What is the current status of the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program? (e.g., is it open, lottery chances, income requirements)

Okay, regarding the Parent Resident Visa in New Zealand, let me go over the most current and realistic situation for you. This issue concerns many people, and the policy keeps changing, so I'll explain it in plain language.

Full Analysis of the Latest Situation for New Zealand Parent Resident Visas

Hello everyone, when we talk about what concerns us most here in New Zealand, besides our own work and life, it's probably how to bring our parents over to enjoy their later years. This topic is a bit complex, so I'll try to keep it simple.

1. Is this visa currently open?

Conclusion: Yes, it is open!

After being closed for a long time, the Parent Resident Visa reopened in October 2022. However, it operates differently now; it's no longer the old "queueing" system.

It now uses a "Ballot" system.

What does this mean? You first need to submit an "Expression of Interest" (EOI) online. You can imagine it as a giant lottery pool where you put your name in.
Then what? Immigration New Zealand periodically (usually every three months) randomly draws a certain number of EOIs from this pool. Only families whose EOIs are drawn are eligible to submit a formal visa application.

So, it's not simply that if you meet the criteria, you can apply; the first step is to "win the lottery."

2. Is the chance of being drawn high?

Conclusion: Frankly, currently not high.

This is the most pressing question for many. Why is it not high?

Many monks, little gruel: Before the visa closed in 2016, there were already thousands of old EOIs accumulated in the pool. Although it has reopened now, there's an annual quota (currently around 500 EOIs selected per year). The old applications combined with a continuous stream of new applications mean the number of EOIs in the pool is very large.
Strong randomness: Because it's a random draw, it largely doesn't matter how early you submit (though older applications will be drawn first, new applications are purely random). It purely comes down to luck.

In short: Submitting an EOI is a must, but you need to have a "Zen" mindset. It might take a long time, or you might be lucky and get drawn quickly. Don't pin all your hopes on being drawn in the short term.

3. The most critical point: Your income requirements as the sponsor

This is the biggest hurdle for this visa and the core standard Immigration New Zealand uses to screen applicants. Immigration needs to ensure you have sufficient financial capacity to support your parents and are not burdening New Zealand's welfare system.

The income requirement is calculated based on New Zealand's Median Wage, which can change annually. Here are the current requirements (please double-check the latest figures on the official website when applying):

Sponsoring 1 parent:
- If you are a Single Sponsor: Your annual income needs to be 1.5 times the New Zealand median wage.
- If you and your spouse/partner are Joint Sponsors: Your combined annual income needs to be 2 times the New Zealand median wage.
Sponsoring 2 parents:
- If you are a Single Sponsor: Your annual income needs to be 2 times the New Zealand median wage.
- If you and your spouse/partner are Joint Sponsors: Your combined annual income needs to be 2.5 times the New Zealand median wage.

A very important detail!

This income is not just based on your current earnings. Immigration New Zealand requires that in at least 2 out of the past 3 tax years before you receive an "Invitation to Apply" (ITA), your income must have met the above requirements.

For example: Suppose Xiao Ming wants to sponsor just his mother, and he is a single sponsor. If the current median wage is NZD $65,000 per year (this is just an example, the specific number will vary), then his required income would be 65000 x 1.5 = NZD $97,500.

If he is drawn in 2024, Immigration New Zealand will look at his income for the 2023, 2022, and 2021 tax years. He must have had an annual income exceeding NZD $97,500 in at least two of these three years (e.g., 2023 and 2022) to qualify.

Brief Summary of the Process

Self-assessment: First, calculate your income to see if you meet the requirements for the past few years.
Submit EOI: If your income qualifies, go to the Immigration New Zealand website to fill out the EOI online and pay the application fee.
Enter the lottery pool and wait: This is the longest step; patiently await the quarterly draw results.
Receive Invitation (ITA): If lucky enough to be drawn, you will receive an official invitation letter (Invitation to Apply) from Immigration New Zealand.
Submit formal application: Within the specified timeframe, prepare all necessary documents (proof of income, relationship proof, parents' medical examination and police certificates, etc.) and submit the complete visa application.
Wait for approval: Immigration New Zealand will review all your documents and make a final decision.

Are there other options?

If you find the above requirements too high, or you don't want to wait indefinitely for the lottery, there's a very popular alternative:

Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa

This is not for permanent residency, but it's very practical.

Visa duration: This is a three-year multiple-entry visa.
Stay duration: Within these three years, parents can stay in New Zealand for a total of 18 months. They can stay for 6 months at a time, then exit and re-enter, until the 18 months are used up.
Requirements: The income requirement for children is much lower than for permanent residency (but you still need to prove you can support your parents' living expenses), and the process is much faster.

Many people's strategy now is to first apply for this three-year visitor visa for their parents, allowing them to come for extended stays and help with childcare. At the same time, they also submit the EOI for the Parent Resident Visa and slowly wait for the lottery. This way, family reunion isn't delayed, and the hope of obtaining permanent residency is kept alive.

I hope this information helps you! Good luck!