Parent Category Residence Visa: Reuniting Families in the Land of the Long White Cloud

The Parent Category Residence Visa is a pathway for parents to come and live in New Zealand permanently with their children, reuniting families and allowing relatives to stay close in this beautiful country. 

It’s extremely important to remember that visa applications can be confusing, and the visa process can be time-consuming and complex. So, before you apply, it’s vital to do your research and fully understand what this visa is, what you need to do to be eligible for it and how to maximise your chances of success.

What To Know About The Parent Category Residence Visa Process

Applying for this visa requires a thorough understanding of its requirements and a significant amount of patience. This visa can change your and your family’s lives, so staying calm, patient and positive is key. It’s important to note that this visa has an annual quota, with approximately 2500 visas available each year. 

The application process for this visa is in two stages. First, applicants submit an ‘Expression of Interest’, which is followed by a ballot system in which successful applicants are invited to apply for residence. Of course, the visa application also requires an application fee, which can be around $3180.

If your relatives want to visit New Zealand but aren’t currently interested in permanently moving here, then you can consider the Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa. This visa is similar in that it allows relatives to come and visit their New Zealand citizen children or grandchildren, but it’s a temporary visa that allows applicants to stay for a total of 18 months within a three-year timespan. 

To really evaluate your options and determine your most suitable choice, it’s best to work with a qualified immigration consultation who understands all of the ins and outs of New Zealand’s visa process. Their help can be invaluable, hastening the process without cutting corners and improving your chances of success. 

The Requirements For The Parent Category Residence Visa

Like all visas, there are requirements that you and your relative will need to fulfil if you want to be granted a Parent Category Residence Visa. It’s extremely important to understand every requirement, so reviewing them with your immigration consultant is a must. 

Expression Of Interest. First, you must complete and submit an Expression of Interest to be selected for this visa. Your EOI must be chosen, and then you’ll be invited to apply officially. 

Proof Of Identity. You must provide evidence of your identity to show that you are who you say you are. This typically involves submitting valid identification documents, such as a passport or a birth certificate. 

Good Health. You must be in good health. This may involve undergoing medical examinations to assess your health status and ensure you meet the health requirements set by the New Zealand immigration authorities. 

Good Character. You must demonstrate good character, which can be achieved by providing police clearance documents from countries where you have resided for an extended period to prove your good character. 

English Language Proficiency. You must be proficient in the English language and need to be able to speak and understand English to a sufficient level, as determined by the New Zealand immigration standards. 

Partner And Children Requirements. If you plan on bringing your partner, they must provide evidence of your relationship and meet the other requirements on this list. Applicants cannot bring along dependent children, so you cannot have any dependent children who are planning on moving with you.

Sponsoring Child. You must have at least one adult sponsoring child who is at least 18 years old, has been a New Zealand citizen or resident for the last three years before you apply, currently lives in New Zealand, has spent more than 184 days in New Zealand in the last three years, can meet your living costs for the first ten years of your residency if you cannot cover it yourself and be able to provide Inland Revenue tax statements as evidence of their income.

Financial Requirements. The child who is sponsoring you must have enough income to support you when you move to New Zealand.  Sponsors play a significant role in the application process, as they must meet certain income requirements to be eligible to sponsor their parents.

Reuniting With Your Children In Beautiful New Zealand

The Parent Category Residence Visa is a wonderful opportunity for families, so it’s vital that you take the right steps and receive qualified help. At Auckland South Immigration Consultants, we understand just how life-changing successful visa applications can be, which is why we’re so dedicated to providing our clients with the thorough help they deserve.

Along with this visa, we also help with visitor visas, work visas, student visas and more. To get the process started, please feel free to call us on +64 21 168 7230 or use our contact page to reach us.

Auckland South Immigration Consultants: Let us help you start your new chapter in New Zealand.