September Updates from INZ
INZ Visa Application Price increases from October 1, 2024
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced very significant increases to most visa application fees, which will take effect from October 1, 2024. For instance, the cost of a Skilled Residence visa application from within New Zealand, currently priced at $4,290, will rise to $6,450. Similarly, a Residence from Work application, which currently costs $4,240, will increase to $6,490 - an increase of more than 50%.
The cost of a partnership residence application will almost double from its current cost to $5,360.
The costs of most temporary visa applications will also increase significantly. For example, a post-study work visa application will cost $1,670 (an additional $970), while an Accredited Employer Work Visa applicant will soon have to pay $1,540 instead of the current $750.
There will be no increases for Recognised Seasonal Employer, Pacific Access Category, Samoan Quota visas, or for NZeTA.
INZ has further clarified that these changes will not affect the duration of visa processing.
Additionally, INZ is independently working on enhancing its online services, as well as its efficiency in evaluating and processing visas, and in managing and identifying risks.
A full list of the visa changes can be found on the INZ website linked below.
Student Visa and Visitor Visa Applications
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) receives the highest volume of Student visa applications over the summer period as students ready for studying in the new calendar year. Applications take longer to be decided during this peak period, so it is important that anyone who is wanting to come to New Zealand to study in early 2025 applies in good time.
INZ still recommend students to apply at least 4 months ahead of their intended travel date.
INZ also experiences a surge of Visitor visa applications from people who want to spend Christmas and New Year's with their loved ones in Aotearoa New Zealand, or who want to explore our beautiful country. Anyone who is planning to travel to New Zealand for Christmas should submit their application no later than 15 October 2024. If you are traveling in the New Year, including Chinese Lunar New Year, you should submit your application no later than 15 November 2024. If you submit your application after these dates, it may not be processed in time for your intended travel date.
In addition to submitting applications well in advance, they strongly encourage travelers to provide complete applications with all necessary documentation. This will help avoid delays with your visa application.
Applications that are missing supporting documents or English translations are more likely to be declined. Making a complete visitor visa application early means you will receive your visa decision sooner, enabling you to spend more time planning your trip to New Zealand.
Seeking Advice or support? Contact myself (Steve) for an obligation free discussion.
Tagalog speakers can contact Bernadette as below.
Bernadette Antiporta
Immigration Associate
P:
03 943 0846
M:
022 608 9294
Steve Baker
General Manager
Licensed Immigration Advisor 201801044
P: 03 353 0680
M: 027 212 5483
