In 2025, New Zealand’s Parent Resident Visa is opening up once again via a ballot system, offering hopeful applicants an opportunity to secure residency for their parents. The latest Expression of Interest (EOI) submission period runs through 31 July 2025, and the next ballot draw is scheduled for 12 August 2025. With recent updates—including the removal of a 2,000-place “queue” allocation and the annual reset of the visa cap—the process has become clearer and more accessible for families aiming to reunite in New Zealand.
What’s Changing and Why It’s Big News:
The previous 2,000 visa limit for the queue has been removed, indicating that the lengthy backlog is nearly resolved. This action significantly enhances the chances of new candidates who aspire to bring their parents to New Zealand by creating additional slots in the ballot pool for new applicants.
Furthermore, the temporary visa limit increase for the 25 financial year has been officially discontinued. However, there is no need for concern; applications that have already been granted “approval in principle” will continue to be legitimate and will be counted towards the allocation from the previous year. In the interim, the program’s subsequent phase will be launched with clarity and consistency, as a new limit will be implemented on July 1, 2025.
Check: USCIS Revises Marriage Validity Guidelines for Asylum and Refugee Applicants
The New Dates to Remember:
- Expression of Interest (EOI) Deadline: July 31, 2025
- The upcoming ballot draw is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
Check Also: New Zealand AEWV Work Visa – English Requirement Changes
Why This Matters?
These policy modifications may appear inconsequential, but they represent hope, clarity, and expedited reunions for thousands of families who are separated by distance and red tape. The Parent Resident Visa category has long been a means for skilled migrants and New Zealand citizens to bring their loved ones closer, and it is now more straightforward than ever.
Now is the time to sponsor your parents for permanent residency in New Zealand. Here is the link to submit your Expression of Interest: (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/update-to-the-parent-resident-visa-category/) before the July 31, 2025 deadline and ride this wave of positive change.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
What is the New Zealand Parent Resident Visa?
The Parent Resident Visa allows New Zealand citizens or residents to sponsor their parents to live in New Zealand permanently. It’s a family reunification visa processed via a ballot system.
-
When is the next EOI ballot draw in 2025?
The next ballot draw is scheduled for: August 2025
Ballots are generally drawn every 3 months (February, May, August, November)
The cut-off for EOI submission for each draw is typically mid-month before the ballot -
How do I submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
Submit the EOI online through the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website
Pay the NZD $430 EOI fee
EOIs remain in the ballot pool for 2 years unless selected or withdrawn
