Archive · 7 Oct 2026
New Zealand Changes Parent Resident Visa Selection System
New Zealand has changed how it chooses people for its Parent Resident Visa.
The yearly limit stays at 2,500 approvals.
Most applicants will be chosen in the order their expressions of interest were submitted.
A smaller group will be chosen randomly.
The first selection is planned for 10 November 2026.
People with a valid expression of interest on 5 October do not need to do anything now.
They must later confirm they still want to stay in the pool.
Parents who receive an invitation have four months to apply.
Those who get the visa can live, work and study in New Zealand.
From 5 October 2026, valid expressions of interest enter one pool for selection.
About 90% will be selected by submission-date order, with around 10% chosen by random ballot.
The annual limit remains 2,500 approvals, and selections are expected four times a year.
The first selection under the new system is scheduled for 10 November 2026.
EOI holders must confirm their interest within six months of each two-year anniversary to remain in the pool.
- Who
- People seeking a Parent Resident Visa as a parent, grandparent or legal guardian of a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- What
- New Zealand introduced a hybrid system for selecting valid expressions of interest, while keeping the annual approval limit at 2,500.
- When
- The new system took effect on 5 October 2026; its first selection is scheduled for 10 November 2026.
- Where
- New Zealand.
- Why
- The articles describe a change to the selection process but do not state why it was introduced.
- Annual approval limit
- 2,500 visas
- Selection method
- About 90% by date order and around 10% by random ballot
- Expected selection frequency
- Four times a year
- First selection date
- 10 November 2026
- EOI confirmation
- Submit a Confirmation of EOI within six months of each two-year anniversary
- Time to apply after invitation
- Four months
- Visa cost
- From NZD $5,810
- Path to permanent residence
- Eligible holders can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa after 10 consecutive years on this visa