Immigration New Zealand increases visa fees effective from 1 October for many different visa streams including permanent resident visa and specific purpose work visa. The fee changes include:
- Specific Purpose Work Visa increased from 735 NZD to 1,355 NZD;
- Permanent Resident Visa increased from 240 NZD to 315 NZD;
- Accredited Employer Work Visa increased from 750 NZD to 1,540 NZD (about US$946).
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said about the increase in visa fees;
From 1 October, new visa charges will be introduced across almost all visa categories, freeing up more than $563 million for the Crown over the next four years.
Until now, our immigration system has been heavily subsidized by taxpayers. The changes we’re making are shifting the cost to those benefitting from the system. We’re ensuring it is self-funding and more efficient.
The charges remain competitive in comparison to countries like Australia and the United Kingdom so we are confident New Zealand will continue to be an attractive destination to live, work, study, and visit.
The announcement about visa fee change was made on 9 August. The complete list of visa fee changes from the New Zealand government can be found here.
Fee Exemptions Relaxations
New Zealand remains dedicated to assisting its Pacific neighbors by offering subsidized visa fees for applicants from Pacific nations. On the other hand, most international visitors are from visa-waiver countries and are exempt from paying visa fees.
Furthermore, the immigration system will now cover 80 percent of the costs associated with English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) programs in schools, while the Government will maintain funding for the remaining 20 percent.