New Zealand Increases Parent and Pacific Visa Income Requirements starting on April 30, 2026
Starting on April 30, 2026, New Zealand will raise the income requirements for the Pacific Access Category, Samoan Quota, Parent Resident Visa, and Parent Boost Visitor Visa. These are the updated eligibility requirements and financial thresholds.
Beginning on April 30, 2026, New Zealand will raise the income and sponsorship requirements for a number of family and Pacific visa categories. Those who want to apply under the following categories are impacted by the update:
Samoan Quota for Pacific Access Category
Parent Boost Visitor Visa Parent Resident Visa
These adjustments are made annually to maintain the financial requirements for visas in line with New Zealand wages and living expenses.
Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category: Greater Income Requirement
Candidates with dependent children who apply for the Samoan Quota Resident Visa or
Pacific Access Category Resident Visa must now demonstrate a little greater income.
New minimum wage (effective April 30, 2026)
Previous prerequisite: NZD $54,133.04 annually
New prerequisite: $55,404.96 NZD annually
This is only applicable if dependent children are included in the application by the primary applicant.
Sponsors Need to Make More Money for Parent Resident Visas
In order to support parents under the Parent Category Resident Visa, sponsors must fulfill revised income requirements.
The median wage in New Zealand, which rose to NZD $35.00 per hour in June 2025, is the basis for the updated numbers.
Sponsors need to:
Reach the required minimum revenue.
Demonstrate that they made this money in two of the previous three tax years.
Use the April 1–March 31 tax years.
The new regulations will not impact applicants who have already filed their applications.
Updated Sponsor Income Levels for Parent Boost Visitor Visas
Sponsors for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa must fulfill the following minimum yearly income requirements as of April 30, 2026:
If there is just one sponsor
Minimum Income Sponsored by Parents
$72,800 NZD for one parent
$109,200 NZD for two parents
$145,600 NZD for three parents
$182,000 NZD for four parents
$218,400 NZD for five parents
NZD $254,800 for six parent
If two sponsors are involved
Minimum Income Sponsored by Parents
$109,200 NZD for one parent
$145,600 NZD for two parents
$182,000 NZD for three parents
$218,400 NZD for four parents
$254,800 NZD for five parents
NZD $291,200 for six parents
Before applying, sponsors must meet the income threshold for two of the previous three tax years and make at least these amounts annually.
Parent Boost Visitor Visa: Candidates May Also Provide Their Own Funds
Applicants may be eligible by demonstrating their own financial resources rather than depending solely on a sponsor.
Requirement for Minimum Income
NZD $51,182.56 annually (if applying with a partner) NZD $33,663.24 annually
Minimum Required Savings
Funds: NZD $170,000; if applying with a partner, NZD $260,000
These sums, which reflect funds equivalent to around five years of financial support, are based on New Zealand Superannuation rates.
Parent Boost Visitor Visa: Applicants May Contribute Their Own Money
Instead of relying entirely on a sponsor, applicants may be qualified if they can show that they have their own financial resources.
Minimum Income Requirement: NZD $51,182.56 per year (if applying with a partner) NZD $33,663.24 per year
Minimum Savings Needed
Money: NZD $170,000; NZD $260,000 if applying with a partner
These amounts are based on New Zealand Superannuation rates and represent funds equal to approximately five years of financial support.
Early financial document preparation can assist prevent refusals or delays when the new regulations go into effect.
