NZ: Changes to Parent Resident Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
Changes are coming to the Parent Resident expression of interest (EOI) process on 5 October 2026, and people with EOIs expiring before then must take action to retain their position in the queue.
The Parent Resident Visa supports New Zealand citizens and residents who meet eligibility requirements to sponsor their parents for residence in New Zealand.
From 5 October, approximately 90% of EOIs will be selected through a queue in the order they were received, and approximately 10% will continue to be selected through a random ballot. EOIs in the ballot on 5 October will no longer expire.
If people have continually maintained an EOI in the pool, including submitting a subsequent EOI within 90 days of a previous EOI expiring, their place in the queue will be based on the date their original EOI was accepted into the pool.
If you have an EOI in the pool that will expire before 5 October and you want to remain in the queue, you will need to submit a new EOI to retain your current/original submission date. Applicants cannot have two EOIs in the pool at the same time, so you can either wait until your current EOI expires or withdraw your current EOI before submitting a new one.
If your EOI will still be valid on 5 October, there is no need to contact us or take any action right now. They will automatically be transferred to the new pool. Immigration will email EOI holders or their advisers confirming their queue position and explaining any next steps. These are not available yet, but we will let people know as soon as their queue positions have been confirmed.