New Zealand Increases Visa Costs for Tourists, Workers, and Students in 2024

Visa costs have gone up in New Zealand for the majority of categories, including work, student, and tourist visas. This action is anticipated to save about NZ$563 million in public funds and lessen the financial strain on taxpayers. October 1, 2024, is when the new fees go into effect.

The government of New Zealand has raised the cost of visas for several categories, including work, student, and visiting visas, with effect from October 1, 2024. With this adjustment, the financial burden will shift from taxpayers to those seeking visas, resulting in a more sustainable immigration system.

Overview of Fee Increases

The decision to increase fees is a component of a larger effort to guarantee the sustainability of the immigration system, according to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford. The extra fees will take care of higher-risk applications in addition to covering the costs of processing visas. In the following four years, it is estimated that this modification will save taxpayers about NZ$563 million (£338 million).

Key Changes in Visa Fees

Beginning on October 1, 2024, New Zealand will significantly raise visa requirements for several groups. These changes, which impact skilled residents, students, visitors, and family visas, are intended to improve the sustainability of the immigration system.

The previous and current rates for each category are contrasted below;

New Zealand Update Visa Fees as of October 2024

Exceptions

There are a few exclusions, where the fees for particular visa categories are reduced. Among them are:

• Dependent Child Visa (now valued at NZ$1,830 instead of NZ$2,060)
• Work permit for post-study (from NZ$490 to NZ$320)
• Work Visa: Partner (now worth NZ$570 instead of NZ$650)

Rationale for the Increase

According to the government of New Zealand, the increased fees will pay for handling complicated application processes and overhead. In the following four years, it is anticipated that this reform will save about NZ$563 million in public funds.

Competitive Environment

According to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, New Zealand still charges reasonable immigration fees when compared to countries like Australia and the UK.

Higher International Visitor Levy (IVL)

Travelers will now pay a higher International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) in addition to the higher visa expenses. Currently set at NZD 35, the non-refundable levy will grow to NZD 100 per qualified person. Most applicants needing a visa or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to enter the nation must pay this charge.

Effects on Travelers from India

This holds special significance for visitors from India, who account for a sizeable fraction of the student and visiting population in New Zealand (17% of students and the second-highest source of visa applications overall in 2023).

Growing Number of Indian Citizens Approved for Visas

115,008 Indian national visas were granted by New Zealand in 2023, a significant rise from the 83,583 visas granted in 2019 before the epidemic. Nonetheless, Indian candidates have the second-highest rejection rate (28%), after Pakistan (71%).

Conclusion

The government’s goal of creating a viable immigration system while lowering taxpayer dependency is reflected in the hikes in New Zealand’s visa fees. Notwithstanding the increased expenses, the nation is nonetheless competitive on a global scale, providing chances for visitors, students, and skilled workers looking to live or travel.