New Zealand Parent Resident Visa From 5 October 2026: 90% FIFO, 10% Lottery
Verification date: 11 August 2026. Every rule, figure, fee and time limit below is based on New Zealand Immigration’s official announcement, Changes to the Parent Resident Visa Category, checked on that date; future effective and selection dates are stated explicitly.
From 5 October 2026, New Zealand’s Parent Resident Visa Category will use a mixed EOI selection system: approximately 90% of EOIs will be selected in date order and around 10% by ballot. The annual cap remains 2,500 visas per financial year, current EOI holders will transition automatically without submitting another EOI, and the first selection under the new model is scheduled for 10 November 2026.
What exactly changes on 5 October 2026?
| Point | Confirmed position |
|---|---|
| EOI selection | Approximately 90% in date order and around 10% by ballot |
| Annual cap | Up to 2,500 Parent Resident Visas per financial year, unchanged |
| Current EOI holders | Automatic transition into the hybrid system on 5 October 2026, with no new EOI required |
| Visa eligibility | Existing applicant and sponsor requirements remain unchanged |
| Additional fee | No additional fee is required |
The 90% and 10% proportions apply to how EOIs are selected for an invitation to apply. They do not divide the annual cap of 2,500 visas.
Does the change alter who qualifies?
No. Applicants and sponsors must still meet all existing Parent Resident Visa requirements. The category supports New Zealand citizens and residents sponsoring their parents for residence in New Zealand.
The new system changes how EOIs are selected for an invitation to apply; it does not change the underlying eligibility requirements.
Do current EOI holders need to submit another EOI?
No. Current EOI holders will move automatically into the hybrid system on 5 October 2026.
People who continually maintain an EOI will generally have their queue position based on the date their original EOI was accepted into the pool. This includes people who submitted a replacement EOI within 90 days after a previous EOI expired.
New Zealand Immigration also stated that:
- Current and historical EOI holders would receive further transition information before the new model takes effect.
- Information about queue positions would be made available to current EOI holders after 5 October 2026.
How does an EOI become a residence application?
New Zealand’s Parent Resident Visa remains a two-stage process:
- Expression of interest: The applicant first submits an EOI.
- Invitation and residence application: If the EOI is selected and the applicant meets the relevant requirements, New Zealand Immigration issues an invitation to apply, or ITA. Only a person who has received an ITA may submit a residence application.
An EOI selection is therefore not the same as a residence visa approval.
Does an EOI still expire after two years?
| Model | EOI validity rule |
|---|---|
| Current model at the verification date | An EOI expires after two years if it is not selected |
| New model from 5 October 2026 | An EOI does not expire, provided the applicant confirms every two years that they want to remain in the pool and keeps their information up to date |
The two-year confirmation is therefore an ongoing condition under the new model, rather than a simple two-year expiry.
What is the transition and selection timeline?
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 11 August 2026 | A Parent Resident Visa selection draw was scheduled to proceed under the current settings |
| Before 5 October 2026 | Further transition information was to be provided to current and historical EOI holders |
| 5 October 2026 | The hybrid selection model takes effect, and current EOIs transition automatically |
| After 5 October 2026 | Queue-position information is to be made available to current EOI holders |
| 10 November 2026 | The first selection under the hybrid model is scheduled |
The scheduled dates do not constitute an individual selection or approval promise.
Does the ballot remove the need to wait?
No. New Zealand Immigration expects demand to remain higher than the number of available places, so some applicants may still wait before being selected. The cited announcement does not provide an individual processing-time estimate.
General information only: this overview does not determine an individual EOI’s queue position, selection or eligibility. Readers should check New Zealand Immigration’s current Parent Resident Visa Category material and their own immigration authority or consulate for any country-specific question.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is the Parent Resident Visa now a lottery-only route?
No. Approximately 90% of EOIs will be selected in date order, while around 10% will be selected by ballot.
Do current EOI holders have to submit a new EOI?
No. Current EOI holders will transition automatically on 5 October 2026.
When is the first selection under the hybrid model?
The first selection under the hybrid model is scheduled for 10 November 2026. The model itself takes effect earlier, on 5 October 2026.
Does being selected guarantee a Parent Resident Visa?
No. Selection and satisfaction of the relevant requirements lead to an ITA. The invited person may then submit a residence application; selection alone is not a visa approval.
Is an additional fee required?
The official announcement states that no additional fee is required.
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a licensed immigration professional before making investment decisions. Requirements for the Spain Golden Visa are subject to change. Always verify with official government sources.