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9 Aug 2024Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced very significant increases to most visa application fees, which will take effect from October 1, 2024.
For instance, the cost of a Skilled Residence visa application from within New Zealand, currently priced at $4,290, will rise to $6,450. Similarly, a Residence from Work application, which currently costs $4,240, will increase to $6,490 - an increase of more than 50%. The cost of a partnership residence application will almost double from its current cost to $5,360.
The costs of most temporary visa applications will also increase significantly. For example, a post-study work visa application will cost $1,670 (an additional $970), while an Accredited Employer Work Visa applicant will soon have to pay $1,540 instead of the current $750.
However, there will be no increases for Recognised Seasonal Employer, Pacific Access Category, Samoan Quota visas, or for NZeTA.
INZ has further clarified that these changes will not affect the duration of visa processing. Additionally, INZ is independently working on enhancing its online services, as well as its efficiency in evaluating and processing visas, and in managing and identifying risks.
A full list of the visa changes can be found on this page and on the INZ website.
The Government advises that these changes will reduce the taxpayer contribution to the immigration system by $563 million over four years.
If you or someone you know is eligible to apply for a NZ visa, it may be worth progressing an application sooner rather than later and potentially save thousands of dollars on INZ fees. Pathways® Licensed Immigration Advisers are available now to make an assessment of your visa eligibility and answer your queries. Contact us today on 0508PATHWAYS or send an email to [email protected].