The Government has just announced a new visa designed to help reunite families – and it could have significant flow-on benefits for employers and businesses across New Zealand.
The Parent Boost Visa provides a way for parents of visa holders to stay in New Zealand for an extended period, offering security and support to families without the need for permanent residency.
Why does this new visa matter for employers?
The Parent Boost Visa may not look like an employment visa on the surface – but it could reshape the way migrant workers live and work in New Zealand.
Here’s how:
- Childcare support from parents allows many visa holders to work longer hours or take on more responsibility
- Family stability increases retention and reduces employee turnover
- New Zealand becomes more attractive to skilled workers considering a move abroad
- Workforce planning improves as support systems for visa holders become more robust
What is the Parent Boost Visa?
This new temporary visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to live in New Zealand for up to five years, with the option to renew for another five. It is a multiple-entry visa, meaning parents can travel in and out of the country during their stay.
It is important to note that the visa does not lead to residency, but it offers long-term certainty for families who want their parents nearby. For those who would like to apply for residence there is the Parents Residence categories.
Who is eligible for the Parent Boost Visa?
Sponsors (children of applicants) must:
- Be a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Provide documentation proving the parental relationship.
- Support essential costs of accommodation, daily living, health, repatriation and deportation if required.
- Meet one of the financial criteria
- Sponsor earning at least the median wage (or 1.5x median wage for joint sponsors) to sponsor 1 parent; and 0.5x median wage more for each additional parent being sponsored; or
- Parent(s) have a personal income equivalent to the NZ superannuation; or
- Parent(s) have sufficient personal funds of NZ$160,000 for a single applicant or $250,000 for a couple.
Parents (the visa applicants) must:
- Have comprehensive private health insurance, which covers:
- Emergency care
- Cancer treatment
- Be able to financially support themselves while in New Zealand.
- Meet health and character requirements
Get started
The Parent Boost Visa recognises the role families play in the wellbeing and success of visa holders. For employers, it offers a new layer of support that could help retain skilled staff, reduce pressure on working parents, and improve workforce productivity and stability. Applications open on the 29 September 2025.
If you’re an employer supporting people on a visa, now is the time to prepare.
Get in touch to see how we can support your staff with the process.
