New Zealand Adjusts Parent Resident Visa Category

Key Points 

• New Zealand is streamlining the Parent Resident Visa process by retiring outdated references and improving clarity around cap and ballot procedures to support family reunification 

Parent Resident Visa Changes for New Zealand  

New Zealand introduced a set of refinements to the Parent Resident Visa category, aimed at enhancing clarity and improving access for families seeking reunification. 

Starting 1 July 2025: 

• The reference to 2,000 visas set aside for the queue has been removed, reflecting the near completion of the backlog. This update makes more visa places available to applicants in the ballot pool. 
• References to the temporary cap increase for the 2024/25 financial year have been eliminated. Applications already approved in principle under that increase will still count toward the previous year’s quota. 
• The visa cap will reset for the 2025/26 financial year, setting a new baseline for the upcoming allocation cycle. 

These updates streamline the visa process and offer families greater certainty when planning for reunification. 

The next ballot draw will be held on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, with Expressions of Interest due by 31 July 2025.