Families wanting to bring their parents to live permanently in New Zealand will benefit from some welcome updates to the Parent Resident Visa. This visa allows New Zealand citizens and residents to sponsor their parents for residence, and recent changes are making the process clearer and easier.
From 1 July 2025, Immigration New Zealand is removing the reference to 2,000 visas being set aside for the old queue. The queue was used before the visa reopened in 2023 and gave priority to people who had already submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) in previous years.
That queue is now almost cleared, so this change means more places will be available for new applicants entering through the ballot system. The ballot is the current process, where Expressions of Interest are randomly selected from a pool, giving everyone a fairer chance at being invited to apply.
The update also removes the mention of a temporary cap increase for the 2024/25 year. While some of those applications are still being processed, anyone with an approval in principle will still be counted under the earlier cap. A fresh cap will begin on 1 July 2025 for the 2025/26 financial year, making visa availability more certain for new applicants.
The next Parent Category ballot draw is expected on Tuesday 12 August 2025. To be included, you must submit your Expression of Interest by 31 July 2025.
If you’d like to know whether you’re eligible or want to submit your EOI, contact us at services@woburn.co.nz, and we can help you enrol in the ballot and support you through every step of the process to bring your family closer in New Zealand!
