The New Zealand government has recently announced a bold and compassionate new initiative – the Parent Boost Visa – set to launch on 30 November 2025. Designed to support skilled migrants and their families, this visa allows the parents and grandparents of New Zealand citizens or residents to stay in the country for up to 10 years.
As a recruitment agency deeply invested in both Education and Health & Social Care, we see this as a highly welcome development – one that adds real depth to the conversation around workforce attraction and retention in Aotearoa.
What is the Parent Boost Visa?
The Parent Boost Visa offers a 5-year multiple-entry visa to eligible parents and grandparents, with the option to extend for another 5 years, allowing for up to a decade of residence in New Zealand. It recognises a simple, universal truth: when skilled workers move countries, what they often miss most is family. This visa is designed to bridge that emotional and logistical gap.
For full details, you can read the government release here.
Key Requirements:
· To be eligible, applicants must:
· Be parents or grandparents of a New Zealand citizen or resident.
· Have an approved sponsor (their child or grandchild) who holds NZ citizenship or residency.
· Meet health and character requirements.
· Hold comprehensive health insurance for the duration of their stay.
· Understand they are not eligible for NZ Superannuation or public entitlements.
Why This Matters – From a Recruiter's Perspective
As recruiters, we see first-hand the emotional weight our candidates carry when relocating to a new country - the excitement, yes, but also the sacrifice. One of the most common and heart-wrenching concerns we hear is: “What about my family?”
That’s why we fully support the Parent Boost Visa. It’s not just a policy - it’s a recognition of the human side of migration.
Stronger Talent Attraction:
· When skilled professionals know they won’t have to leave their parents or grandparents behind forever, the decision to relocate becomes a little easier — and a lot more hopeful. We’ve already seen a shift in interest and confidence from those considering a move.
Better Retention Through Reconnection:
· We believe happy, supported people stay longer. When families can eventually reunite here in New Zealand, candidates are far more likely to settle and thrive long term — ensuring not just placement success, but real stability.
Greater Confidence to Take the Leap:
· This initiative gives candidates permission to say “yes” to opportunity without saying “goodbye” to the people who matter most. And for us, it means supporting candidates through a relocation journey that feels truly sustainable and humane.
We applaud this initiative because it makes our role not just about placing people in jobs - but helping them build lives.
A Positive Step for the Future
At Prospero, we believe this initiative is a genuine step forward in supporting the skilled migrants who contribute so much to New Zealand’s education and health systems.
It’s also a sign that the government understands the broader picture – that it’s not just about jobs and visas, but about people, families, and wellbeing.
We’ll be watching this space closely and continuing to support our candidates and clients as more details become available closer to the launch date.
Need help relocating to New Zealand?
Whether you’re a teacher, nurse, social worker or allied health professional – we’d love to support your journey. Get in touch with our team to learn more about roles and visa pathways.