Immigration New Zealand has announced that a one-off increase in the Parent Category quota is being implemented, to enable applications that have been approved in principle to be issued this financial year.
Each financial year, 2500 visas can be issued under the Parent Resident Visa category. 2000 can be issued to people who made a ‘queue’ expression of interest (EOI) and 500 can be issued to people who made a ballot EOI.
Immigration New Zealand has approved in principle more Parent Category Resident Visas than it is normally allowed to grant this financial year (until June 30, 2025).
The Minister of Immigration has agreed that Immigration New Zealand can grant up to 2331 visas to people who made ‘queue’ EOIs this financial year, an increase of 331, as a one off. The ballot cap of 500 visas remains unchanged. Immigration New Zealand will contact applicants whose queue EOI is selected this financial year.
The limit of visas that can be granted under the Parent Category in the 2025/2026 financial year remains at 2500.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.