Immigration New Zealand is resuming selections of the Parent Category Expressions of Interest (EOI) from today, 14 November, with nearly 2000 visas annually.
The first selection of EOIs will be made from existing EOIs received before 12 October 2022, and will continue to be selected in date order with the oldest EOIs being selected first. Selections will take place every quarter, with up to 2,000 visas a year granted to people with existing expressions of interest.
“We recognise the importance for migrants resettling here to have a pathway for their parents to join them,” Immigration Minister Michael Wood said while making the announcement today.
“We are resuming selections of the Parent Category Expressions of Interest (EOIs), which will see New Zealand become an even more attractive destination for high skilled migrants looking to resettle long term.
“The Parent Category restarting will support skilled migrants to feel more settled in New Zealand and increase their wellbeing by having their family network there to support them,” Michael Wood said.
Selection of EOIs from now on will occur every 3 months.
This visa was reopened in October this year with reduced requirements for sponsors.
With this Parent category visa the applicant can live, work and study here if they have a child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. Sponsors must earn enough money and agree to sponsor their parent(s).
Immigration NZ has lowered the income requirements for sponsors by allowing 2 adult children, rather than just an adult child and their partner, to combine their income to sponsor parents.
A sponsor now needs to earn 1.5 times the New Zealand median wage rather than twice the median wage. This limit increases by half the median wage for each joint sponsor or additional parent.
Partners can be included in their residence application. Grandparents and legal guardians may also be able to apply for residence under this category.
More information and process can be on Immigration New Zealand website.
– from NewsViews
