Introduction
The New Zealand visa application process varies depending on the visa type. Key steps typically include:
- Completing the application form.
- Submitting necessary documentation (passport details, health and character certificates).
Paying the applicable fee.
- The process differs significantly across visa categories such as visitor, student, work, or resident visas.
Importance of Understanding the Fee Structure
Understanding the fee structure is crucial for:
- Budgeting the total cost of your visit or move to New Zealand.
- Preparing for all financial aspects of the application to avoid surprises and delays.
General Overview of NZ Visa Application Fees
Visa application fees in New Zealand depend on several factors:
- Visa Type: Different visas have varying fee structures. For instance, visitor visas usually cost less than skilled migrant visas.
- Applicant’s Nationality: Due to different processing requirements, fees may vary based on nationality.
- Additional Services: Expedited processing or biometric collection could incur extra costs.
Application Fees
- Location-Based Fees:
- Inside New Zealand: Pay the fee specified in Band A.
- Outside New Zealand: Fees depend on citizenship. Pacific country citizens pay Band B fees, while others pay Band C fees. Note: Fees in currencies other than NZD may vary due to exchange rates.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
The NZeTA is an electronic travel authorisation required for certain travellers to New Zealand. It was introduced to enhance border security and streamline the entry process. Travellers from visa-waiver countries, cruise ship passengers, and all airline crew members must obtain an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand. The NZeTA is not a visa but a pre-travel authorisation for visitors to enter the country for short-term stays, including tourism, business visitor activities, and transit purposes. Applicants can apply for the NZeTA via a mobile app or online, and once approved; it is valid for multiple visits for up to two years.
- The NZeTA improves pre-arrival assessment and border clearance time.
- Visit www.immigration.govt.nz/nzeta to check NZeTA requirements.
Immigration Levy
An immigration levy is a fee imposed by a government on individuals or businesses for employing foreign workers or granting them the right to live, work, or study in the country. This levy is often used to offset the costs associated with immigration, such as public services, infrastructure, or integration programs. The specific amount and structure of the levy can vary widely between countries, and it may be designed to encourage the employment of local workers or to manage the flow of immigrants.
The immigration levy funds:
- Migrant settlement programmes.
- Research on settlement issues and immigration impacts.
- Immigration system infrastructure and operations.
- Initiatives to attract migrants.
- The Immigration Advisers Authority (to the extent not otherwise funded).
- Levy Payment: This is payable on certain visas (except exempt cases), charged per application or person for group visitor visas.
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
The IVL is a charge implemented by New Zealand aimed at visitors entering the country. It was introduced to ensure that international tourists contribute directly to the infrastructure they use and the conservation efforts of the natural environment they enjoy during their stay.
The IVL supports:
- Conservation efforts.
- Tourism-related infrastructure.
- Other tourism initiatives.
- IVL Payment: This is required with NZeTA requests and specific visa applications and is charged per person. For online applications, the IVL is included in the total application amount.
- For details on which visas require IVL, visit www.immigration.govt.nz/fees.
Fee Band | Region | Description |
Band A | New Zealand (NZ$) | This fee band applies specifically to applications processed within New Zealand. |
Band B | Pacific (NZ$) | This band is designated for applications originating from specific Pacific countries. |
Band C | Rest of the World (NZ$) | This fee band covers applications from all other countries outside New Zealand and the Pacific. |
Note: The fees in each band can vary depending on the visa type and the application’s specific circumstances. Always refer to the most current fee schedule for accurate pricing.
Table 1: Visa type Fees & Levies
Visa Category | Fee Band A (NZ$) | Fee Band B (Pacific) (NZ$) | Fee Band C (Rest of World) (NZ$) | Immigration Levy (NZ$) | IVL (Immigration Levy) |
Residence Class Visa | |||||
1,880 | 1,610 | 2,480 | 2,410 | – | |
Entrepreneur Residence Category | 3,710 | 3,710 | 3,710 | 3,150 | – |
Residence from Work Category | 1,090 | – | – | 3,150 | – |
Family Category | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2,060 | 1,550 | – |
Parent Retirement Category | 3,710 | 3,710 | 3,710 | 1,550 | – |
Samoan Quota Scheme | 820 | 800 | – | – | – |
Pacific Access Category | 890 | 870 | – | 410 | – |
Employees of Relocating Business | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2,060 | 3,150 | – |
Pitcairn Islanders | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2,060 | 410 | – |
Other Residence Categories | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2,060 | * | – |
Temporary Visa – Visitor Visa | |||||
190 | 150 | 190 | 21 | 35 | |
Temporary Retirement Category | 3,710 | 3,710 | 3,710 | 80 | 35 |
Group Visitor Visa | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 35 |
Temporary Visa – Student Visa | |||||
Student Visa | 280 | 220 | 300 | 95 | * |
Temporary Visa – Work Visa | |||||
Work Visa – Partnership | 650 | 650 | 650 | 210 | – |
Entrepreneur Work Visa | 3,710 | 3,140 | 3,710 | 210 | – |
Working Holiday Scheme | 210 | – | 210 | 210 | 35 |
Accredited Employer | 540 | 540 | 540 | 210 | – |
Other Work Visas | 490 | 410 | 490 | 210 | * |
Limited Visa Categories | |||||
Student Limited Visa | 280 | 220 | 300 | 95 | 35 |
Work Limited Visa | 310 | 270 | 310 | 15 | * |
Other Limited Visas | 210 | 170 | 210 | 80 | * |
Other Matters | |||||
Employer Accreditation (Standard) | 740 | – | – | – | – |
Employer Accreditation (High Volume) | 1,220 | – | – | – | – |
Job Check | 610 | – | – | – | – |
Special Direction | 250 | 250 | 250 | – | – |
Residence Visa (Section 61) | 1,080 | – | – | – | – |
Temporary Visa (Section 61) | 460 | – | – | – | – |
Variation of Conditions | 210 | 210 | 210 | – | – |
NZ Electronic Travel Authority | 23 | 23 | 23 | – | 35 |
Please Note: All fees mentioned are indicative and subject to change based on policy revisions and other factors. For the most current fee structure and additional costs, it’s advisable to consult with an ICL Licensed Immigration advisor or the official New Zealand immigration website.
ICL Immigration helps by giving a clear list of all the costs for different visa applications. This makes it easier for clients to plan and handle their applications, knowing exactly how much they need to pay.
Family Members and IVL Payments:
- IVL Payments for Family Members
- In general, all family members included in an application must pay the Immigration IVL (Immigration Levy) unless they are exempt.
- A single application fee and immigration levy cover all individuals included in your application. This is applicable except when applying for group visitor visas or group transit visas.
- Including Family Members in Applications
- For the visa categories listed, you have the option to add your spouse and dependent children to your visa application:
- Changing the
- travel conditions on a resident visa
- Visitor visa
- Limited visa for visiting New Zealand
- Transit visa
- The term ‘partner’ encompasses a spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner, provided the couple has cohabitated for 12 months or more, including same-sex couples.
- For other types of applications, partners and children must submit separate applications and pay the necessary fees and levies.
- Definitions of Dependent Children
- For Residence Class Visa Applications:
- Children aged 17 or under, unmarried.
- Children aged 18-20, unmarried, without children of their own.
- Children aged 21-24 who are unmarried, without children of their own, and financially dependent on you or your partner.
- Note: Children aged 24 and under who are not dependent and those aged 25 or over need to apply separately and pay the respective fees and levies.
- For Visitor, Transit, and Limited Visa Applications:
- Children aged 19 or under, unmarried, and dependent can be included.
- Note: Children aged 19 and younger who are not dependent and those aged 20 or over must apply independently and pay the applicable fees and levies.
Recent Changes or Updates in Fee Structure
It’s crucial to note that visa fees are subject to change. The New Zealand government periodically reviews and updates these fees to reflect the cost of processing applications. The above fee structure is updated on March 24. These changes are part of the government’s efforts to balance the cost of immigration services and the revenue generated.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricacies of visa application fees and additional costs is crucial for a smooth application process. At ICL Immigration, we emphasize the importance of being well-informed and prepared. We encourage all potential applicants to seek professional assistance to navigate this journey effectively. You can confidently and clearly approach your New Zealand visa application with our expertise and support.
Remember, a successful visa application starts with accurate information and strategic planning. At ICL Immigration, we’re committed to guiding you through every stage, ensuring your application process is smooth and successful without any stress. Contact us for any queries or guidance you need on exploring New Zealand.
Reference
About ICL Immigration
ICL Immigration, based in Auckland, is an established licensed immigration adviser with over 20 years of experience and a remarkable 97% approval rate. We’ve helped over 1,000 immigrants realise their New Zealand settlement dreams.
We specialise in a broad spectrum of visa services, including work, residency, student visas, and business-related services like employer accreditation, ensuring personalised solutions for individuals and businesses aiming to navigate New Zealand’s immigration landscape successfully.
