The New Zealand Government has revealed a 90% increase in student visa fees for Nigerian students and other nationals from non-Pacific countries.
This new fee structure will come into effect on October 1, 2024, as detailed on the New Zealand immigration website.
Currently, student visa fees are set at NZD 395 ($238) but will rise to NZD 750 ($452) starting October 1. Visa applications are categorized into three bands: Band A for New Zealand residents renewing their visas, Band B for citizens from Pacific nations, and Band C for applicants from other regions, including Nigeria.
Under the new structure: Band A student visa fees have been updated from NZD 375 to NZD 750, Band B student visa fees have been revised from NZD 315 to NZD 750, and Band C student visa fees have increased from NZD 395 to NZD 750.
Post-study work visa fees for Band C applicants, which previously cost NZD 700 ($422), have surged by 139% to NZD 1,670 ($1,006). Other visa categories have also seen significant fee hikes.
The fee adjustments will impact nearly all visa categories as the government aims to align charges with the actual cost of processing applications. Despite these increases, New Zealand will continue to offer subsidized visa fees for applicants from Pacific countries to support regional neighbors.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford assured that even with the new fee structure, New Zealand’s visa costs will remain competitive compared to Australia and the United Kingdom.
Key updates include: an increase in student visa fees for Band C from NZD 300 to NZD 485, a decrease in post-study work visa fees from NZD 490 to NZD 320, though the immigration levy for these visas will rise significantly from NZD 210 to NZD 1,350, an increase in the student visa levy from NZD 95 to NZD 265, and the AEWV fee will be reduced from NZD 540 to NZD 480, but the immigration levy for this visa will increase from NZD 210 to NZD 1,060.
The government has also introduced stricter controls for the AEWV scheme, including new English language requirements for low-skilled roles, updated minimum skill and work experience thresholds, and a reduction in the maximum continuous stay for most roles at ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 from five years to three years.
These changes reflect the government’s efforts to better manage visa processing costs while imposing stricter regulations on the employment of migrant workers.
