Parent visas
You may be eligible for a parent visa if you meet the following requirements:
- You are the parent of an adult child 17 or over who is a New Zealand citizen/resident
- AND the "centre of gravity" of your family is in New Zealand
The "centre of gravity"
New Zealand refers to the centre of gravity in determining if a parent is eligible for immigration. This refers to the location of your children. We have prepared an easy to understand table to help you find out if you meet the center of gravity requirement and are eligible for a visa.
If you are a parent with no dependent children
|
No. of Children |
In New Zealand |
In home country |
Third Country |
Eligible? |
|
2 |
1 |
1 |
- |
Yes |
|
5 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
Yes |
|
4 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
No |
|
6 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
No |
|
6 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Yes |
If you are parent with dependent children.
|
No. of Children |
In New Zealand |
In home country |
Third Country |
Eligible? |
|
2 |
1 adult |
1 dependent |
- |
Yes |
|
4 |
1 adult |
1 adult, 2 dependents |
- |
No |
|
4 |
1 adult |
2 dependents |
1 adult |
No |
|
4 |
1 adult |
1 adult, 1 dependent |
1 adult |
Yes |
|
6 |
2 adults |
2 dependents |
2 adults |
Yes |
Sponsorship requirements
You will need a sponsor for this visa. Your sponsor must:
- Be 17 or over
- Be in New Zealand
- Be a citizen/resident not subject to the requirements of section 18A of the Immigration Act 1987
- Have been a New Zealand/Australian citizen/ resident for at least three (3) years immediately before the date of your application
- And in each of the three 12-month portions within that three-year period, have spent a total of 184 days or more in New Zealand.
- And be willing and eligible to ensure financial support and accommodation is provided if necessary for the first 24 months of the your stay.
Grandparents and legal guardians
Under certain conditions, grandparents and legal guardians can be treated as parents. The conditions are as follows:
Grandparents:
- If both the sponsor's parents are deceased, one grandparent and spouse can be sponsored under the Parent policy.
Legal guardians:
- If both the sponsor's parents died before the sponsor was 20
- AND the legal guardian was granted custody and the right to control the sponsor's upbringing before the age of 20. Then the legal guardian and partner may apply under the parent policy.
