Changes to the Parent Resident Visa Category
From 5 October 2026, the Parent Resident Visa category moves to a hybrid selection model with most EOIs selected in date order while the 2,500 annual visa cap remains unchanged.
Key points
- ✓A hybrid selection model begins on 5 October 2026 for the Parent Resident Visa category.
- ✓Approximately 90% of EOIs will be selected in date order and around 10% will be selected by ballot.
- ✓The annual cap of 2,500 Parent Resident Visas per financial year remains unchanged.
- ✓Current EOI holders will automatically transition into the new system without needing to submit a new EOI.
- ✓EOIs will no longer expire if applicants confirm every 2 years that they wish to remain in the pool and keep their information up to date.
The Government has announced changes to the Parent Resident Visa category, with a new hybrid selection model taking effect from 5 October 2026.
Under the new system, approximately 90% of expressions of interest (EOIs) will be selected in date order, while around 10% will be selected through a ballot.
The annual cap of 2,500 Parent Resident Visas each financial year will remain unchanged.
The changes are intended to provide a fairer and more predictable process for families, while continuing to give newer applicants an opportunity to be selected.
The next Parent Resident Visa selection draw will proceed as scheduled on 11 August 2026 under the current settings. The first selection under the new hybrid model is scheduled for 10 November 2026.
Current EOI holders will automatically transition into the new hybrid system on 5 October 2026 and will not need to submit a new EOI. People who have continually maintained an EOI in the pool, including those who submitted a replacement EOI within 90 days of a previous EOI expiring, will generally have their place in the queue based on the date their original EOI was accepted into the pool.
Applicants and sponsors will still need to meet all existing Parent Resident Visa requirements. The changes affect how EOIs are selected for an invitation to apply and do not change visa eligibility requirements.
Under the new model, EOIs will no longer expire provided applicants confirm every 2 years that they wish to remain in the pool and keep their information up to date. No additional fee will be required.
We can approve up to 2,500 Parent Resident Visas each financial year. As demand is expected to remain higher than the number of places available, some applicants may still wait some time before being selected.
Information on this page is for general guidance only. Always refer to Immigration New Zealand for authoritative requirements.
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