The New Zealand Government has announced an increase in visa application prices starting October 1, 2024. The biggest spike in fees is the doubling of student visa fees, which will go from NZ$375 to NZ$750 from October 1.
On August 9, the announcement was sent to interested parties via email. According to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, "Taxpayers have provided significant up-front funding for our immigration system. The changes we’re making are shifting costs to those benefiting from the system."
Jivan Grewal, General Manager of Employment, Skills, and Immigration Policy at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), explained the rationale behind the fee increase.
“This new cost reflects the current and real costs associated with visa processing, assessing, and managing more high-risk applications and increased compliance costs as we deal with higher levels of migrant exploitation, managing the significant surge in asylum claims, and maintaining Immigration NZ’s ICT systems,” Grewal told The Free Press Journal. “Despite this, the new price is still considerably less than Australia’s,” he added.
'Significant impact unlikely'
The Ministry of Immigration has stated that although students from economically weaker countries may be more affected by the fee rise, the overall number of international students is not expected to be greatly impacted. According to Grewal, “Our analysis, which we tested through consultation, was that the new cost for a student visa is unlikely to have a significant impact on the facilitation of students to New Zealand as it only makes up a small proportion of the overall costs international students pay. However, we acknowledge that the impact will be felt more by students from price-sensitive countries.”
In terms of maintaining New Zealand's appeal as a study destination, Grewal emphasised that factors beyond visa costs are critical. “Wider immigration policy settings are also likely to impact on international students’ decisions to come to New Zealand, for example work rights, other benefits like public health eligibility, and residence pathways,” he stated.
No changes in work rights rules
He further noted that a recent survey by Education New Zealand highlighted the importance of work rights, safety, and New Zealand's inclusive society in attracting students. He added, “No changes have been made to the rules around post-study work rights and pathways to residence available to international students. Students who are able to secure work after their studies continue to be eligible for residence as long as they meet the requirements.”
Despite the concerns, New Zealand remains optimistic about its ability to attract international students. Grewal said, “We are confident international students will continue to choose New Zealand as a study destination despite this and other recent changes, however, MBIE will continue to monitor changes in visa volumes and advise the Minister of Immigration if adjustments are needed.”
Education New Zealand has been informing current and prospective international students about the impending changes via a variety of channels, including its website, e-newsletter, newsletter, and a special online resource for education agencies.
“They have also been working with Immigration New Zealand to produce a video that will launch next week that provides guidance to international students applying for a visa. A video is also set to launch next week, providing guidance on the visa application process,” Grewal told FPJ.
The processing of student visas for overseas students is one of the top objectives of New Zealand's Immigration department. In 2024, INZ approved 37,009 applications between January 1 and July 31 and denied 7,699 applications. The average processing time is six weeks.
