New Zealand to increase visa fees across most categories from October 2024

The New Zealand government has announced a significant increase in visa fees across nearly all categories, with the new charges set to take effect from October 1, 2024.

In a statement, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized that the revised fees are designed to better reflect the actual costs of processing visas and the benefits received by those utilizing immigration services.

“Until now, our immigration system has been heavily subsidized by taxpayers,” said Minister Stanford. “The changes we’re making are shifting the cost to those benefitting from the system. We’re ensuring it is self-funding and more efficient.”

The government projects that the new visa charges, which encompass both fees and levies, will free up more than NZD 563 million for the Crown over the next four years. This adjustment is seen as a necessary step to cover the costs associated with visa processing, assessing and managing higher-risk applications, and dealing with increased compliance requirements, including the management of migrant exploitation and asylum claims.

“The new charges reflect the costs associated with visa processing, assessing and managing more high-risk applications, and increased compliance costs as we deal with higher levels of migrant exploitation, managing more asylum claims, and maintaining and upgrading Immigration New Zealand’s ICT systems,” Minister Stanford explained.

Despite the fee increases, the government has committed to maintaining subsidized fees for applicants from Pacific countries, in line with New Zealand’s ongoing support for its Pacific neighbors.

Minister Stanford also highlighted that the new fees remain competitive when compared to similar costs in countries like Australia and the United Kingdom. “We are confident New Zealand will continue to be an attractive destination to live, work, study, and visit,” she stated.

Looking ahead, the government expects that further improvements to modernize immigration systems will lead to reduced running costs and improved efficiencies over time.

“This is another step the Government is taking to restore fiscal discipline and rebuild the economy,” Minister Stanford added.

The new visa fee structure will be implemented on October 1, 2024, marking a significant shift in how New Zealand’s immigration system is funded and operated.