Visa Application Fees to Increase and Immigration Tax to be Introduced December 7
November 26, 2015
New Zealand
The New Zealand government has announced that some visa fees are set to increase December 7, 2015, and there will be a reduced fee for applicants who use Immigration ONLINE, the online application system. Additionally, a new immigration tax for temporary, limited and resident visas will replace the current tax for approved residence applications.
New Visa Fees
The new visa fees are as follows:
The NZD 92 discount that applies to certain temporary and residence applications will be eliminated.
Paper-based visitor visa application fees are also expected to increase in twelve months, however online visitor visa applications are expected to remain the same.
Upfront Immigration Tax
Additionally, a new immigration tax for temporary, limited and resident visas will replace the current tax for approved residence applications. The immigration tax will have to be paid upon the submission of visa applications.
Some exemptions will apply, such as for visa-exempt nationals, citizens of countries with a bi-lateral fee-waiver agreement, diplomats, officials or consular staff and people applying for refugee status or protected persons.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals should be aware of the visa fee increases and should submit applications online where possible to take advantage of the lower fees.
The content of this alert is provided for information purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
LIA 201500192
© 2015 Fragomen
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
In the Mobility Minute, Practice Leader Colm Collins outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s employment permit qualifying criteria and the steps employers should take ahead of the 1 March 2026 implementation.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what travellers to the US under the Visa Waiver Program need to disclose and consider before travelling.
Media mentions
Counsel Brian Hunt discussed US Customs and Border Protection's proposed changes to the ESTA application process regarding social media and additional personal information.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler explains key considerations for Indian applicants under the new Gold Card program.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui outlines key legalisation requirements when the Apostille Convention does not apply or when country-specific exceptions exist.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that visitors to the US under the visa waiver program for the 2026 World Cup could face a more extensive ESTA application process.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and K. Edward Raleigh outline how recent US visa policy changes affect H-1B and H-4 workers and how employers are adjusting compliance and work authorization processes.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer emphasizes the importance of legal support in helping skilled professionals navigate work-based immigration to Germany.
Blog post
The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the US proposal to expand social media screening for visitors from visa waiver countries and the broader shift it represents in travel vetting.
Video
The latest Mobility Minute features Manager Alex Hood discussing recent updates to the UK’s High Potential Individual route, including expanded university eligibility, a new annual cap and modernized governance measures.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses how the UAE’s flexible migration policies attract talent and support a competitive labour market.
Video
In the Mobility Minute, Practice Leader Colm Collins outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s employment permit qualifying criteria and the steps employers should take ahead of the 1 March 2026 implementation.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what travellers to the US under the Visa Waiver Program need to disclose and consider before travelling.
Media mentions
Counsel Brian Hunt discussed US Customs and Border Protection's proposed changes to the ESTA application process regarding social media and additional personal information.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler explains key considerations for Indian applicants under the new Gold Card program.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui outlines key legalisation requirements when the Apostille Convention does not apply or when country-specific exceptions exist.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that visitors to the US under the visa waiver program for the 2026 World Cup could face a more extensive ESTA application process.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and K. Edward Raleigh outline how recent US visa policy changes affect H-1B and H-4 workers and how employers are adjusting compliance and work authorization processes.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer emphasizes the importance of legal support in helping skilled professionals navigate work-based immigration to Germany.
Blog post
The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the US proposal to expand social media screening for visitors from visa waiver countries and the broader shift it represents in travel vetting.
Video
The latest Mobility Minute features Manager Alex Hood discussing recent updates to the UK’s High Potential Individual route, including expanded university eligibility, a new annual cap and modernized governance measures.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses how the UAE’s flexible migration policies attract talent and support a competitive labour market.