If you’re planning to study in New Zealand, then we have some news for you. The New Zealand Government recently announced changes to student visa fees and immigration policies. Not only student visas, they will increase visa fees and levies across almost all visa categories. These changes will be effective from October 1, 2024. Read on to learn more about the new visa fees and changes.
New Zealand Announces Visa Fee Hike For Students
From October 1, 2024, New Zealand will increase visa fees and levies for student visas. As per The Times of India report, while the New Zealand government has announced visa fee hikes across almost every category, the most notable changes are for the student visa fee hike.
As per reports, applicants from regions classified as Band C will see the student visa fee rise from NZD 300 (₹15,137) to NZD 485 (₹24,475). This will be applicable to students coming from the world outside of the Pacific and a few other specific regions. For its Pacific neighbours, New Zealand will continue to offer subsidised student visa fees. On the other hand, the post-study work visa fee will be decreased from NZD 490 (₹24,727) to NZD 320 (₹16,150).
It is also to be noted that these changes in the visa fee will come with a significant increase in the immigration levy associated with these visas. The student visa levy will rise from NZD 95 (₹4,795) to NZD 265 (₹13,375). While the post-study work visa levy will go from NZD 210 (₹10,599) to NZD 1350 (₹68,142).
New Zealand’s Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has said that with these visa fees, the country will “remain competitive compared to countries like Australia and the United Kingdom.” Despite the significant fee hike, she is confident that the country will remain an attractive destination to live, work, study, and visit.
Other Visa Fee Hikes & Immigration Policy Changes
Besides the student visa, there is also a fee hike for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in New Zealand. As per The Times of India report, the fee for this primary temporary work visa will be reduced slightly from NZD 540 (₹27,257) to NZD 480 (₹24,228). However, the immigration levy for AEWV will increase substantially. It will go from NZD 210 (₹10,602) to NZD 1060 (₹53,515).
The aim of this visa is to ensure that New Zealand natives are prioritised for jobs. It also allows employers to hire skilled migrants where genuine labour shortages exist. Besides the fee changes, the government has also announced updates to the AEWV scheme. Here are the key changes –
1. Introduction of English language requirement for migrants applying for low-skilled roles.
2. A minimum skill and work experience threshold will be implemented for most AEWV roles.
3. Reducing the maximum continuous stay for most Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level 4 and 5 roles from 5 years to 3 years.
Let us know your thoughts on the visa fee changes by the New Zealand government in the comments section.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)
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