New Zealand Family Reunification Immigration
Migration Program Details & Application
Program Overview
Project Description
New Zealand's family reunification immigration program allows New Zealand citizens or permanent residents to sponsor family members (mainly parents) from overseas to reside in New Zealand long-term. Currently, the core pathway is divided into two categories, which are different in nature:
Parent Resident Visa: This is the pathway to New Zealand permanent residency. It uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) application followed by a lottery system, with very limited places (only about 2,500 places per year) and extremely high income requirements for sponsorship.
• Parent Boost Visitor Visa: This is a long-term visitor visa launched in September 2025, allowing a stay of up to 10 years (5 years + 5-year extensions), but it does not directly provide an immigration pathway. It is suitable for families who want to reunite long-term but have not yet met the residency visa requirements.
New Zealand's family reunification immigration program allows New Zealand citizens or permanent residents to sponsor family members (mainly parents) from overseas to reside in New Zealand long-term. Currently, the core pathway is divided into two categories, which are different in nature:
Parent Resident Visa: This is the pathway to New Zealand permanent residency. It uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) application followed by a lottery system, with very limited places (only about 2,500 places per year) and extremely high income requirements for sponsorship.
• Parent Boost Visitor Visa: This is a long-term visitor visa launched in September 2025, allowing a stay of up to 10 years (5 years + 5-year extensions), but it does not directly provide an immigration pathway. It is suitable for families who want to reunite long-term but have not yet met the residency visa requirements.
Eligibility & Requirements
Application requirements
1. Core Requirements for Guarantors (Children)
• Status and residency: Must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and usually must have lived in New Zealand for more than 3 years, for at least 184 days each year.
• Income threshold (important): Starting April 30, 2026, the threshold will be significantly increased.
Parents' Residence Visa: One person sponsoring one parent needs to have an annual income of NZ$109,200; two people jointly sponsoring one parent need to have an annual income of NZ$145,600.
Parent Super Visa: One person sponsoring one parent needs an annual salary of NZ$72,800; two people jointly sponsoring one parent need an annual salary of NZ$109,200.
1. Requirements for the applicant (parents)
• Health and conduct: A medical examination and a certificate of no criminal record are required.
• Family focus: Applicants must have no other minor children, or their focus of life must have shifted to New Zealand.
• Financial Requirements (Applicable to Super Visa): Parents may cover the costs if their children's income is insufficient. Proof of annual income (approximately NZ$33,000 for an individual) or savings (NZ$170,000 for an individual / NZ$260,000 for a couple) is required.
1. Core Requirements for Guarantors (Children)
• Status and residency: Must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and usually must have lived in New Zealand for more than 3 years, for at least 184 days each year.
• Income threshold (important): Starting April 30, 2026, the threshold will be significantly increased.
Parents' Residence Visa: One person sponsoring one parent needs to have an annual income of NZ$109,200; two people jointly sponsoring one parent need to have an annual income of NZ$145,600.
Parent Super Visa: One person sponsoring one parent needs an annual salary of NZ$72,800; two people jointly sponsoring one parent need an annual salary of NZ$109,200.
1. Requirements for the applicant (parents)
• Health and conduct: A medical examination and a certificate of no criminal record are required.
• Family focus: Applicants must have no other minor children, or their focus of life must have shifted to New Zealand.
• Financial Requirements (Applicable to Super Visa): Parents may cover the costs if their children's income is insufficient. Proof of annual income (approximately NZ$33,000 for an individual) or savings (NZ$170,000 for an individual / NZ$260,000 for a couple) is required.
Application Process & Advice
suggestion
1. "Get a head start" on April 30th: Currently, applications are being processed according to the old standards, but the income threshold will increase significantly after April 30th. If possible, it is recommended to submit your application before this date to avoid the hassle of submitting additional high-value income verification documents.
2. Super Visa Alternative: If residency visa applications are stalled due to quotas or income issues, the Parent Super Visa is a highly attractive alternative. It has no lottery restrictions, faster processing, and allows for long-term family reunification for up to 5 years.
3. Advance Tax Planning: The immigration authorities only look at IRD tax records (taxable income); simple pay stubs or bank statements are insufficient. Sponsors must ensure that their reported income meets the requirements for at least two tax years out of the past three years.
New Zealand Family Reunification Immigration Application Process
1. Assessment and Preparation: Confirm the guarantor's identity, length of residence, and income level. Prepare proof of relationship (birth certificate), medical examination report, etc.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) (Residence Visa Only): Complete the Expression of Interest form to enter the lottery pool. Residence visa applicants must wait for a lottery invitation (valid for a maximum of 2 years), while Super Visa applications are submitted directly.
3. Submit the application: After receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA), prepare and submit a complete set of visa application materials within 4 months.
4. Approval and In-Principle: Immigration Bureau review (approximately 6-12 months). After approval, the residence visa must be activated upon arrival within the specified time; Super Visa allows direct planning of travel and entry.
Consulting fee: $500
1. "Get a head start" on April 30th: Currently, applications are being processed according to the old standards, but the income threshold will increase significantly after April 30th. If possible, it is recommended to submit your application before this date to avoid the hassle of submitting additional high-value income verification documents.
2. Super Visa Alternative: If residency visa applications are stalled due to quotas or income issues, the Parent Super Visa is a highly attractive alternative. It has no lottery restrictions, faster processing, and allows for long-term family reunification for up to 5 years.
3. Advance Tax Planning: The immigration authorities only look at IRD tax records (taxable income); simple pay stubs or bank statements are insufficient. Sponsors must ensure that their reported income meets the requirements for at least two tax years out of the past three years.
New Zealand Family Reunification Immigration Application Process
1. Assessment and Preparation: Confirm the guarantor's identity, length of residence, and income level. Prepare proof of relationship (birth certificate), medical examination report, etc.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) (Residence Visa Only): Complete the Expression of Interest form to enter the lottery pool. Residence visa applicants must wait for a lottery invitation (valid for a maximum of 2 years), while Super Visa applications are submitted directly.
3. Submit the application: After receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA), prepare and submit a complete set of visa application materials within 4 months.
4. Approval and In-Principle: Immigration Bureau review (approximately 6-12 months). After approval, the residence visa must be activated upon arrival within the specified time; Super Visa allows direct planning of travel and entry.
Consulting fee: $500