New Zealand increases visa fees across categories by up to 60%, here is how it will impact student and work visas
The New Zealand government has increased visa fees in all categories effective from 1 October. Consequently, Indians will face higher charges when applying for work, visit or study visas in the country.
The New Zealand government announced this last August. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the move was designed to create a more sustainable immigration system by shifting the financial burden from taxpayers to visa applicants.
"We're making sure the system is self-funding and more efficient," Stanford said. "The changes we're making are shifting costs to those who benefit from the system," Stanford said, adding that the move will reduce public funding requirements by more than $563 million over the next four years. Expected.
Impact on visa categories
Student visas will see the biggest jump, with fees increasing from $188 to more than $300. Visitors, particularly tourists, will witness a price hike, with fees increasing from $119 to $188.
Here are the detailed growth in each category:
1. Skilled Resident Visa
Current rate: $1,142
New rate: $1,810
2. Entrepreneurship Housing Division
Current rate: $2,331
New rate: $7,120
3. Active Investor Plus Division
Current rate: $2,909
New rate: $7,585
4. Family Division
Current rate: $1,294
New rate: $1,219
5. Dependent Child Visa
Current rate: $1,294
New rate: $1,150
6. Retirement class of parents
Current rate: $2,331
New rate: $5,926
7. Visitor Visa
Current rate: NZ$190
New rate: NZ$300
8. Student visa
Current rate: $119
New rate: $188
9. Post-Study Work Visa
Current rate: NZ$490
New rate: NZ$320
10. Work Visa - Partner
Current rate: $408
New rate: $358
11. Working Holiday Scheme
Current rate: $131
New rate: $135
12. Recognized Employer Work Visa
Current rate: $339
New rate: $301
Why the changes?
The new rates will cover the costs of visa processing and handling high-risk applications. This will ensure that the system works without depending on taxpayer subsidies Stanford also points out that New Zealand's visa fees remain competitive compared to countries such as Australia and the UK.
New Zealand is a popular destination for Indians
New Zealand is a popular destination for international students, tourists and Indians among Indians. According to Education New Zealand (ENZ), international student enrollment is set to increase by 69,000 in 2023 compared to the previous year. China leads the way as the largest source of students at 35 percent, followed by India at 17 percent.
Applications for tourist and work visas from India are also increasing. According to Immigration New Zealand, in 2023, the country approved 115,008 visas for Indian nationals, an increase from 83,583 in 2019 before the pandemic.
However, data shows that Indian nationals face a 28 percent rejection rate, second only to Pakistan, where 71 percent of applicants were denied visas.
New Zealand increases visa fees across categories by up to 60%, here is how it will impact student and work visas
This move shifts the financial burden from taxpayers to visa applicants. Student visas fees will increase from $188 to over $300, and tourist visa fees will rise from $119 to $188.
