New Zealand Visa Fee Increase Announced for October 2024

Travellers and migrants planning to visit or work in New Zealand should brace for significant changes to visa fees and immigration policies, set to take effect from 1 Oct 2024. Their government has announced a sweeping New Zealand visa fee increase and levies across almost all categories, aiming to better align these charges with the actual costs of processing applications. Despite these hikes, New Zealand remains committed to supporting its Pacific neighbours by maintaining subsidised fees for applicants from Pacific countries.

Also read: A Complete Guide to the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa 2024

What you should know about the New Zealand visa fee increase

One of the most notable changes involves student visas. For applicants from regions classified as Band C, which includes much of the world outside the Pacific and a few other specific regions, the student visa fee will rise from ₱10,339 to ₱16,715. This change accompanies a substantial increase in the immigration levy for student visas, which will jump from ₱3,274 to ₱9,133. Conversely, those applying for post-study work visas will see their fees decrease from ₱16,887 to ₱11,028. However, this comes with a significant trade-off as the immigration levy associated with these visas will skyrocket from ₱7,237 to ₱46,527.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), a crucial visa for temporary workers, will also undergo changes. While the AEWV fee will see a slight reduction from ₱18,611 to ₱16,543, the immigration levy for this visa will experience a steep increase from ₱7,237 to ₱36,532. The AEWV is vital for ensuring that New Zealanders are prioritised for job opportunities while still allowing employers to hire skilled migrants in cases of genuine labour shortages.

Additional requirements

In addition to fee adjustments, the New Zealand Government has introduced new requirements to the AEWV scheme. These updates include the introduction of an English language requirement for migrants applying for low-skilled roles classified under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) levels 4 and 5. Furthermore, a minimum skill and work experience threshold will be implemented for most AEWV roles, ensuring that only qualified migrants fill these positions.

Employers looking to hire migrants for roles at ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 will now need to engage with Work and Income, New Zealand’s welfare agency, before being granted approval. This step is designed to ensure that local workers are given priority and that hiring migrants is genuinely necessary. Additionally, the maximum continuous stay for most roles at these levels will be reduced from five years to three years, adding further restrictions for migrant workers in lower-skilled positions.

Also read: Discovering Hidden Gems in New Zealand: Why You Need to Visit in 2024

Despite these changes, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasised that New Zealand’s visa fees remain competitive compared to those in countries like Australia and the United Kingdom. The government’s goal is to maintain the country’s reputation as a welcoming destination while ensuring the immigration system is both fair and sustainable.

For travellers, students, and workers planning to head to New Zealand, these upcoming changes highlight the importance of staying informed and prepared as the country adjusts its immigration landscape.

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