New Zealand Implements Nearly 60% Increase in Student, Work, and Tourist Visa Fees Effective October 1
The New Zealand government has announced a substantial increase in visa fees across all categories, effective October 1, 2024.
The New Zealand government has announced a substantial increase in visa fees across all categories, effective October 1, 2024. This change will affect Indian applicants seeking work, study, or tourist visas. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford stated that the fee hike aims to create a more sustainable immigration system by shifting the financial burden from taxpayers to visa applicants.
The fee for student visas has risen from NZ$300 to NZ$485. Given that India accounts for 17% of New Zealand's international student population—second only to China, which comprises 35%—this increase is expected to significantly impact many Indian students, according to Education New Zealand (ENZ). Additionally, visitor visa fees for tourists have increased from NZ$190 to NZ$300.
Minister Stanford noted that the increased fees will help cover processing costs for visas and manage higher-risk applications. She estimated that this policy change could reduce the need for public funding by over NZ$563 million (approximately £338 million) over the next four years.
Despite the fee hikes, Stanford emphasised that New Zealand's visa fees remain competitive compared to those of countries like Australia and the United Kingdom.
Key updates on the visa fee changes include:
Student Visa Fees: Increased from NZ$300 to NZ$485
Visitor Visa Fees: Increased from NZ$190 to NZ$300
In 2023, New Zealand granted 115,008 visas to Indian nationals, a significant rise from 83,583 in 2019, prior to the pandemic, as reported by Immigration New Zealand. However, Indian applicants still face a rejection rate of 28%, the second highest after Pakistan, where 71% of applicants are denied visas.
