Income Thresholds to Increase for Pacific and Parent Visa Categories

From 30 April 2026, income and sponsorship thresholds will increase for several Pacific and family visa categories. The changes affect the Pacific Access Category, Samoan Quota, Parent Category Resident Visa, and Parent Boost Visitor Visa.

These updates are part of routine annual reviews to ensure income thresholds remain aligned with current wages, benefit settings, and living costs in New Zealand.

For the Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota, the minimum income threshold for applicants with dependent children will increase from NZD $54,133.04 to NZD $55,404.96 per year. This updated threshold will apply to applications lodged from 30 April 2026 where the principal applicant has dependent children.

For the Parent Category Resident Visa, sponsorship income thresholds will be updated to reflect the June 2025 median wage of NZD $35.00 per hour, up from NZD $33.56. Sponsors must meet the income threshold that applied for the chosen two 12-month periods during the three years before the Expression of Interest was selected.

For the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, new sponsorship and applicant income and funds thresholds will apply to applications lodged on or after 30 April 2026. A single sponsor must earn at least NZD $72,800 per year to sponsor one parent, increasing by approximately NZD $36,400 for each additional parent sponsored.

Applicants who choose to self-fund their stay under the Parent Boost Visitor Visa must earn at least NZD $33,663.24 per year or hold personal funds of at least NZD $170,000.

If you are planning to sponsor a parent or apply under one of these Pacific resident categories, contact us to confirm how the updated thresholds apply to your situation before lodging your application.