New Zealand Adjusts Parent Resident Visa Selection Process
New Zealand has revised its Parent Resident Visa selection process, effective immediately. All valid expressions of interest (EOIs) have been consolidated into a single pool. For Indian applicants, 90% of EOIs will be selected based on the date of submission, while the remaining 10% will be chosen through a random ballot. The annual cap of 2,500 approvals in principle remains unchanged.
Indian parents with a valid EOI as of October 5 do not need to submit a new one. Their existing EOI has been transferred to the new parent category pool. Immigration New Zealand is finalizing queue positions for existing EOI holders and will notify applicants via email once their position is determined. The department advises applicants to keep their contact details updated and regularly check their inbox for important updates.
Under the new hybrid selection model, EOIs will no longer automatically expire after two years. However, applicants must confirm their interest in remaining in the pool every two years. The first selection round under the new system is scheduled for November 10, 2026. The visa application process itself has not changed.