New Zealand has made an announcement. For the financial year ending on June 30, 2025, there will be a one – time increase in the quota for the Parent Category Resident Visa. This change will let up to 2,331 visas be given to applicants in the ‘queue’ system. That’s 331 more visas than the usual 2,000 visas given out each year.
However, the total limit for the Parent Category Resident Visa stays at 2,500. This includes 2,000 visas for those in the ‘queue’ and 500 visas for people chosen through the ‘ballot’ system. The extra 331 spots are only for applicants who have already been approved in principle. The ‘ballot’ quota will not change.
The Parent Resident Visa allows New Zealand citizens and residents to sponsor their parents for permanent residency. To apply, people need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Every three months, names are randomly picked from these EOIs through a ballot system.
In October 2022, the sponsorship income requirements were changed to make the visa easier to get. Before, sponsors had to earn twice the median wage. Now, the requirement has been lowered to 1.5 times the median wage. Starting from February 28, 2025, the median wage will be NZD 69,804.80. So, for sponsoring one parent, the minimum income needed will be NZD 104,707.20. For two parents, it will be NZD 139,609.60.
This one – time increase in the queue quota is to clear the backlog of approved applications and help families get back together. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will directly reach out to eligible applicants or their advisers. They will confirm if the applicants accept the new offer.
This action fits with the government’s overall immigration strategy. It balances family reunification with economic and social needs. The fact that the ballot quota and the overall limit haven’t changed shows that New Zealand is carefully managing its immigration policies. At the same time, it’s giving relief to applicants who have been waiting for a long time.
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