Each financial year, 2,500 visas can be issued under the Parent Resident Visa category. 2,000 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 we are normally allowed to grant this financial year (until 30 June 2025).

The Minister of Immigration has agreed that Immigration New Zealand can grant up to 2,331 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. If your queue EOI is selected this financial year, we will contact you directly.

The limit of visas that can be granted under the Parent Category in the 2025/2026 financial year remains at 2,500.

For more information:

Parent Resident Visa expression of interest (EOI) selection process

Parent Resident Visa successful Expressions of Interest (EOIs)