NZ Parent Resident Visa | New selection process and February 2027 ballot
10 November 2026
Immigration New Zealand scheduled its first Parent Resident Visa selection under the new hybrid system for 10 November 2026. The next round is expected in February 2027, with a 31 January 2027 deadline for new expressions of interest (EOIs) to be considered in the February ballot.
How the new system works Each round combines two ways of selecting EOIs: • Around 90% are selected from the queue, starting with the earliest. • Around 10% are selected through a random ballot, giving families a chance to be selected ahead of their estimated queue date. EOIs that were valid on 5 October 2026 automatically moved into the new pool. Visa eligibility and sponsorship requirements remain the same, along with the annual cap of 2,500 visas. When is the next selection round? The next round is expected to take place on Tuesday, 9 February 2027. If you’re submitting a new EOI for the February ballot, submit it by 31 January 2027. For queue selection, Immigration New Zealand’s current estimate covers EOIs with queue position dates from June to July 2023. This range may change. What happens if your EOI is selected? Immigration New Zealand checks selected EOIs before deciding whether to issue an Invitation to Apply. If you receive one, you have four months from the date of your invitation to submit your residence application. Keep your email address up to date and check your inbox and spam folder. How IR Legal can help Whether you’re preparing an EOI or have already received an invitation, IR Legal can help you check the sponsorship requirements, prepare your application and organise your supporting documents. Contact IR Legal on +64 27 566 1155 or email admin@irlegal.lawyer.
How the new system works Each round combines two ways of selecting EOIs: • Around 90% are selected from the queue, starting with the earliest. • Around 10% are selected through a random ballot, giving families a chance to be selected ahead of their estimated queue date. EOIs that were valid on 5 October 2026 automatically moved into the new pool. Visa eligibility and sponsorship requirements remain the same, along with the annual cap of 2,500 visas. When is the next selection round? The next round is expected to take place on Tuesday, 9 February 2027. If you’re submitting a new EOI for the February ballot, submit it by 31 January 2027. For queue selection, Immigration New Zealand’s current estimate covers EOIs with queue position dates from June to July 2023. This range may change. What happens if your EOI is selected? Immigration New Zealand checks selected EOIs before deciding whether to issue an Invitation to Apply. If you receive one, you have four months from the date of your invitation to submit your residence application. Keep your email address up to date and check your inbox and spam folder. How IR Legal can help Whether you’re preparing an EOI or have already received an invitation, IR Legal can help you check the sponsorship requirements, prepare your application and organise your supporting documents. Contact IR Legal on +64 27 566 1155 or email admin@irlegal.lawyer.