Sponsoring a parent category resident visa.
Responsibilities of Sponsoring a Parent Category Resident Visa Holder in New Zealand
Sponsoring a parent to come to New Zealand under the Parent Category Resident Visa is a wonderful way to reunite families and build stronger connections across generations. However, this sponsorship comes with specific legal responsibilities that ensure your parent’s essential needs are met throughout their stay.
When you sponsor a parent under this visa category, you are taking on certain obligations to support their well-being and address any potential financial needs. Let’s explore these responsibilities in detail.
1. Accommodation Responsibility
As a sponsor, it is your responsibility to ensure that your parent has suitable accommodation during their stay in New Zealand. If your parent is unable to afford housing, you are required to provide or pay for it. This includes making sure that the accommodation is safe, comfortable, and meets the living standards necessary for their well-being.
2. Maintenance for Essential Health and Welfare
Supporting a parent on a Parent Category Resident Visa also means ensuring they have the essential provisions needed for daily life. This includes:
Food and household necessities,
Clothing, and
Medical treatment when needed.
In cases where your parent cannot cover these basic living expenses on their own, it is your duty as the sponsor to either provide these essentials or bear the costs. This commitment helps ensure that your parent enjoys a stable, dignified life in New Zealand without placing undue burden on public services.
3. Repatriation and Outward Travel Costs
Should circumstances arise where your parent needs to leave New Zealand at the end of their stay, it is your responsibility to cover repatriation costs. Repatriation refers to expenses related to outward travel, ensuring that your parent can return to their home country if:
They cannot afford the travel expenses on their own, or
They are required to leave due to visa expiration or other immigration-related reasons.
In cases where your parent either lacks the funds for travel or refuses to pay, as the sponsor, you are legally obligated to cover the costs necessary for their return journey.
4. Deportation-Related Costs
While it’s uncommon for parents on a Parent Category Resident Visa to face deportation, sponsors should be aware that any costs related to deportation would also fall under their responsibility. This includes:
Locating and detaining your parent if required,
Maintenance costs during the deportation process, and
Travel expenses involved in arranging for deportation.
These responsibilities ensure that, in the rare case of deportation, the sponsor bears the financial burden, not the New Zealand government.
Key Takeaways for Sponsoring Parents
Sponsoring a parent to live in New Zealand is a fulfilling way to bring family closer, but it also comes with serious commitments. While many parents are able to financially support themselves, the Parent Category Resident Visa requires sponsors to be prepared to cover accommodation, essential living costs, and repatriation if needed. Understanding these responsibilities can help ensure a smooth transition for your parent and a rewarding sponsorship experience for your family.
