One-off Increase in Parent Category Resident Visa Quota: What It Means for Applicants

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced a one-off increase in the Parent Category Resident Visa quota for the current financial year, offering hope to more families seeking to reunite in New Zealand. This adjustment allows additional visas to be issued beyond the standard annual limit, ensuring that more approved applicants can secure their residency.
Understanding the Parent Category QuotaEach financial year, INZ is permitted to grant 2,500 Parent Category Resident Visas. This total is split into two groups:

• 2,000 visas allocated to queue applications (those who applied under the previous system before October 2016).
  
• 500 visas allocated to ballot applications (those who applied after the category reopened in 2022).
  

Due to high demand, INZ has approved in principle more queue applications than usual for this financial year, which runs until 30 June 2025.
One-off Increase: More Visas GrantedTo address this backlog, the Minister of Immigration has approved an additional 331 visas for queue applicants, allowing them to receive their residency earlier than expected. Those impacted by this increase will be contacted directly by INZ or their immigration advisers to confirm whether they wish to proceed under the new instructions.
Meanwhile, the issuance of ballot visas will continue until the 500 available slots are filled.
What Happens Next?

• For those within the new quota: If your application was approved in principle and falls within the additional 331 spots, you will be contacted by INZ.
  
• For those still waiting: Applications exceeding the increased quota will experience some delays, but processing is expected to speed up towards the end of the financial year.
  
• Future quotas: The annual limit of 2,500 Parent Category Resident Visas (including both queue and ballot applications) will remain in place for the next financial year.
  

What This Means for ApplicantsThis decision provides much-needed relief for families eager to reunite with their loved ones in New Zealand. If you or your family members have an active Parent Category Resident Visa application, keep an eye out for communication from INZ. 
Final ThoughtsWith this temporary increase, more families will have the opportunity to settle in New Zealand sooner. If you are affected by these changes, ensure you stay informed and respond promptly to INZ’s communication. For those still in the queue, patience is key as processing is expected to accelerate in the coming months.
For expert guidance on your immigration journey, consider consulting a licensed immigration adviser to navigate the process smoothly.

Source: INZ website