By Mel Fernandez, Editor Migrant News: www.migrantnews.nz
2000 visas a year to be granted through resumption of parent category
· The Parent Category restarting will benefit skilled migrants wanting to settle in Aotearoa New Zealand with their families
WELLINGTON – Excitement is building for skilled migrants who resettled in Aotearoa New Zealand recently but could not bring their parents over to join them as residents because changes are afoot.
The long-awaited parent visa has been reactivated after a major review of it in 2016. The program was suspended because it was apparent that some migrants were not supporting their parents and failed to meet their parental sponsorship obligations.
The modernised and updated policy was supposed to have come online in 2020, but the government had to temporarily shut down the program while the pandemic was upon us.
Fortunately, the Government is now opening the doors again and welcoming 2,000 parents to become residents here. “We recognise the importance for migrants resettling here to have a pathway for their parents to join them,” said Immigration Minister Michael Wood.
“We are resuming selections of the Parent Category Expressions of Interest (EOIs), which will see New Zealand become an even more attractive destination for high skilled migrants looking to resettle long term.
“Knowing that they can bring their families will ensure that New Zealand is competitive in a global market and will give people certainty so they can make the decision to come here faster.”
The first selection of EOIs has already begun and will continue to be chosen in date order with the oldest EOIs being selected first. Selections will take place every quarter, with up to 2,000 visas a year granted to people with existing expressions of interest.
“The Parent Category restarting will support skilled migrants to feel more settled in New Zealand and increase their wellbeing by having their family network there to support them,” Michael Wood said.
“Selections resuming today is the first step in this process.”
More information on the Parent Category and EOI process can be found on the Immigration New Zealand website.
