New Zealand is changing the way parents are selected for its Parent Resident Visa from 5 October 2026. Under the new system, most applications will continue to be selected based on how long they have been waiting, while a smaller share will be chosen through a ballot.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that around 90% of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will be selected according to their date, while the remaining 10% will be selected through a ballot system.

The annual limit will stay the same at 2,500 Parent Resident Visas. The main purpose of the change is to make the process more balanced and predictable while also giving newer applicants some opportunity to be selected.

When will the new system start?

The current selection process will continue for the time being. The next Parent Resident Visa selection is scheduled for 11 August 2026.

The first selection under the new hybrid system is expected to take place on 10 November 2026.

From 5 October, existing EOIs will automatically move to the new system. Applicants will not need to submit a new EOI because of these changes.

What will happen to existing EOI holders?

People who have already submitted an EOI and have been waiting in the pool will not lose their place simply because the rules are changing.

For the 90% date-based selection, applicants who have been waiting for a longer period will generally be considered according to the date of their original EOI.

The same approach will apply to certain applicants who submitted a replacement EOI within 90 days after their earlier EOI expired.

This means people who have already spent a long time waiting will continue to have their waiting period taken into account.

EOIs will no longer expire automatically

One of the important changes is that EOIs will no longer have a fixed two-year expiry period.

Under the current system, an EOI that has not been selected within two years expires. From October 2026, this will change.

Applicants can keep their EOI in the selection pool as long as they confirm that they still want to be considered every two years and make sure their information is up to date.

INZ has also stated that there will be no additional fee for confirming continued interest in the pool.

Applicants should therefore keep their personal and family information updated and respond when they are required to confirm their interest.

Will the eligibility requirements change?

No major change to the eligibility requirements has been announced as part of this update.

The new system mainly changes how EOIs are selected, rather than changing the basic requirements for applicants or their sponsors.

The EOI form and the information applicants need to provide will also remain unchanged.

The Parent Resident Visa is designed to allow eligible New Zealand citizens and residents to sponsor their parents to live in New Zealand permanently.

How does the Parent Resident Visa process work?

The process has two main stages.

First, a parent submits an Expression of Interest (EOI). The EOI enters the selection pool and waits to be selected.

If the EOI is selected and the applicant meets the required conditions, Immigration New Zealand sends an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Only after receiving an ITA can the applicant submit a full residence application.

Because the number of people interested in the visa is expected to remain higher than the number of places available, not every EOI will be selected immediately.

Some applicants may still need to wait for their turn.

Why is New Zealand introducing a ballot?

The new system is intended to create a balance between people who have already been waiting for a long time and newer applicants.

Around 90% of selections will follow the existing date-based approach, giving priority to older EOIs. The remaining 10% will be selected through a ballot, giving newer EOIs a chance to be considered.

This creates a hybrid system instead of relying completely on one selection method.

What should applicants do now?

Existing EOI holders do not need to submit another EOI just because the new rules are coming into effect.

Applicants should keep their information accurate and watch for further communication from Immigration New Zealand about the transition.

INZ has said that more information will be provided to people with current and historical EOIs before the new system starts.

After 5 October 2026, current EOI holders are also expected to be able to access information about their position in the selection queue.

Key dates to remember

  • 11 August 2026: Next selection under the current system.
  • 5 October 2026: New hybrid selection rules begin.
  • 10 November 2026: First selection under the new system.
  • 2,500: Annual Parent Resident Visa places will remain unchanged.
  • 90%: EOIs selected based on their date.
  • 10%: EOIs selected through the ballot system.

    • Overall, the October 2026 changes will not increase the annual number of Parent Resident Visas, but they will change how applicants are selected. People with older EOIs will continue to receive priority for most places, while the ballot portion will give newer applicants an additional opportunity to be selected.

    Planning to apply for a New Zealand Parent Resident Visa? Contact VisaBud for guidance on the EOI process, visa requirements, and application steps.