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As of 30 April 2026, New Zealand is set to raise the income standards for various Parent Resident Visa, Parent Boost Visitor Visa, Pacific Access Category, and Samoan Quota applications. This article outlines the updated financial thresholds and eligibility criteria.
Effective from 30 April 2026, New Zealand will update the income and sponsorship prerequisites for various family and Pacific visa categories. This adjustment pertains to individuals intending to submit applications for the categories listed below:
- Pacific Access Category
- Samoan Quota
- Parent Resident Visa
- Parent Boost Visitor Visa
These modifications occur annually to ensure that visa financial criteria align with the prevailing wages and expenses in New Zealand.
Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota: Increased Income Requirement
Pacific Access Category Resident Visa or Samoan Quota Resident Visa with dependent minors will be required to demonstrate an increased income level.
New minimum income (starting 30 April 2026)
- Previous requirement: NZD $54,133.04 annually
- Updated requirement: NZD $55,404.96 annually
This adjustment is only applicable when the primary applicant includes dependent minors in their request.
Parent Resident Visa: Sponsors Need Higher Earnings
The new benchmarks are derived from New Zealand’s median salary, which rose to NZD $35.00 per hour in June 2025.
- Fulfill the minimum income requirement
- Demonstrate that they have earned this income in 2 out of the last 3 taxable years
- Refer to tax years that span from 1 April to 31 March
Parent Boost Visitor Visa: Revised Sponsor Income Criteria
For a single sponsor
| Sponsored Parents | Minimum Income |
|---|---|
| 1 parent | NZD $72,800 |
| 2 parents | NZD $109,200 |
| 3 parents | NZD $145,600 |
| 4 parents | NZD $182,000 |
| 5 parents | NZD $218,400 |
| 6 parents | NZD $254,800 |
For two sponsors
| Sponsored Parents | Minimum Income |
|---|---|
| 1 parent | NZD $109,200 |
| 2 parents | NZD $145,600 |
| 3 parents | NZD $182,000 |
| 4 parents | NZD $218,400 |
| 5 parents | NZD $254,800 |
| 6 parents | NZD $291,200 |
2 of the preceding 3 tax years prior to their application.
Parent Boost Visitor Visa: Applicants May Present Personal Assets
Minimum Income Requirement
- NZD $33,663.24 annually
- NZD $51,182.56 annually (for applicants accompanied by a partner)
Minimum Savings Requirement
- NZD $170,000 in liquid assets
- NZD $260,000 when applying with a partner
Who Will Be Impacted
1. Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota: The new income regulations will be applicable for applications submitted from 30 April 2026, where dependent children are included.
2. Parent Resident Visa: Only new applicants will need to meet the revised income thresholds. Current applications will proceed under the prior regulations.
3. Parent Boost Visitor Visa: The new income guidelines will govern applications submitted from 30 April 2026 onwards.
Implications for Applicants
Early preparation of financial documentation can aid in circumventing delays or denials once the new policies are enforced.
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Fonte: Travelo Biz
