Waiting for your Parent Resident Visa EOI? Check the new selection timetable

For families with a Parent Resident Visa Expression of Interest (EOI) in the pool, there is finally a better indication of when their EOI might be selected.

Immigration New Zealand has published estimated selection rounds based on EOI queue position dates, following the introduction of the new selection system on 5 October 2026.

When could your EOI be selected?

The first selection under the new system is scheduled for 10 November 2026, with further selections taking place quarterly.

Here are the indicative selection rounds for EOIs with earlier queue position dates:

These dates are indicative, and Immigration New Zealand will update the table after each selection round. The full timetable extends through to May 2032 for queue position dates in October 2026. Where the published ranges overlap, use the specific queue position date provided by Immigration New Zealand rather than relying on the month alone.

Could your EOI be selected earlier?

Yes. The new system combines two selection methods:

• 90% of EOIs are selected in queue date order, starting with the earliest.
• 10% are selected through a random ballot, meaning an EOI could be selected ahead of its estimated queue date.

The annual limit remains 2,500 Parent Resident Visa approvals in principle. Selection does not guarantee an invitation to apply or visa approval.

Previously submitted an EOI? Your original date could matter

Transitional rules may allow some families to retain an earlier queue position if they submitted a replacement EOI within 90 days of their previous EOI being removed from the pool.

For example, someone who first submitted an EOI in November 2022, then replaced it within 90 days of its expiry in November 2024, may retain their November 2022 queue date.

There are additional requirements, including continuity of at least one person named across the EOIs. The earlier date will not carry over in every situation.

Three things to check now

1. Your queue position: Check the date Immigration New Zealand has emailed you and compare it with the published timetable.

2. Your EOI status: EOIs no longer automatically expire after two years, but you must confirm your interest within six months of each two-year anniversary of submitting your current EOI.

3. Your application readiness: If selected and invited to apply, you have four months to submit your residence application.

For families who have spent years waiting, these estimates provide a useful planning reference. But the submission history behind an EOI can make a significant difference to its queue position.

Want to know more about your Parent Resident Visa EOI? Get in touch with one of our licensed immigration advisers to discuss your queue position and next steps.