Parent Resident Visa selection changes from October

Families waiting for a Parent Resident Visa expression of interest to be selected will move to a different process from 5 October 2026. Approximately 90% of expressions of interest will be selected in date order and approximately 10% through a random ballot. The first selection under the new model is scheduled for 10 November 2026.

For families who have already spent time in the pool, the important question is which submission date Immigration New Zealand will use. Some people who submitted a replacement expression of interest after an earlier one expired may retain their original date, provided the replacement was submitted within 90 days, and the other transitional conditions are met.

What existing expression of interest holders need to know

A current expression of interest that has not expired before 5 October will transfer into the new pool. Parents do not need to submit another one solely because the selection process is changing. Immigration New Zealand expects to contact parents about their queue position after this change takes effect.

Expressions of interest in the queue will no longer expire automatically every two years. Instead, parents will need to confirm within six months of the two-year anniversary of submitting their current expression of interest that they want to remain in the pool. Families should keep their email details current so they receive notices and reminders.

The annual cap remains at 2,500 Parent Resident Visas. Selection of an expression of interest may lead to an invitation to apply; it is not a visa approval.

Parent Resident Visa points to check

• Sponsor: The parent needs an eligible child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident and lives in New Zealand.
• Income: The sponsoring child, or eligible joint sponsors, must meet the income threshold that applies to the number of parents being sponsored. The threshold depends on the relevant median wage and income years. The threshold changes annually.
• Expression of interest history: If there has been more than one expression of interest, check the expiry and replacement dates before assuming a queue position.
• Contact details: Make sure Immigration New Zealand has a current email address and monitor messages about selection and confirmation.
• Visa requirements: If invited to apply, the parent must still meet the applicable health, character and English language requirements, or pay for the provision for English lessons.

The new queue gives many families a clearer basis for planning, but individual histories and sponsor circumstances still matter. If your family has an expression of interest in the pool, or is considering one, contact New Zealand Immigration Partners to review the submission history and sponsorship requirements before the first selection under the new model.