New Zealand increases visa fees across categories by up to 60%, here is how it will impact student and work visas

The New Zealand government has increased visa fees across all categories, effective from October 1. As a result, Indians will face higher charges while applying for work, visit or study visas in the country.

The New Zealand government had made the announcement in August. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford had said were made to create a more sustainable immigration system by shifting the financial burden from taxpayers to visa applicants.

“We’re ensuring the system is self-funding and more efficient,” Stanford said. “The changes we’re making are shifting the cost to those benefiting from the system.” She added that this move is expected to reduce the need for public funding by over $563 million over the next four years.

Impact on visa categories

Student visas will see the biggest jump, with the fees going from $188 to over $300. Visitors, particularly tourists, will also witness a price jump, with the fee rising from $119 to $188.


Here is a detailed rise in each category:

1. Skilled residence visa
Current rate: $1,142
New rate: $1,810

2. Entrepreneur Residence Category
Current rate: $2,331
New rate: $7,120

3. Active Investor Plus Category
Current rate: $2,909
New rate: $7,585

4. Family Category
Current rate: $1,294
New rate: $1,219

5. Dependent Child Visa
Current rate: $1,294
New rate: $1,150

6. Parent Retirement Category
Current rate: $2,331
New rate: $5,926

7. Visitor Visa
Current rate: NZ$190
New rate: NZ$300

8. Student Visa
Current rate: $119
New rate: $188

9. Post-study Work Visa
Current rate: NZ$490
New rate: NZ$320

10. Work Visa – Partner
Current rate: $408
New rate: $358

11. Working Holiday Scheme
Current rate: $131
New rate: $135

12. Accredited Employer Work Visa
Current rate: $339
New rate: $301

Why the changes?

The new rates will cover the costs of processing visas and managing higher-risk applications. This will ensure that the system operates without relying on taxpayer subsidies. Stanford also mentioned that New Zealand’s visa fees remain competitive compared to countries like Australia and the United Kingdom.

New Zealand a popular destination for Indians

New Zealand is a popular destination among Indians for international students, tourists, and workers. According to Education New Zealand (ENZ), international student enrolments increased by 69,000 in 2023 compared to the previous year. China leads the way as the largest source of students at 35 per cent, with India following at 17 per cent.


Tourism and work visa applications from India have also been surging. According to Immigration New Zealand, in 2023, the country approved 115,008 visas for Indian nationals, a rise from 83,583 in 2019 before the pandemic.

However, the data shows that Indian nationals face a rejection rate of 28 per cent, second only to Pakistan, where 71 per cent of applicants were denied visas.