Monday, August 12, 2024 New Zealand increases visa fees from October 1, 2024, impacting most categories while maintaining support for Pacific nations with subsidized rates. The New Zealand Government has announced a notable increase in visa fees and levies, which will take effect on October 1, 2024. These changes will affect nearly all visa categories, as the government seeks to match fees with the true costs of processing visa applications.
Despite the increase, New Zealand remains dedicated to assisting its Pacific neighbors by maintaining subsidized fees for applicants from Pacific nations. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford highlighted that even with the updated charges, New Zealand’s visa fees are still competitive when compared to countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom. One of the most notable changes is the increase in student visa fees.
Applicants from Band C regions, which cover much of the world outside the Pacific and a few other specific areas, will see the student visa fee rise from NZD 300 to NZD 485. Conversely, the post-study work visa fee will decrease from NZD 490 to NZD 320, although this reduction is accompanied by a significant rise in the associated immigration levy. The student visa levy will increase from NZD 95 to NZD 265, while the post-study work visa levy will dramatically jump from NZD 210 to NZD 1350.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), the main temporary work visa in New Zealand, will also undergo changes. The AEWV fee will slightly decrease from NZD 540 to NZD 480, but the immigration levy for this visa will see a substantial increase from NZD 210 to NZD 1060. This visa is essential for ensuring that New Zealanders are prioritized for employment while still allowing employers to hire skilled migrants in areas of genuine labor shortages.
Alongside the fee adjustments, the government has also unveiled updates to the AEWV scheme, introducing new regulations to better manage the employment of migrant workers. A significant change includes the introduction of an English language requirement for migrants applying for low-skilled positions classified under ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) levels 4 and 5. Additionally, a minimum skill and work experience threshold will be established for most AEWV roles.
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