Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that, effective April 30, 2026, income and sponsorship thresholds will increase for several Pacific and family visa categories. The changes affect the Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota, Parent Category Resident Visa and Parent Boost Visitor Visa.
These updates are part of routine annual reviews to ensure income thresholds remain aligned with current wages, benefit settings, and living costs in New Zealand.
Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota
- For applicants with dependent children, the minimum income threshold will increase from NZD $54,133.04 to NZD $55,404.96 per year.
Parent Category Resident Visa
- Sponsorship income thresholds for this category will be updated to reflect the June 2025 median wage of NZD $35.00 per hour, up from NZD $33.56.
- Sponsors must meet the income threshold that applied for the chosen two 12-month periods during the 3 years before the Expression of Interest was selected.
- People who have already applied under the Parent Category Resident Visa are not affected.
Parent Boost Visitor Visa
- The new income thresholds for Parent Boost Visitor Visa sponsors will also be updated to reflect the June 2025 median wage, as follows:
| Table 1: Minimum annual income for one sponsor from April 30, 2026 (NZD) | |||||
| Sponsoring one parent | Sponsoring two parents | Sponsoring three parents | Sponsoring four parents | Sponsoring five parents | Sponsoring six parents |
| $72,800.00 | $109,200.00 | $145,600.00 | $182,000.00 | $218,400.00 | $254,800.00 |
| Table 2: Minimum annual income for two sponsors from April 30, 2026 (NZD) | |||||
| Sponsoring one parent | Sponsoring two parents | Sponsoring three parents | Sponsoring four parents | Sponsoring five parents | Sponsoring six parents |
| $109,200.00 | $145,600.00 | $182,000.00 | $218,400.00 | $254,800.00 | $291,200.00 |
Sponsor Requirements
Sponsors must earn at least the minimum income each year. They also must have earned at least the minimum income for two out of the past three New Zealand completed tax years (April 1 to March 31) before applying.
Applicants under the Parent Boost Visitor Visa can alternatively fund their own stay in New Zealand, either through annual income or maintenance funds. Theses thresholds will also increase from April 30, 2026.
- Either applicants will need to earn at least NZD $33,663.24 a year (or
NZD $51,182.56 a year if they are including a partner);
- Or applicants will need to have funds in their bank account of at least NZD $170,000, (or NZD $260,000 if they are including a partner).
The minimum income and funds requirement for Parent Boost Visitor Visa applicants are based on New Zealand Superannuation rates (the equivalent annual income is required or the equivalent of five years NZ Superannuation for funds held).
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.