New Zealand will introduce a hybrid selection system for its Parent Resident Visa Category from 5 October 2026, with about 90% of expressions of interest (EOIs) selected in date order and the remaining 10% through a ballot, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced.
Even though the annual cap of 2,500 Parent Resident Visas will remain unchanged, the new hybrid model is aimed at making the selection process more fair, predictable and to provide opportunity to newer applicants as well.