Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that starting from October 1st, 2024, visa fees will see a significant increase across various categories. Some fees will rise by 1.5 to 3 times their current rates, making this a considerable change for prospective applicants.

Impact on New Zealand’s talent market

As New Zealand continues to focus on economic growth, the demand for skilled talent is already high. This fee hike could further challenge efforts to attract international talent, potentially making New Zealand a less appealing destination for those considering relocation.

Why the increase?

According to INZ, the goal is to make the immigration system more sustainable and efficient, moving toward a self-funding model. While fees for employer accreditations will rise by less than 5%, the cost of job checks is set to increase by 20%, with each application costing $735. However, the most significant increases will be seen in visa applications. For example, the Accredited Employer Work Visa fee will more than double, rising from $750 to $1,540, with family visa fees also seeing proportional increases.

What this means for onshore workers

For those currently in New Zealand and eligible for an extension under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, it’s highly advisable to submit applications before October 1st to avoid the increased costs. This is especially true for families, as applying now could result in substantial savings.

Tighter application scrutiny

In addition to higher fees, INZ is becoming increasingly stringent with its application reviews. Given these changes, it’s crucial to ensure that visa applications are thoroughly prepared and complete to avoid delays or rejections.

If you want to chat about any of these changes, please give a member of our team a call.