New Zealand Raises Visa Fees Across All Categories Effective October 1

In a significant shift, the New Zealand government has announced an increase in visa fees across all categories, impacting work, visit, and study visas starting October 1, 2024. This move aims to transfer the financial burden from taxpayers to visa applicants.

Key Changes in Visa Fees

• Student Visas: Fees will rise from $188 to over $300, marking the most substantial increase.
• Tourist Visas: The fee will increase from $119 to $188.

Detailed Breakdown of Visa Fee Changes:

1. Skilled Residence Visa
   • Current Rate: $1,142
   • New Rate: $1,810
2. Entrepreneur Residence Category
   • Current Rate: $2,331
   • New Rate: $7,120
3. Active Investor Plus Category
   • Current Rate: $2,909
   • New Rate: $7,585
4. Family Category
   • Current Rate: $1,294
   • New Rate: $1,219
5. Dependent Child Visa
   • Current Rate: $1,294
   • New Rate: $1,150
6. Parent Retirement Category
   • Current Rate: $2,331
   • New Rate: $5,926
7. Visitor Visa
   • Current Rate: $190
   • New Rate: $300
8. Post-Study Work Visa
   • Current Rate: $490
   • New Rate: $320
9. Work Visa – Partner
   • Current Rate: $408
   • New Rate: $358
10. Working Holiday Scheme
    • Current Rate: $131
    • New Rate: $135
11. Accredited Employer Work Visa
    • Current Rate: $339
    • New Rate: $301

Context and Implications

This increase in visa fees comes amidst a surge in tourism and work visa applications from India, with Immigration New Zealand reporting 115,008 visas approved for Indian nationals in 2023, a notable rise from 83,583 in 2019 before the pandemic.