From 30 April 2026, income and sponsorship thresholds will increase for several Pacific and family visa categories.
The changes affect the Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota, Parent Category Resident Visa and Parent Boost Visitor Visa.
These updates are part of routine annual reviews to ensure income thresholds remain aligned with current wages, benefit settings, and living costs in New Zealand.
What is changing
Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota
For applicants with dependent children, the minimum income threshold will increase from NZD $54,133.04 to NZD $55,404.96 per year.
Parent Category Resident Visa and Parent Boost Visitor Visa
Sponsorship income thresholds will be updated to reflect the June 2025 median wage of NZD $35.00 per hour, up from NZD $33.56.
Table 1: Minimum annual income for 1 sponsor from 30 April 2026
| Minimum income to sponsor 1 parent | Minimum income to sponsor 2 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 3 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 4 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 5 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 6 parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZD $72,800.00 | NZD $109,200.00 | NZD $145,600.00 | NZD $182,000.00 | NZD $218,400.00 | NZD $254,800.00 |
Table 2: Minimum annual income for 2 sponsors from 30 April 2026
| Minimum income to sponsor 1 parent | Minimum income to sponsor 2 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 3 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 4 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 5 parents | Minimum income to sponsor 6 parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZD $109,200.00 | NZD $145,600.00 | NZD $182,000.00 | NZD $218,400.00 | NZD $254,800.00 | NZD $291,200.00 |
Who the changes affect
Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota applicants
For the Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota, the updated income threshold will apply to applications from 30 April 2026 where the principal applicant has dependent children.
Parent Category Resident Visa applicants
Sponsors must meet the income threshold that applied for the chosen two 12-month periods during the 3 years before the Expression of Interest was selected.
People who have already applied under the Parent Category Resident Visa are not affected.
Parent Boost Visitor Visa applicants
For the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, the new sponsorship and applicant income and funds thresholds will apply to applications lodged on or after 30 April 2026.