India, Aug. 9 -- New Zealand will change how parents of citizens and residents are selected for residence visas from October, with most applications to be picked based on when they entered the queue and a smaller share chosen through a ballot.

Immigration New Zealand announced that the new hybrid selection model for the Parent Resident Visa Category will take effect on October 5, 2026. About 90% of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will be selected in date order, while roughly 10% will be selected through a ballot.

The annual cap will remain unchanged at 2,500 Parent Resident Visas per financial year.

The government said the changes are designed to make the system more predictable for families while ensuring newer applicants continue to h...