New Zealand Visa Fee Changes Effective October 1, 2024

Starting October 1, 2024, New Zealand will implement significant changes to its visa fee structure. These adjustments aim to create a more sustainable immigration system by covering the costs associated with processing visa applications.

New Zealand’s immigration system is vital to the nation’s economy, workforce, and community. It brings together families and friends, provides essential skills and capital to employers, supports international and charitable commitments, and ensures the honesty and wholeness of New Zealand’s borders. Consequently, it is appropriate that those who benefit from the system help cover its operational costs.

The proposed visa fee increases from 1 October 2024 show significant changes across various categories. The Entrepreneur Residence Visa category has one of the highest increases, with fees rising from NZD 3,710 to NZD 11,320. This substantial increase is likely due to the higher administrative costs and the need to ensure that the immigration system is self-funding and sustainable. Other notable increases include the Active Investor Plus Visa, which sees fees rising from NZD 4,750 to NZD 12,070. This reflects the complexity and resources required to process these applications, ensuring that the costs are covered by those who benefit from the system.

Below are some key changes for a few visa categories:

Visa Category	Current Fee (Band A)	New Fee (Band A)
Skilled Residence	NZD 4,290	NZD 6,450
Family Category	NZD 2,750	NZD 5,360
Dependent Child	NZD 2,750	NZD 3,230
Residence from Work Category	NZD 4,240	NZD 6,490
Post-study Work Visa	NZD 700	NZD 1,670
Student Visa	NZD 375	NZD 750
Permanent Resident Visa	NZD 240	NZD 315
Employer Accreditation (high Volume)	NZD 1,220	NZD 1,280
Employer Accreditation (Triangular Employment)	NZD 3,870	NZD 4,060
Entrepreneur Residence Category	NZD 6,860	NZD 14,890
Entrepreneur Work Visa	NZD 3,920	NZD 12,380
Active Investor Plus Category	NZD 7,900	NZD 27,470

For a comprehensive overview of the updated visa fees, please consult the official immigration fee and levy table. Table of changes to fee and levy rates (immigration.govt.nz)

Impact on Applicants
These changes will have varying impacts on different categories of applicants:

Encouragement for International Students: The reduction in post-study work visa fees is a positive change for international students, making it more affordable for them to stay and work in New Zealand after completing their studies.
Administrative Efficiency: The fee increases are intended to cover the higher administrative costs, which could lead to more efficient processing times and better services for applicants.
Family Reunification: The increased fees for family category visas may impact families looking to reunite in New Zealand, potentially making it more challenging for some to afford the application process.
Increased Financial Burden: Applicants, especially those applying for skilled residence and work visas, will face a significant increase in costs. This may require better financial planning and could potentially deter some applicants.

Conclusion

The upcoming changes to New Zealand’s visa fee structure reflect the government’s efforts to create a sustainable and efficient immigration system. While the increased fees may pose challenges for some applicants, they are also designed to improve the overall processing and support for visa applications. It’s crucial for prospective applicants to stay informed about these changes and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth application process.

For more detailed information, reach out to our experts at Contact New Zealand.