The situation
Starting November 5, 2018, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will introduce changes to government fees and levies for visa applications.
A closer look
There are planned decreases in fees for some visa types but the changes show an overall increase in fees and levies—up to 54 percent for most work visa applications. In addition, discounts for work, student and visitor visa applications made online will be removed.
Based on INZ’s detailed schedule of fees and levies, the key changes are as follows:
Impact
Employers and foreign nationals should contact their Fragomen professional to determine the best time to lodge their visa applications, depending on whether the fee will increase or decrease for each visa type.
Employers and foreign nationals should complete affected visa applications before November 5 to avoid any additional charges. Applicants with applications that pending as of November 5 should complete payment before that date, otherwise, the new fee and levy will apply.
Looking ahead
Visa fees are typically reviewed every three years in New Zealand, with the last review occurring in 2015. According to INZ, since 2015, the costs of maintaining an effective immigration system has changed due to increasing traveler flows, growing focus on risk, compliance and verification, as well as the continuous improvements necessary to maintain to its operating model.
Fragomen will monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
LIA 201500430
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.
Blog post
Partner Rahul Soni and Senior Associate Xiaodan (Susan) Song help international commercial enterprise investors make informed decisions by explaining the differences between EB-5 rural projects and high unemployment projects.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses how those planning to attend the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games in Paris can prepare for their trip from an immigration perspective.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of immigration programs and relief options by USCIS for Venezuelan nationals amidst the political and economic crisis in Venezuela.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés shares why Ireland needs a standardised visa system that’s faster and more consistent.
Blog post
This blog discusses Australia's Resident Return visa and its associated "compelling reasons" criteria.
Blog post
Senior Associate Sarah Melnick discusses the available immigration options for individuals not selected in this year's H-1B Cap Lottery.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha dados recentes sobre o aumento de vistos de trabalho para profissionais da produção de proteína halal.
Fragomen news
Silicon Valley Managing Partner Kristi Nevarez is recognized as an honoree in the Silicon Valley Business Journal's 2024 Latinx Business Leadership Awards.
Blog post
This blog discusses the complexities individuals face when navigating international travel while awaiting their residence permit in France.
Media mentions
Director Kathleen O’Donnell and Apprentice Immigration Paralegal Grace Harby share insights on the impact of the UK's five-point plan on Northern employers.
Media mentions
Partner Patrick Shen shares what HR professionals should be aware of to avoid discrimination with Form I-9.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.
Blog post
Partner Rahul Soni and Senior Associate Xiaodan (Susan) Song help international commercial enterprise investors make informed decisions by explaining the differences between EB-5 rural projects and high unemployment projects.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses how those planning to attend the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games in Paris can prepare for their trip from an immigration perspective.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of immigration programs and relief options by USCIS for Venezuelan nationals amidst the political and economic crisis in Venezuela.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés shares why Ireland needs a standardised visa system that’s faster and more consistent.
Blog post
This blog discusses Australia's Resident Return visa and its associated "compelling reasons" criteria.
Blog post
Senior Associate Sarah Melnick discusses the available immigration options for individuals not selected in this year's H-1B Cap Lottery.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha dados recentes sobre o aumento de vistos de trabalho para profissionais da produção de proteína halal.
Fragomen news
Silicon Valley Managing Partner Kristi Nevarez is recognized as an honoree in the Silicon Valley Business Journal's 2024 Latinx Business Leadership Awards.
Blog post
This blog discusses the complexities individuals face when navigating international travel while awaiting their residence permit in France.
Media mentions
Director Kathleen O’Donnell and Apprentice Immigration Paralegal Grace Harby share insights on the impact of the UK's five-point plan on Northern employers.
Media mentions
Partner Patrick Shen shares what HR professionals should be aware of to avoid discrimination with Form I-9.