Parent Resident Visa: How the New Queue and Ballot Selection Works

The way expressions of interest (EOIs) are selected for the Parent Resident Visa has changed. Instead of relying only on a ballot, most EOIs are now selected in the order they were submitted, with a smaller share still drawn at random. The first selections under the new model were made on 10 November 2026. Here is what the change means for parents and their New Zealand sponsors.

How the hybrid model works

Each selection round takes most EOIs from the front of the queue. Your place is based on the date you submitted your EOI. A smaller number are drawn at random from the remaining EOIs, so an EOI can be selected by ballot before its estimated queue date. There is no fixed number selected each round.

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Keeping your queue position

Your original date can carry over. If your earlier EOI expired and you submitted a new one within 90 days, your queue date is based on the earlier EOI.

EOIs no longer have an expiry date, but you must reconfirm yours every 2 years. You can do this in the 6 months after it reaches 2 years. For example, an EOI submitted on 4 July 2025 would need to be reconfirmed between 4 July 2027 and 4 January 2028, or it would expire. Tell Immigration New Zealand about any changes, such as health or financial changes, in the meantime.

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The November selection

A technical problem affected the 10 November 2026 draw. Immigration New Zealand has said it has been fixed, that no one was disadvantaged and that queue positions were not affected. EOIs from late 2022 and early 2023 are being selected, and invitations already sent can be relied on. Successful applicants are told within about a week.

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After you are selected

Once invited, the parent applies for residence and must meet the health, character and sponsorship requirements. The sponsor’s income and other conditions need to be ready at that point, so check them before your EOI reaches the front of the queue. See our guide to the Parent Resident Visa.

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What you should do now

• Check your estimated selection date: and note it may come sooner by ballot.
• Diary your reconfirmation window: so your EOI does not expire.
• Keep your EOI details up to date: including health and finances.
• Prepare the sponsor’s evidence early: so you can apply promptly when invited.