IntraSource
Featured New Zealand

New Zealand Hikes Visa Fees by Almost 60% Starting October 2024

Student Visa Fee Increase

Beginning October 1, 2024, the New Zealand government will increase visa fees across most categories, including student, work, and tourist visas. Student visa fees will rise from NZ$300 to NZ$485. India, currently the second largest source of students for New Zealand with 17% of the student population, follows China which accounts for 35%, according to Education New Zealand (ENZ).

Tourist Visa Fee Surge

Tourist visa fees have seen a significant increase as well, jumping from NZ$190 to NZ$300. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford stated that the hike aims to create a more sustainable immigration system by transferring the financial burden from taxpayers to visa applicants.

Financial Impact and Competitiveness

The increased visa fees are expected to cover processing costs as well as managing higher-risk applications. This adjustment could potentially reduce the need for public funding by over NZ$563 million (£338 million) over the next four years. Despite the hikes, Stanford emphasized that New Zealand’s visa fees remain competitive when compared to countries like Australia and the United Kingdom.

Visa Category Old Rate New Rate
Skilled Residence Visa NZ$2,480 NZ$2,880
Entrepreneur Residence Category NZ$3,710 NZ$11,320
Active Investor Plus Category NZ$4,630 NZ$12,070
Family Category NZ$2,060 NZ$1,940
Dependent Child Visa NZ$2,060 NZ$1,830
Parent Retirement Category NZ$3,710 NZ$9,430
Visitor Visa NZ$190 NZ$300
Student Visa NZ$300 NZ$485
Post-study Work Visa NZ$490 NZ$320
Work Visa – Partner NZ$650 NZ$570
Working Holiday Scheme NZ$210 NZ$215
Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ$540 NZ$480

Statistics and Rejection Rates

New Zealand approved 115,008 visas for Indian nationals in 2023, a notable increase from 83,583 in 2019 before the pandemic. However, the rejection rate for Indian applicants stands at 28%, second only to Pakistan’s 71% rejection rate.

Related posts

IRCC Terminates Flagpoling Services for PGWP Applicants

Intrasource

Ukrainian Refugee Support and Immigration: Alberta’s Call For More Control

Intrasource

Kaitangata – NZ town won’t PAY you to move.

Intrasource
× How can I help you?