'Parent boost' visa offers five-year access for migrant families
Parents of New Zealand citizens and residents will be granted multi-entry access for up to five years if they met health, income, and insurance criteria when the Government introduces a new longer-term visitor visa in September.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced the Parent Boost visa this afternoon, saying the Government was delivering on its commitment to support parents who live overseas to visit and stay with their families for longer.
The visa may be renewed once, allowing a total stay of up to 10 years, provided the holder spends at least three months outside New Zealand before obtaining the second visa.
Luxon said skilled migrants needed to be incentivised to choose New Zealand to drive economic growth.
"Ensuring we continue to attract the right people with the skills this country needs will deliver significant economic and social benefits for all New Zealanders."
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Stanford said a longer-term visitor visa for parents was an "important consideration" for migrants when choosing where to build their lives.
"Whether it be welcoming a new child, additional support during health challenges or providing childcare so parents can work, there is nothing quite like having family support close by."
To be eligible for the Parent Boost visa, applicants must have:
An eligible sponsor who is a New Zealand citizen or resident
Meet Acceptable Standard of Health requirements
Demonstrate they have at least one year of health insurance coverage which provides emergency medical cover (of at least up to $250,000), repatriation, return of remains and cancer treatment (of at least $100,000) and maintain this insurance for the entire duration they are in New Zealand
Meet character requirements and be a bona fide / genuine visitor
While offshore during the 3rd year of the multiple entry visitor visa, complete a new medical assessment and demonstrate they have maintained their insurance.
One of the following income requirements must also be met:
The sponsor must earn the median wage to sponsor one parent, joint sponsors must earn 1.5x the median wage; or
The parent/s have an ongoing income aligning with the single rate of New Zealand Superannuation for a single parent and the couple rate for a couple; or
The parent/s have available funds of $160,000 for a single parent and $250,000 for a couple to support themselves for the duration of their visa.
Stanford said the new visa struck the balance between making New Zealand attractive for migrants and not putting additional strain on public services.
"We are committed to delivering an efficient and predictable immigration system that drives economic growth to take New Zealand forward."
Applications for the Parent Boost visa open on September 29.
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