Upcoming Increases to Visa Application Fees and Levies

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