September 23rd, 2024 at 05:11 am

New Zealand Set to Raise Visa Fees and Visitor Levy Starting October 2024

As of October 1, 2024, New Zealand will be raising visa requirements and IVL rates. The IVL for each individual will increase from $35 to $100. Travelers’ decisions to visit the nation may be influenced by these developments, which are likely to have an impact on their budgets.

International travelers, workers, and students traveling to New Zealand from abroad will have to pay more for their visas and pay a higher International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) starting on October 1, 2024. The New Zealand government announced these reforms on September 3, 2024, to maintain the effectiveness of the immigration system while recovering the increasing expenses associated with granting visas.

Why the Change?

The significance of immigration to the economy, labor force, and society of New Zealand has been underlined by the government of that country. Immigration is beneficial:

• Bring friends and family back together.
• Give employers the talent and skills they need
• Observe New Zealand’s global obligations.
• Maintaining the integrity and safety of New Zealand’s borders

Given the significant role immigration plays, it makes sense that those who profit from the system pay a portion of its running expenses.

Key Updates Starting October 1, 2024

Increased Visa Fees

To more accurately represent the expenses incurred in processing applications and the advantages enjoyed by applicants, the costs for student, worker, and visiting visas will be changed. While many foreign tourists do not need to have a visiting visa since they are citizens of nations that waive visa requirements, those who do will be subject to new fees.

Higher International Visitor Levy (IVL)

The non-refundable International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which is presently set at NZD 35 per qualified person, will rise to NZD 100. For the majority of people applying for a visa or the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to enter New Zealand, this charge is required.

Who Is Going to Pay the IVL?

In addition to visa or NZeTA payments, the majority of tourists applying for the following visas will also be required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL):

• NZeTA applications
• Visitor Visas (excluding partner and dependent categories)
• Working Holiday and Work Exchange Schemes
• Student Visas (excluding dependent children)
• Specific Purpose Work Visas
• Student and Trainee Work Visas

Travelers from nations that have fee-waiver agreements, however, will not be required to pay these additional fees for visas. The IVL will still be applicable, though.

Sustaining Assistance for the Pacific Countries

As part of its ongoing commitment to its Pacific neighbors, New Zealand will continue to waive fees for visa applicants from these nations even beyond October 1, 2024.

Programs for ESOL to Get More Funding

Beginning on October 1, immigrants will pay for 80% of the expenses associated with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs in New Zealand schools. The remaining 20% will be paid for by the government, guaranteeing that these initiatives will continue to assist recent immigrants to New Zealand.

Changes in Visa Fees: A Closer Look

The latest list of fees for visas is shown below:

Conclusion

These higher fees and levies guarantee that the immigration system stays efficient, safe, and sustainable while New Zealand continues to modify its immigration laws to satisfy operational and economic demands.

Whether you intend to travel, study, or work in New Zealand, you should take these revised expenses into account, as of October 1, 2024. Thus, before you book your trip, be sure to allocate a sufficient amount of money.

Go to the Immigration New Zealand website for more specific details, including a thorough list of the increased visa fees.