financial requirements. The sponsor must earn at least the New Zealand median wage, which is $69,804.80 a year to sponsor one parent, or 1½ times the median wage for joint sponsors, equivalent to $104,707.30. The amount increases by 0.5 times the median wage ($34,902.40) for additional parents being sponsored. Immigration New Zealand updates the median wage it applies to visa applications in February each year. Alternatively, parents can have a personal income equivalent to New Zealand Superannuation, which is $32,611.28 per year for a single parent and $49,552.88 for a couple. Otherwise, parents must have personal funds worth $160,000 for a single applicant or $250,000 for a couple. Photo: RNZ Applicants must hold at least one year of health insurance that covers emergency medical care (minimum $250,000 a year), repatriation, return of remains and cancer treatment (minimum $100,000). They must hold valid health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in New Zealand. No. Applicants must apply for a Parent Boost Visa when outside New Zealand. "This offshore application requirement reinforces the visa's temporary status and the expectation that parents maintain a connection to their home country," Jock Gilray, director of visas at Immigration New Zealand, told RNZ. Parent Boost Visa holders can study for up to three months each year or undertake remote work for an offshore employer. They do not have the right to work for a New Zealand employer. Visa holders are required to leave New Zealand any time between three and four years of the visa to complete a health check to confirm they can continue to meet the health standards, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said. Gilray said the visa is a temporary one and it's essential that holders maintain strong connections to their home country, and the requirement to leave New Zealand supported that approach. The visa cost most people $3000 to apply and $2450 for people eligible for the Pacific fee band. Applicants also needed to pay the $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. After three years, an additional processing fee was charged for the third-year health check of $325 for most people, or $240 if eligible for the Pacific fee band. At the media standup on Sunday, Stanford said the visa was "not a regular visitor visa" when explaining the hefty application fee. "There's quite a lot more to it that we're going to have to check in terms of health and insurance, a character and many other things," she said. "It is more akin almost to a residence application, so it will take longer and will cost us more to process." An elderly couple walks down Auckland's Queen Street. Photo: RNZ / Yiting Lin Immigration New Zealand estimated most applications would be processed within four months. Timeframes would depend on the information and evidence provided, whether further assessment was required (for example where there are potential health issues) and demand for the visa. Immigration New Zealand said no English-language requirement was needed. Applicant must remain out of New Zealand for three months after the first visa expired before applying for a second five-year-visa, Gilray said. This was also to reinforce the visa's temporary status and the expectation that parents maintained a connection to their home country, Gilray said. Sponsors must continue to live in New Zealand while their parents visit to ensure they could provide the support required, Gilray said. "This won't prevent the sponsor from going on holidays, but they should primarily reside in New Zealand," Gilray said, adding that further information about this requirement will be made available before the application opens. This visa is only available for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents except in some cases where the sponsor's parents are deceased and grandparents who fill this role could be included. Instead, grandparents can use the Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa to enter New Zealand. There is no cap. Luxon said the government was expecting 2000 to 10,000 takers a year, averaging 6000 annually. Although parents on the visa must hold private health insurance to visit, some worry that having them in New Zealand for prolonged periods risks putting pressure on the country's health system due to limited resources and staffing shortages. A spokesperson from Stanford's office told RNZ the two health examinations at application and three years would ensure that parents were healthy enough to stay in New Zealand. "The requirement for ongoing health insurance will support the visa holder to meet their health costs as they will not be eligible for publicly funded healthcare," the spokesperson said. Aside from the standard visitor visa, people can also apply for a Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa, which allows visa holders to visit New Zealand for up to six months at a time, and 18 months in three years, with an application fee of $441. A Parent Resident Visa allows parents to live in New Zealand indefinitely, with income thresholds for sponsors that have been described as a hurdle. The 2500 yearly cap, application backlog and ballot system have also made the process difficult for many families. It costs $5810 to apply. Parents will be able to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa after holding this visa for 10 years. There is also the more expensive Parent Retirement Resident Visa, which requires parents to have at least $1 million to invest in New Zealand for four years and have at least $500,000 for settlement, and an annual income of at least $60,000. Parents can stay here indefinitely with this visa, which costs $12,850 to apply. If parents meet all conditions, they may be granted a Permanent Resident Visa at the end of the four-year investment period. The government said the Parent Boost Visa was not a pathway to residence. "Those seeking permanent residence should consider submitting an expression of interest under the Parent Category Resident Visa," according to Immigration New Zealand's website. Settings for Parent Boost Visa would be reviewed in 2027 to ensure they were working as intended, Stanford's office said. For more information, visit the Immigration New Zealand website .
Otago Daily Times
10-06-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Potential insurance costs cast shadow over new parent visa
By Liu Chen of RNZ Insurance experts have raised concerns about potential costs for the long-awaited Parent Boost Visa that was announced by the government. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford recently said the visa would allow parents of citizens and residents to stay in New Zealand for up to five years, with an opportunity for the visa to be extended another five years. Included in the health and income conditions of the visa was a requirement for the parents to obtain sufficient health insurance to cover the first 12 months of their stay. Anyone staying longer than a year would need to renew their health insurance policies for the duration of their stay. Christchurch resident Xiuyun Liu questioned whether the insurance conditions could make it harder for her parents to take advantage of the new visa. Her parents, 70 and 73, had been on visitor and study visas to stay in New Zealand, helping her to look after her young children. "I think it's good that the policy is out now. At least we have hope for the next five years," Liu said. "But what if I can't get insurance for my parents? Even if they can get insurance [now], there will be a day they won't be able to. "For example, my father has high blood pressure and some other issues. ... I think getting insurance will be a problem." The government requires applicants to hold at least one year of health insurance that covers emergency healthcare (minimum $250,000 a year), medical repatriation, return of remains and cancer treatment (minimum $100,000). Paula Lorgelly, a professor of health economics at the University of Auckland, said she was unaware of any matching insurance products currently on the market, but she expected providers to start work on delivering them. "Currently a number of insurers have a visiting New Zealand policy to provide cover for a range of travel and medical related claims," Lorgelly said. "These do have considerable exclusions with respect to pre-existing conditions, which means they are somewhat affordable, about $2200 a year [for a couple who are both 60 years old]." Lorgelly said many existing policies had upper age limits of 65 or 75, and they would also include exclusions for pre-existing conditions. "If you have such conditions, which often come with age, then the policy holder will need to pay more to cover them," she said. The $2200 figure was likely to be on the low side of what a new policy would offer, if cancer treatment was included, Lorgelly said. Insurance consultant Amy Tao believed any new insurance products would effectively be like existing travel insurance policies. "It will just be upgraded to include the $100,000 cancer treatment cover, for example," Tao said. She said insurance companies might cover some low-risk pre-existing conditions with extra premiums. "But underwriting is definitely required," she said. "If they think the risk is too high, they may not be able to provide insurance even if you pay more." Her estimation of existing travel insurance policies for an elderly couple was similar to the figure Lorgelly shared, citing $1840 for a couple of 65-year-olds and $2514 for two 70-year-olds, with both policies carrying an excess of $100. Tao said any new product would be more expensive, adding extra cover for cancer and pre-existing conditions. "Insurance is for sure going to cost a bit," she said. "Currently, some insurance companies only allow travel insurance to be purchased for a maximum of one year or two years," she said. "It can be renewed after the expiration date but cannot be purchased directly for five years." Speaking to Morning Report on Monday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said people needed to hold health insurance for the duration of their stay. "We're striking the balance of making sure that ... these folks who are not taxpayers, haven't contributed to our publicly funded healthcare system, won't be eligible for those services." Rob Hennin, New Zealand chief executive of health insurance provider NIB, said the company had begun work in line with the government's announcement. "We are already working on a product that aligns with the requirements for this visa, and aim to launch it in September," Hennin said. "While all of the details are yet to be determined, the product would be available to purchase for at least one year to align with government requirements, and cover clients for the entirety of their stay while residing in New Zealand." When asked about the costing, Hennin said it was too soon to say. "We will be working through the product design and details and aim to have this ready by the deadline," he said. Financial Services Council chief executive Kirk Hope said the government had consulted with the industry before the decision was made, and the requirements were reasonable. "I think it's reasonable given what the costs of the taxpayer would be if someone didn't have insurance and had to rely on the taxpayers," Hope said. "So, it's important that people are insured when they're here on visitor visits." Hope said it was important for the types of insurance to be provided by the visitors' home market. Despite the visa's hefty application fee and additional insurance requirements, immigration lawyer Sonny Lam believed the visa would still be popular at face value. "It is not excessively high - flying every six months back and forth is going to cost more than $3000," Lam said. "But the insurance requirement may be harder than it looks," he said. "I had a look at Southern Cross and travel insurance for people over 75 is not so easy." Immigration lawyer Arran Hunt also said the cost of insurance would be "the biggest factor for many". "We expect we'll see more competition in the market, with insurance policies being created to solely meet the criteria of this visa," Hunt said. "The requirements for the visa, as in the pay levels required for sponsors, should mean it is open to almost all couples where both are working," he said. "However, some may struggle to cover the insurance costs, especially for older applicants." Parent Boost Visa costs Visa application fee: $3000 ($2450 for Pacific applicants) $3000 ($2450 for Pacific applicants) International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy: $100 $100 Additional processing fee for the third-year health check: $325 ($240 for Pacific applicants) $325 ($240 for Pacific applicants) Health check fees: About $300-500 per person About $300-500 per person Health insurance costs
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Business Standard
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
New Zealand launches 10-year parent visa to attract skilled migrants
Good news for Indians living in New Zealand. If you've been wishing your parents could stay with you for more than just a few months at a time, that might now be possible. The New Zealand government has announced a new long-term visitor visa called the Parent Boost Visa, allowing parents of residents and citizens to stay for up to 10 years. The move is expected to benefit thousands of Indians who are settled in New Zealand while their parents remain in India. Applications for the new visa will open on September 29, 2025. 'There is expected to be between 2,000 to 10,000 applicants each year,' said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. 'There will be no cap, but the visa will be reviewed in 2027.' The Parent Boost Visa was first promised by the National Party during the 2023 election campaign and is being rolled out as part of efforts to make New Zealand more attractive to highly skilled migrants. 'To drive economic growth, we need to incentivise skilled migrants to choose New Zealand,' said Luxon. 'Ensuring we continue to attract the right people with the skills this country needs will deliver economic and social benefits for all New Zealanders.' What the Parent Boost Visa offers A multiple-entry visitor visa valid for 5 years The option to apply for a second 5-year visa No annual cap on applicants Full review of the scheme in 2027 'This visa supports family connections without putting extra pressure on public services,' said New Zealand Immigration in a statement. 'It is not a pathway to residence, but it does offer a meaningful way for families to spend time together over the long term.' Current options for parents At present, the Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa allows parents to visit for up to six months at a time, with a maximum stay of 18 months over three years. For those seeking permanent residency, the Parent Resident Visa remains available but is capped and operates through an invitation-based process. Who can apply? To be eligible for the Parent Boost Visa, applicants must: Be of good character Meet acceptable health standards (same as those for residence) Hold valid health insurance for the duration of their stay They must also be sponsored by a biological or adopted child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. Sponsorship requirements Sponsors must agree to: Cover their parents' accommodation and daily living expenses Ensure access to healthcare and financial support Bear any costs of repatriation or deportation if required Financial criteria Applicants must meet at least one of the following: 1. Their sponsor earns at least the New Zealand median wage (or 1.5 times for joint sponsors) to support one parent, with an additional 0.5 times the median wage for each extra parent 2. They have a personal income matching New Zealand Superannuation levels: NZ$32,611.28 (about Rs 16.9 lakh) per year for a single parent, NZ$49,552.88 (about Rs 25.6 lakh) for a couple 3. They have sufficient personal funds: NZ$160,000 (about Rs 82 lakh) for a single parent or NZ$250,000 (about Rs 1.29 crore) for a couple Health insurance and medical checks Applicants must show proof of health insurance that covers: Emergency care of at least NZ$250,000 (about Rs 1.29 crore) per year Repatriation and return of remains Cancer treatment of at least NZ$100,000 (about Rs 51 lakh) Two health checks are required — one at the start of the visa, and a second in year three, which must be completed outside New Zealand. Failing to maintain valid insurance may result in cancellation of the visa or future visa ineligibility. Fees NZ$3,000 (about Rs 1.55 lakh ) for most applicants NZ$2,450 (about Rs 1.26 lakh) for those eligible under the Pacific fee band NZ$100 (about Rs 5,168) International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy NZ$325 (about Rs 16,800) for the third-year health check (NZ$240 for Pacific band applicants) Not a pathway to residence The Parent Boost Visa does not lead to permanent residency. Parents who wish to live in New Zealand permanently must apply separately under the Parent Category Resident Visa. 240,000 overseas Indians in total
