Cost Of Work Visa Applications Set To Increase

Immigration New Zealand are preparing plans to increase the application costs associated with select visas to cover a shortfall in operating costs.

​Despite recent attempts to streamline the application process, the operating costs of Immigration New Zealand have still increased. Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway said an increase in migrant trafficking and exploitation was to blame for increasing visa processing costs. Checks were becoming more rigorous, therefore taking longer.

In order to make up the deficit, Immigration are looking to hike the cost of Work Visa applications by 54 percent.

Under the proposals which could be introduced as early as November 2018 :
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• Work Visas would increase by 54%  (excluding Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, Working Holiday visas and work visas granted on humanitarian grounds.
• Businesses looking to become Accredited Employers face an increase in associated costs of 20 percent.
• Student visa fees decreasing by 6.5%
• Group visitor visa fees decreasing by 45%
• Business visa fees decreasing by 1%

Even with the price increase the cost of New Zealand Visas would be still be competitive in  comparison to other countries such as Canada and lower than both the UK and Australia.

If you are looking for professional visa assistance be sure to contact us at www.easyvisa.co.nz to see how we can help.

Source: http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/border-changes/immigration-fees-and-levies-review/consultation-document-fees-and-levies.pdf

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