Income thresholds for Parent Resident Visa and Parent Boost Visitor Visa have increased

From 30 April 2026, the minimum income thresholds for sponsors under the Parent Category Resident Visa and the Parent Boost Visitor Visa have increased. The changes reflect updated median wage data from Statistics New Zealand.

Parent Category Resident Visa

The median income used to calculate sponsor thresholds has increased to $72,800 per year. Sponsors must meet the relevant threshold for two 12-month periods within the three years prior to their pareents expression of interest being selected.

For a single sponsor bringing one parent, the new minimum threshold is $109,200. For two parents, it is $145,600. The threshold increases by $36,400 for each additional parent sponsored.

Joint sponsors face higher thresholds. Two sponsors bringing one parent must together meet $145,600, with the threshold increasing by $36,400 for each additional parent.

The threshold for each 12-month period is based on the median income in effect at the end of that period, not on the current rate. Sponsors providing evidence for periods before 30 April 2026 will be assessed against the threshold that applied at that time.

Parent Boost Visitor Visa

The same median income of $72,800 applies to the Parent Boost Visitor Visa. A single sponsor bringing one parent must earn $72,800 or more. For two parents, the threshold is $109,200, increasing by $36,400 for each additional parent.

Joint sponsors bringing one parent must together earn $109,200.

Sponsors must meet the threshold for each of the two completed tax years within the three complete tax years immediately before the visa application is lodged.

What counts as income

Only taxable income recorded on New Zealand Inland Revenue tax statements is accepted. Income earned through a company or trust can only be included if it has been paid directly to the sponsor as shareholder-employee salary, dividends, or trust income, and appears on their Inland Revenue records.

For self-employed sponsors, only income from the three most recent financial years will be considered.

Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota

Income and funds thresholds have also been updated for the Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota. The gross minimum income requirement for applicants with dependent children under both schemes is now NZ$55,404.96. These changes also came into effect on 30 April 2026.

If you are planning a Parent Category application or want to check whether current income levels meet the new thresholds, our team can assist.