As the majority of PathwaysNZ clients are referred by previous or existing clients our fee structures are necessarily transparent, fairly priced and generally consistent for the same types of applications. Our normal approach is to firstly liaise closely with prospective clients to assess if and how their immigration requirements can be best and most effectively met. This Initial Assessment process is undertaken without charge and in good faith on the basis the client is similarly genuine in their intentions and their requirements of PathwaysNZ.  However, in many cases it is necessary for significant additional information and documentation to be requested and reviewed in order for a Comprehensive Immigration Assessment to be finalised and a nominal fee is normally payable in such cases.  This investment is discounted from any subsequent fees should PathwaysNZ be further instructed to assist with an immigration application.

Should PathwaysNZ assess that, with its assistance, the application has a very reasonable chance of being successful then a formal proposal and Service Contract will be forwarded, normally by email, detailing the professional fees and terms to apply. Our appointment is then confirmed by signing and returning the contract along with payment of an Initial Instruction Fee.  Thereafter further payments are normally made in stages on application lodgement and application approval. Immigration New Zealand fees are additionally payable as required throughout the application process.

Initial Instruction Fees are non-refundable. Any payment due at the time of application lodgement is payable if, at the time the application is  lodged, the application, in the opinion of PathwaysNZ, satisfies the then applicable policy and it is reasonable to continue to assume the application can be successful. Approval fees are payable following advice the application has been approved.
 
It should be appreciated that each applicant's circumstances are likely to be different and this may impact on the fee regime however indicative examples of current standard PathwaysNZ professional fees are as follows:

• Work Applications - NZ$1,500 to NZ$3,000
• Skilled Migrant Residence Application - NZ$4,000 to NZ$6,000
• Family Parent Residence Application - NZ$2,500 to NZ$3,500
• Family Partner Residence Application - NZ$2,000 to NZ$3,500
• Business and Investor applications are individually priced based on the application circumstances and requirements

PathwaysNZ fees are inclusive of any GST taxes (except for GST registered clients) and do not include external fees such as INZ fees or those required for NZQA qualification assessments, translations, medical certificates or police clearance certificates. PathwaysNZ charges a nominal fee of $50 and $150 respectively for onshore and offshore applications to cover disbursement costs associated with courier fees, photocopying and communication costs. PathwaysNZ operates a fixed fee pricing regime wherever possible with all fees known and agreed in advance. In cases where a fixed fee is not possible due to the unknown extent of the work involved an hourly rate may be applied.  Fees are normally paid in NZ$ by direct bank transfer or eftpos.

It should be appreciated there are a significant number of immigration applications which do not easily fit within policy guidelines and which are required to be processed as “special cases”. These can include difficult relationship cases, those with significant character or health issues, application reconsiderations and appeals or Ministerial submissions. Fees for these cases are set on an individual basis to reflect the work requirements and challenges involved.

PathwaysNZ clients benefit from a transparent, fixed and very market-competitive fee structure given the experience and reputation of the company and its record of success. The fact that most clients are directly introduced to PathwaysNZ by existing or past clients means the company has no need to invest in expensive marketing promotions or to establish overseas branches and our clients additionally benefit from this cost saving.