Student visa fees have increased from NZ$300 to NZ$485, with India now ranking as the second-largest source of students for New Zealand, following China.
According to a Business Standard report, the New Zealand government has raised visa fees across nearly all categories, including visit, work, and study, effective Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The report quotes Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, who stated that the increase aims to build a more sustainable immigration system by transferring the financial burden from taxpayers to visa applicants.
Student visa fees have risen from NZ$300 to NZ$485, with India, accounting for 17%, being the second-largest source of students for New Zealand, following China at 35%, according to Education New Zealand (ENZ). Meanwhile, visa fees for visitors, including tourists, have doubled from NZ$190 to NZ$300.
The increased fees will help cover the processing costs for visas and managing higher-risk applications, according to the report quoting Immigration Minister Erica Stanford. She added that this move could reduce the need for public funding by more than NZ$563 million (£338 million) over the next four years.
Stanford also noted that New Zealand’s visa fees remain competitive when compared to countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom.
What Are the Recent Changes in New Zealand Visa Fees?
S.No | Visa Category | Old Rate | New Rate |
1 | Skilled Residence Visa | NZ$2,480 | NZ$2,880 |
2 | Entrepreneur Residence Category | NZ$3,710 | NZ$11,320 |
3 | Active Investor Plus Category | NZ$4,630 | NZ$12,070 |
4 | Family Category | NZ$2,060 | NZ$1,940 |
5 | Dependent Child Visa | NZ$2,060 | NZ$1,830 |
6 | Parent Retirement Category | NZ$3,710 | NZ$9,430 |
7 | Visitor Visa | NZ$190 | NZ$300 |
8 | Student Visa | NZ$300 | NZ$485 |
9 | Post-study Work Visa | NZ$490 | NZ$320 |
10 | Work Visa – Partner | NZ$650 | NZ$570 |
11 | Working Holiday Scheme | NZ$210 | NZ$215 |
12 | Accredited Employer Work Visa | NZ$540 | NZ$480 |
As reported by Immigration New Zealand, a total of 115,008 visas were granted to Indian nationals in 2023, marking an increase from 83,583 approvals in 2019, prior to the pandemic.
Despite the increase, Indian applicants face a rejection rate of 28%, second only to Pakistan, where 71% of visa applications are denied.
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