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
In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.
Media mentions
In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.
Podcast
In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.
Media mentions
In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.
Media mentions
Director Isobel Neilson discusses how investment migration programs are evolving amid political scrutiny, regulatory reform and shifting priorities, with governments moving toward pathways that emphasise economic contribution, talent and stronger ties to host countries.
Fragomen news
Fragomen welcomes Counsel Christopher Wendt in Minnesota, bringing nearly three decades of immigration law experience, including more than 20 years supporting workforce immigration programs for Mayo Clinic.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Switzerland’s rejected population cap referendum and the role of immigration in supporting workforce and economic stability.
Awards
Fragomen has been featured in the 2026 GML Elite, Global Mobility Lawyer’s inaugural guide to leading global mobility teams, highlighting the firm’s global immigration capabilities, international footprint and work supporting multinational clients.
Media mentions
Partner Marius Tollenaere outlines the key 2026 EU Blue Card changes employers must understand to stay compliant and competitive.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe explained options available to Scotland fans whose US ESTAs have been denied or revoked ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses evolving corporate relocation strategies and sustained demand for moves to the Gulf.
Media mentions
In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.
Media mentions
In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.
Podcast
In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.
Media mentions
In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.
Media mentions
Director Isobel Neilson discusses how investment migration programs are evolving amid political scrutiny, regulatory reform and shifting priorities, with governments moving toward pathways that emphasise economic contribution, talent and stronger ties to host countries.
Fragomen news
Fragomen welcomes Counsel Christopher Wendt in Minnesota, bringing nearly three decades of immigration law experience, including more than 20 years supporting workforce immigration programs for Mayo Clinic.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Switzerland’s rejected population cap referendum and the role of immigration in supporting workforce and economic stability.
Awards
Fragomen has been featured in the 2026 GML Elite, Global Mobility Lawyer’s inaugural guide to leading global mobility teams, highlighting the firm’s global immigration capabilities, international footprint and work supporting multinational clients.
Media mentions
Partner Marius Tollenaere outlines the key 2026 EU Blue Card changes employers must understand to stay compliant and competitive.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe explained options available to Scotland fans whose US ESTAs have been denied or revoked ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses evolving corporate relocation strategies and sustained demand for moves to the Gulf.
