On 1 October 2024, New Zealand is set to implement new visa charges, reflecting a shift in how the costs of immigration services are covered. This change is part of a broader strategy to ensure that those benefiting from New Zealand’s immigration system contribute appropriately to its maintenance and development.
Why Are Visa Charges Increasing?
The adjustment to visa charges is driven by the need to recover the actual costs of processing visas. Immigration plays a critical role in New Zealand, contributing to the economy, enhancing the workforce, and supporting community development. As such, it is deemed fair that users of the immigration system cover the associated costs.
Key Benefits of Immigration in New Zealand
- Economic Contributions: Immigration is a significant driver of economic growth, bringing in essential skills, capital investment, and innovative business practices.
- Community Support: The immigration system helps reunite families and fosters diverse, inclusive communities across the country.
- International Commitments: New Zealand’s immigration policies align with its international obligations, supporting humanitarian efforts and global cooperation.
- Border Integrity: A well-funded visa system ensures the continued security and integrity of New Zealand’s borders.
Detailed Visa Charges
Starting from 1 October 2024, the new visa charges will be carefully calibrated to reflect the true cost of processing applications. While specific figures have not yet been disclosed, these charges will ensure that the immigration system remains sustainable and efficient.
Special Considerations for Pacific Countries
New Zealand has reaffirmed its commitment to Pacific countries by continuing to offer subsidised visa fees for applicants from this region. This subsidy reflects the close ties and ongoing support between New Zealand and its Pacific neighbours.
Changes in ESOL Programme Funding
Another significant change is the funding structure for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) programs in schools. Moving forward, 80% of the costs for ESOL programs will be funded by those using the immigration system. The remaining 20% will continue to be covered by the New Zealand Government, ensuring ongoing support for students requiring English language assistance.
Table of changes to fee and levy rate
Current rates | New rates from 1 October 2024 (NZD) | |||||||||
Type of application | Band A New Zealand (GST incl) | Band B Pacific | Band C Rest of World | Current Immigration Levy | Total (Band A)* | Band A New Zealand (GST incl) | Band B Pacific | Band C Rest of World | New Immigration Levy | Total (Band A)* |
Residence class visa | ||||||||||
Skilled Residence | 1,880 | 1,610 | 2,480 | 2,410 | 4,290 | 2,880 | 1,860 | 2,880 | 3,570 | 6,450 |
Entrepreneur Residence Category |
3,710 |
3,710 |
3,710 |
3,150 |
6,860 |
11,320 |
5,610 |
1,320 |
3,570 |
14,890 |
Active Investor Plus Category | 4,750 | 4,630 | 4,630 | 3,150 | 7,900 | 12,070 | 6,190 | 12,070 | 15,400 | 27,470 |
Residence from Work Category | 1,090 | – | – | 3,150 | 4,240 | 2,920 | – | – | 3,570 | 6,490 |
Family Category | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2,060 | 1,550 | 2,750 | 1,940 | 1,390 | 1,940 | 3,420 | 5,360 |
Dependent Child | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2,060 | 1,550 | 2,750 | 1,830 | 1,360 | 1,830 | 1,400 | 3,230 |
Parent Retirement Category |
3,710 |
3,710 |
3,710 |
1,550 |
5,260 |
9,430 |
5,140 |
9,430 |
3,420 |
12,850 |
Samoan Quota Scheme | 820 | 800 | – | – | 820 | 820 | 800 | – | – | 820 |
Pacific Access Category | 890 | 870 | – | 410 | 1,300 | 1,300 | 1,280 | – | – | 1,300 |
Employees of Relocating Business Category |
1,200 |
1,200 |
2,060 |
3,150 |
4,350 |
1,940 |
1,390 |
1,940 |
3,570 |
5,510 |
Pitcairn Islanders | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2,060 | 410 | 1,610 | 1,940 | 1,390 | 1,940 | – | 1,940 |
Any other residence category |
1,200 |
1,200 |
2,060 |
Varies |
Varies |
1,940 |
1,390 |
1,940 |
Varies |
Varies |
Current rates | New rates from 1 October 2024 (NZD) | |||||||||
Type of application | Band A New Zealand (GST incl) | Band B Pacific | Band C Rest of World | Current Immigration Levy | Total (Band A)* | Band A New Zealand (GST incl) | Band B Pacific | Band C Rest of World | New Immigration Levy | Total (Band A)* |
Applications for: | ||||||||||
Permanent Resident Visa (by a person holding resident visa or who previously held a resident visa) |
240 |
240 |
240 |
– |
240 |
315 |
260 |
315 |
– |
315 |
A grant of second or subsequent resident visa |
240 |
240 |
240 |
– |
240 |
275 |
250 |
275 |
– |
275 |
A variation of travel conditions on a resident visa |
240 |
240 |
240 |
– |
240 |
320 |
260 |
320 |
– |
320 |
Expressions of Interest under Parent Category | ||||||||||
Hard Copy | 550 | 550 | 550 | – | 550 | 575 | 555 | 575 | – | 575 |
Online | 430 | 430 | 430 | – | 430 | 450 | 435 | 450 | – | 450 |
Registration under Pacific Access Category | ||||||||||
First year’s registration | 85 | 85 | 85 | – | 85 | 89 | 86 | 89 | – | 89 |
Second and subsequent year’s registration |
35 |
35 |
35 |
– |
35 |
89 |
49 |
89 |
– |
89 |
Temporary visa | ||||||||||
Visitor visa | 190 | 150 | 190 | 21 | 211 | 300 | 175 | 300 | 41 | 341 |
Temporary Retirement Category visitor visa |
3,710 |
3,710 |
3,710 |
80 |
3,790 |
7,750 |
4,720 |
7,750 |
41 |
7,791 |
Group visitor visa – Approved Destination Status (China) – offshore only* | – | – | 35 | 55 | 90 | – | – | 55 | 85 | 140 |
Other group visitor visa | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 110 | 86 | 63 | 86 | 85 | 171 |
Fee-paying student visa | 280 | 220 | 300 | 95 | 375 | 485 | 270 | 485 | 265 | 750 |
Post-study work visa | 490 | 410 | 490 | 210 | 700 | 320 | 270 | 320 | 1,350 | 1,670 |
Current rates | New rates from 1 October 2024 (NZD) | |||||||||
Type of application | Band A New Zealand (GST incl) | Band B Pacific | Band C Rest of World | Current Immigration Levy | Total (Band A)* | Band A New Zealand (GST incl) | Band B Pacific | Band C Rest of World | New Immigration Levy | Total (Band A)* |
Work Visa – Partner | 650 | 650 | 650 | 210 | 860 | 570 | 570 | 570 | 1,060 | 1,630 |
Work to Residence | 650 | 650 | 650 | 210 | 860 | 570 | 570 | 570 | 1,060 | 1,630 |
Entrepreneur Work Visa | 3,710 | 3,140 | 3,710 | 210 | 3,920 | 11,320 | 5,190 | 11,320 | 1,060 | 12,380 |
Working holiday scheme | 210 | – | 210 | 210 | 420 | 215 | – | 215 | 455 | 670 |
Working holidaymaker extension |
210 |
– |
210 |
210 |
420 |
245 |
– |
245 |
455 |
700 |
Accredited Employer Work Visa |
540 |
540 |
540 |
210 |
750 |
480 |
480 |
480 |
1,060 |
1,540 |
Work visa – other | 490 | 410 | 490 | 210 | 700 | 295 | 250 | 295 | 1,060 | 1,355 |
Reconsideration of decision to decline temporary visa |
250 |
– |
– |
– |
250 |
220 |
– |
– |
– |
220 |
Limited visa | ||||||||||
Limited visa – student | 280 | 220 | 300 | 95 | 375 | 485 | 270 | 485 | 265 | 750 |
Limited visa – Recognised Seasonal Employer |
310 |
270 |
310 |
15 |
325 |
325 |
285 |
325 |
– |
325 |
Limited visa – other | 210 | 170 | 210 | 80 | 290 | 325 | 195 | 325 | 80 | 405 |
Transit visa | ||||||||||
Transit visa | 180 | 180 | 180 | – | 180 | 235 | 195 | 235 | – | 235 |
Transit visa – group Chinese nationals (per person) |
110 |
– |
110 |
– |
– |
145 |
– |
145 |
– |
145 |
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) | ||||||||||
Request for traveller NZeTA made via INZ website |
23 |
23 |
23 |
– |
23 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
– |
23 |
Request for traveller NZeTA made via mobile app |
17 |
17 |
17 |
– |
17 |
17 |
17 |
17 |
– |
17 |
Current rates | New rates from 1 October 2024 (NZD) | |||||||||
Type of application | Band A New Zealand (GST incl) | Band B Pacific | Band C Rest of World | Current Immigration Levy | Total (Band A)* | Band A New Zealand (GST incl) | Band B Pacific | Band C Rest of World | New Immigration Levy | Total (Band A)* |
Request for transit NZeTA made via INZ website |
23 |
23 |
23 |
– |
23 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
– |
23 |
Request for transit NZeTA made via mobile app |
17 |
17 |
17 |
– |
17 |
17 |
17 |
17 |
– |
17 |
Request for crew NZeTA | 17 | 17 | 17 | – | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | – | 17 |
Other matters – applications or requests by employers and organisations | ||||||||||
Approval in principle to recruit foreign crew of fishing vessels | 6,310 | – | – | – | 6,310 | 6,610 | – | – | – | 6,610 |
Request for supplementary seasonal employment approval in principle | 320 | – | – | – | 320 | 335 | – | – | – | 335 |
Recognised Seasonal Employer status |
1,080 |
– |
– |
– |
1,080 |
1,040 |
– |
– |
– |
1,040 |
Agreement to recruit under Recognised Seasonal Employer instructions | 290 | – | – | – | 290 | 280 | – | – | – | 280 |
Entertainment Industry accreditation (under Specific Purpose or Events instructions) | ||||||||||
First year’s registration | 2,200 | – | – | – | 2,200 | 2,310 | – | – | – | 2,310 |
Second and subsequent year’s registration |
620 |
– |
– |
– |
620 |
650 |
– |
– |
– |
650 |
Employer accreditation (under Accredited Employer immigration instructions) | ||||||||||
Employer accreditation (standard) |
740 |
– |
– |
– |
740 |
775 |
– |
– |
– |
775 |
Employer accreditation (upgrade from standard to high volume) | 480 | – | – | – | 480 | 505 | – | – | – | 505 |
Current rates | New rates from 1 October 2024 (NZD) | |||||||||
Type of application | Band A New Zealand (GST incl) | Band B Pacific | Band C Rest of World | Current Immigration Levy | Total (Band A)* | Band A New Zealand (GST incl) | Band B Pacific | Band C Rest of World | New Immigration Levy | Total (Band A)* |
Employer accreditation (high volume) |
1,220 |
– |
– |
– |
1,220 |
1,280 |
– |
– |
– |
1,280 |
Employer accreditation (triangular employment) |
3,870 |
– |
– |
– |
3,870 |
4,060 |
– |
– |
– |
4,060 |
Reconsideration of employer accreditation application |
240 |
– |
– |
– |
240 |
250 |
– |
– |
– |
250 |
Job Check (under Accredited Employer immigration instructions) | 610 | – | – | – | 610 | 735 | – | – | – | 735 |
Reconsideration of Job Check | 240 | – | – | – | 240 | 250 | – | – | – | 250 |
Other matters – general | ||||||||||
Special direction | 250 | 250 | 250 | – | 250 | 260 | 255 | 260 | – | 260 |
Residence class visa granted under section 61 |
1,080 |
– |
– |
– |
1,080 |
1,510 |
– |
– |
– |
1,510 |
Temporary entry class visa granted under section 61 |
460 |
– |
– |
– |
460 |
640 |
– |
– |
– |
640 |
Variation of conditions on a temporary entry class visa |
210 |
210 |
210 |
– |
210 |
325 |
240 |
325 |
– |
325 |
Call-out fee where office is opened outside normal working hours in order to process immigration mafter |
360 |
360 |
360 |
– |
360 |
375 |
365 |
375 |
– |
375 |
Confirmation of immigration status |
150 |
150 |
150 |
– |
150 |
225 |
170 |
225 |
– |
225 |
Current rates | New rates from 1 October 2024 (NZD) | |||||||||
Type of application | Band A New Zealand (GST incl) | Band B Pacific | Band C Rest of World | Current Immigration Levy | Total (Band A)* | Band A New Zealand (GST incl) | Band B Pacific | Band C Rest of World | New Immigration Levy | Total (Band A)* |
Transfer fee where visa stamp or label transferred from one passport or certificate to another |
150 |
150 |
150 |
– |
150 |
225 |
170 |
225 |
– |
225 |
Endorsement indicating New Zealand citizenship | ||||||||||
First endorsement indicating New Zealand citizenship | 170 | 170 | 170 | – | 170 | 225 | 185 | 225 | – | 225 |
Second and subsequent endorsement indicating New Zealand citizenship | 110 | 110 | 110 | – | 110 | 225 | 140 | 225 | – | 225 |
*except where not available
The upcoming changes to New Zealand’s visa charges are an essential step in maintaining a fair and effective immigration system. By ensuring that the costs are borne by those who benefit directly from immigration services, New Zealand can continue to support its economic growth, meet international obligations, and nurture diverse communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are the visa charges in New Zealand increasing?
The visa charges are increasing to better reflect the actual costs involved in processing visa applications. This ensures that the immigration system is sustainable and that those who benefit from the services contribute fairly to the costs.
2. When will the new visa charges take effect?
The new visa charges will come into effect on 1 October 2024. It is important for applicants to be aware of these changes when planning their visa applications.
3. Will all visa categories be affected by the new charges?
Yes, the changes will affect most visa categories. However, specific details on how much the fees will increase have not yet been disclosed. Certain visa categories, such as Pacific visas, will continue to receive subsidised fees.
4. What is the Government’s role in ESOL program funding under the new changes?
Under the new changes, individuals using the immigration system will fund 80% of the costs for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) programs. The New Zealand Government will continue to cover the remaining 20%, ensuring ongoing support for these essential programs.
5. How does the increase in visa charges benefit New Zealand?
The increase in visa charges helps to ensure that New Zealand’s immigration system remains well-funded and effective. It supports the country’s economic growth, community development, and international commitments while maintaining the security and integrity of its borders.
6. Are there any special considerations for Pacific visa applicants?
Yes, New Zealand will continue to offer subsidised fees for visa applicants from Pacific countries. This reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to supporting its Pacific neighbours.
7. Where can I find more information about the new visa charges?
For detailed information about the new visa charges, it is recommended to visit the official New Zealand Immigration website or contact the immigration office directly.
