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The New Zealand Government has announced significant changes to NZ visa charges and immigration policies, set to take effect from October 1, 2024. The changes aim to make the country’s immigration system more sustainable, reduce the financial burden on taxpayers, and ensure that visa applicants cover a greater portion of the processing costs. These adjustments will affect almost all visa categories, with the most noticeable impact on student visa fees.

Increase in NZ Visa Charges

The new visa fee structure reflects the government’s effort to align fees with the actual costs of processing applications. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized that even after these increases, New Zealand’s visa fees remain competitive when compared to countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom.

IVL

Starting from 1 October 2024, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) for most international travelers entering New Zealand will increase from NZD $35.00 to NZD $100.00 per eligible person. This non-refundable levy applies to a range of visas, including:

• Visitor visas (except for partner and dependent categories)
• NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)
• Student visas (except for dependent child category)
• Working Holiday and Work Exchange programs
• Student and Trainee Work visas
• Specific Purpose Work visas

The IVL is processed through the immigration system and is paid at the same time as the visa or NZeTA fees.

Changes in New Zealand Study Visa Fees

One of the most significant changes will be seen in the student visa category. For applicants from regions classified as Band C, which includes most countries outside of the Pacific, the New Zealand study visa fees will increase from NZD 300 to NZD 485. Despite this increase, New Zealand’s student visa fees remain lower than Australia’s.

At the same time, the immigration levy for student visas will see a sharp rise from NZD 95 to NZD 265. This levy is in place to help cover the broader costs of managing immigration. In contrast, the post-study work visa fee will actually decrease, dropping from NZD 490 to NZD 320. However, this fee reduction is offset by a substantial increase in the immigration levy for post-study work visas, which will jump from NZD 210 to NZD 1,350.

Changes to Work Visa Fees and Requirements

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), a key visa for temporary workers in New Zealand, will also see adjustments. The AEWV fee will slightly decrease, from NZD 540 to NZD 480, but the immigration levy associated with this visa will rise significantly from NZD 210 to NZD 1,060. This work visa is critical for addressing labor shortages in sectors where skilled local workers are unavailable.

In addition to changes in NZ visa charges, the government has introduced new regulations for AEWV holders. Employers who wish to hire migrants for low-skilled jobs classified under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) levels 4 and 5 will now be required to meet new criteria. These include engaging with Work and Income New Zealand, the country’s welfare agency, to ensure that local workers are prioritized before migrants are considered for these positions.

Moreover, an English language requirement will be implemented for applicants applying for low-skilled jobs, adding another layer to the process. A minimum threshold for skills and work experience will also be introduced for most AEWV roles, ensuring that migrants meet certain standards before being granted a visa.

Study Visa Fee Hikes Amidst Rising Enrollments

These fee changes come at a time when New Zealand is experiencing a rise in international student enrollments. In 2023, there was a noticeable uptick in students from China and India, two of the largest sources of international students in the country. While the increase in New Zealand study visa fees may pose a challenge for some, the country remains an attractive destination for students due to its quality education system and competitive visa policies.

New Zealand’s government has expressed a commitment to maintaining strong ties with its Pacific neighbors. While many visa categories will see significant fee hikes, visa applicants from Pacific countries will continue to benefit from subsidized fees, reflecting New Zealand’s dedication to supporting these nations.

Why Are Visa Fees Increasing?

According to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, the main reason for these increases is to create a more sustainable immigration system. Up until now, taxpayers have shouldered a significant portion of the costs associated with processing visas. By increasing visa fees, the government aims to transfer more of this financial responsibility onto visa applicants.

Despite the fee increases, New Zealand’s visa charges are still considered lower than those of other major destinations such as Australia and the United Kingdom. The changes are designed to help ensure that New Zealand’s immigration system can continue to operate efficiently without relying heavily on taxpayer funding.

Impact on Employers and Migrants

The updated requirements for Accredited Employer Work Visa holders are intended to make the hiring process more transparent and ensure that New Zealanders are given priority for job opportunities. For roles at ANZSCO levels 4 and 5, employers will now need to demonstrate that they have made a genuine effort to hire local workers before resorting to migrant labour.

Furthermore, the maximum continuous stay for workers in these roles will be reduced from five years to three years. This change reflects the government’s intent to limit the time that low-skilled migrants can remain in the country while encouraging the development of local labor markets.

What Does This Mean for Future Migrants?

For future migrants, the changes in NZ visa charges and immigration policies present both challenges and opportunities. While certain fees are increasing, particularly for student and post-study work visas, New Zealand remains committed to attracting skilled migrants and international students. The adjustments to the AEWV scheme signal that the country is prioritizing its local workforce while still providing avenues for skilled workers to fill essential gaps in the labor market.

Additionally, with the implementation of the NZeTA visa, a streamlined travel authorization process, New Zealand is working to simplify short-term travel and tourism entry for certain countries. However, the overall direction of these changes points towards a more regulated and controlled immigration environment, with a clear focus on ensuring that the country’s immigration policies are sustainable in the long term.

Conclusion

In summary, the changes to NZ visa charges and immigration policies, which take effect on October 1, 2024, mark a significant shift in how New Zealand manages its immigration system. While the fee increases may be seen as a burden by some, they are part of the government’s broader strategy to create a more sustainable, taxpayer-friendly system. International students, skilled migrants, and employers alike will need to adapt to these new regulations, but New Zealand remains an attractive destination for those seeking opportunities in education and employment.

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