Parent Resident Visa in New Zealand (2024) | Full Guide | Immigration Lawyer NZ

Summary

The New Zealand Parent Resident Visa offers residency for parents with adult children who are New Zealand citizens or residents. However, the process is competitive and complex, with only 2,500 spots available annually and a selection chance of just 3%. Key requirements include a high income threshold for the sponsoring child, health and character checks, and English language proficiency. The costs are significant, and the process can take 12-24 months. Consulting an experienced immigration lawyer can help navigate this lengthy and costly journey to New Zealand residency.

Takeaways

• 👨‍👩‍👦 The Parent Resident Visa offers a pathway to residency for parents of adult children who are New Zealand citizens or residents.
• 🎟️ There is a strict quota of 2,500 spots available per year, ending in June.
• 🎲 Selection is based on a random ballot system, with only a 3% chance of being picked after submitting an Expression of Interest.
• 💰 The child sponsoring the parent must earn at least 1.5 times the median wage, with higher thresholds for additional parents or joint sponsors.
• 📜 Income proof must come from official tax documents (IID), not from bank statements or pay slips.
• 👨‍⚕️ Applicants must pass both health and character checks, and meet English language requirements, with the option to purchase ESOL tuition if needed.
• 💸 Fees include a $430 Expression of Interest fee and a $2,750 visa application fee, making the process costly.
• ⏳ The application process can take between 12 to 24 months due to a large backlog from the visa category being frozen for a decade.
• 📈 The visa is intended to encourage skilled migrants to settle long-term in New Zealand by potentially bringing family members.
• ⚖️ The complexity and cost of the process often make it beneficial to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer.

Q & A

What is the Parent Resident Visa in New Zealand?

The Parent Resident Visa allows parents of adult children who are New Zealand citizens or residents to apply for residency in New Zealand. It offers a pathway to stay in the country long term.

How many spots are available each year for the Parent Resident Visa?

There are 2,500 spots available each year for the Parent Resident Visa, with the quota ending in June.

What is the first step in applying for the Parent Resident Visa?

The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), which enters a pool for a random ballot draw. The chances of being selected are around 3%.

What is the income threshold requirement for the supporting child?

The supporting child must earn at least 1.5 times the median wage for one parent. The threshold increases if more than one parent or a joint sponsor is involved.

What documentation is required to prove the income of the supporting child?

Income proof must come from Inland Revenue (IID) documents. Pay slips or bank statements are not accepted, and if the income is from a company or trust, it must be recorded under the individual's ID number.

Are there any additional requirements apart from income thresholds?

Yes, applicants must pass health and character checks, and they need to meet English language requirements. If their English is not sufficient, they can pre-purchase ESOL tuition, which costs around $1,700 per person.

How much does the application process cost?

The EOI submission fee is $430, and if invited to apply for the visa, the application fee is $2,750. Other costs, such as ESOL tuition, may apply depending on individual circumstances.

How long does the Parent Resident Visa process take?

The process can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months, as the category was frozen for a decade and only reopened in October 2022.

Why was the Parent Resident Visa program introduced?

The government’s cost-benefit analysis suggests that the visa encourages skilled migrants to settle in New Zealand long term, potentially expanding their families and contributing to the economy.

Is it recommended to hire an immigration lawyer for this process?

Yes, given the complexity, cost, and length of the process, it is often advised to seek help from an experienced immigration lawyer to ensure proper legal representation and guidance.