Parent Visa Reforms Open New Opportunities for NZ Migrant Families

In a major move by Immigration New Zealand, recent reforms to the Parent Resident Visa Category are opening new doors for families seeking long-term stability. The new changes allow parents of skilled migrants to reunite with their children in New Zealand. For international students looking to Study Masters in NZ, these visa reforms provide added reassurance knowing they may have the opportunity for family support during and after their studies. These changes in visa rules give students more peace of mind for their future, making New Zealand an even more attractive destination for higher education.

What’s Changed in the Parent Resident Visa Policy?

From July 1, 2025, the Parent Resident Visa of New Zealand will undergo some minor but significant changes to the visa category, making it easier for parents. Here’s what’s changed:

• Special Queue Removed: There was a separate queue for applicants, but since almost everyone in that queue has now been processed, this system is being discontinued.
• Temporary Cap Increase Ends: The temporary cap increase has been eliminated. If your application got "approval in principle" before this change, you’re still covered by the old limit.
• Annual Cap Starts: Parent Resident Visas are reset every financial year. The annual limit for 2025/26 has been increased to 2,500 visas in total.
• The ballot system continues: applications (called Expressions of Interest or EOIs) are chosen at random in draws ("ballots"), and there are now more places in the ballot pool. The next ballot will happen on 12 August 2025, with a deadline to submit your EOI by 31 July 2025.

Why New Zealand Remains a Top Destination for International Students

These visa changes come at a time when New Zealand stands out as one of the top global destinations for studying abroad. New Zealand has a high quality of living, safety, and universities ranked globally making it an ideal choice of study abroad destination by students.

The list of universities in NZ for international students includes world-renowned institutions such as:

• University of Auckland
• University of Otago
• Victoria University of Wellington
• University of Canterbury
• Massey University

Be it in sciences, sports, social sciences, business and engineering, arts or in the humanities, these universities in New Zealand provide good coursework and a friendly experience to the wide range of international students. For those aiming to pursue an MBA in New Zealand, the country offers a strong academic foundation combined with real-world industry exposure, making it a top choice for future business leaders.

However, understanding the costs of studying in New Zealand is key. Depending on the program and university, international students may pay between NZD 20,000 and NZD 35,000 per year.

In addition to that, the average cost of living in NZ is estimated to be between NZD 1,000 to NZD 2,000 a month, which covers rent, food, transportation, and other necessities. Being aware of the whole issue allows families to prepare both psychologically and financially.

How Nomad Credit Helps Students Plan Ahead

For students from around the globe who dream of settling in New Zealand, whether for education, work, or long-term family reunions, financial planning is crucial. That's where Nomad credit comes in.

Students planning to study in New Zealand or other countries can have a more seamless experience studying abroad thanks to Nomad Credit's helpful services. Here’s what they offer:

• Free study abroad counselling
• Guidance on the cost of living in New Zealand and budgeting tips
• Personalized advice on student education loans for study abroad
• Help assessing your abroad education loan eligibility
• Matching students with the best loan products from banks and NBFCs

"We feel that money should not be an obstacle to good education," said Swapnil Charpe, Head of Marketing Team at Nomad Credit. "With the latest visa reforms, families can reunite sooner, and we’re here to ensure that students can afford to get there in the first place."

I craft clear and engaging content to guide students through their study abroad journey, covering admissions, visas, and global education opportunities.