Visa applicants must be aware of how much they will pay for New Zealand visas; they also must understand the self-funding requirements to ensure that they will not be rejected for a lack of funds. This article will discuss the cost to obtain different visa types, as well as the specific requirements for applying.
Basics of Visa Application Fees in New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand charges different fee amounts depending on the type of visa, as well as whether you apply online or through a paper application. This is because different visa processing requires more careful investigation and paper applications must be processed differently. Online applications are the preferred method and are typically cheaper.
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is used to protect New Zealand’s unique landscape and help manage the impact of visitors on the environment. This fee applies to most visitors, unless they are seeking a transit visa and will not be leaving the Auckland International Airport.
As of now, the IVL fee is USD $35, paid when you complete your Travellers Declaration form. Residents and citizens of New Zealand and Australia are exempt from this cost.
Other Potential Fees
There may be additional fees for visa applications, including medical exams, police certificates, and immigration advisors to offer you advice and help you through the system.
Visa Fees for Different Categories
It is crucial that you request a visa well in advance of when you intend to visit so that your application is completed by the time you’re ready to depart. The processing time varies by visa type and the time of year that you apply; for example, applications in October are going to take longer as this is the beginning of the NZ peak tourism season.
Visitor Visas
If you’re visiting for under three months and are from a visa waiver country, you will only need to pay the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) fee, which is USD $35. Your NZeTA is valid for two years and allows you to re-enter the country multiple times.
However, those who intend to stay longer must choose the correct visa. An online application is cheaper than a paper application, as seen below. All amounts are given in New Zealand Dollars (NZD).
| Visa Type | Online Visa Application | Paper Visa Application |
| New Zealand Tourist Visa | NZD $170 — $245 | NZD $230 — $390 |
| Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa | N/A – Only Paper Applications | NZD $3,790 |
| Adoption Visitor Visa | NZD $210 | NZD $190 — $250 |
| Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa | NZD $125 — $245 | NZD $235 — $280 |
| New Zealand Diplomatic Visa | N/A – Only Paper Applications | NZD $635 — $775 |
| Business Visitor Visa | NZD $120 — $210 | NZD $220 — $330 |
| Marriage Visitor Visa | NZD $245 | NZD $ 175 — $265 |
| Group Visitor Visa | NZD $125 | NZD $125 |
Work Visas
There are a number of different work visas available, each of which may have a different visa fee. With the Skilled Migrant visa, you must submit an intent to apply and can only finish the application if you have been invited to do so.
| Visa Type | Online Visa Application | Paper Visa Application |
| Entrepreneur Work Visa | N/A – Only Paper Applications | NZD $3,920 |
| Global Impact Work Visa | N/A – Only Paper Applications | NZD $860 |
| Partner of a Student Work Visa | NZD $700 | NZD $635 — $770 |
| New Zealand Vocational Trainee Visa | N/A – Only Paper Applications | NZD $375 — $485 |
| Accredited Employer Work Visa | NZD $750 | N/A – Only Online Applications |
| Entertainers Work Visa | NZD $735 | NZD $740 — $815 |
| Partner of a Worker Work Visa | NZD $700 | NZD $620 — $ 770 |
| Post-Study Work Visa | NZD $700 | NZD $625 — $860 |
| Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa | N/A – Only Paper Applications | NZD $280 — $435 (for residents of Kiribati, Tuvalu, or Nauru) NZD $330 —- $355 (for residents of other countries) |
| Religious Worker Work Visa | NZD $620 — $700 | NZD $630 — 760 |
| Specific Purpose Work Visa | NZD $735 | NZD $620 — $745 |
| New Zealand Working Holiday Visa | NZD $455 | N/A – Only Online Applications |
Student Visas
Students who want to enroll in courses in New Zealand for three months or less only need to get a visitor visa. It is also possible to get a working holiday visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 12 months and study for three months. Some visas allow you to seek part-time employment for up to 20 hours a week while you stay.
The cost of visa fees will vary based on how long your course is, the level of your studies, your age, and whether you are paying for the whole program.
| Visa Type | Online Visa Application | Paper Visa Application |
| Dependent Child Student Visa (primary or secondary school) | NZD $395 | NZD $340 — $480 |
| Fee Paying Student Visa | NZD $430 | NZD $440 — $485 |
| New Zealand Aid Programme Student Visa | NZD $395 | NZD $350 — $440 |
| Exchange Student Visa | NZD $430 | NZD $385 — $480 |
| Pathway Student Visa (up to 3 courses for up to 5 years) | NZD $315 — $395 | NZD $325 — $4010 |
Family Visas
The New Zealand immigration system has specific visas depending on your relationship with an NZ resident or citizen. There are visas for those who simply want to visit and those who want to become permanent residents. Residency allows you to apply for jobs, leave the country multiple times, and secure benefits. You must show proof of your relationship.
| Visa Type | Online Visa Application | Paper Visa Application |
| Parent Retirement Resident Visa (for those above 55) | N/A – Only Paper Applications | NZD $5,260 |
| Parent Resident Visa | N/A – Only Paper Applications | NZD $3,610 |
| Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa | NZD $3,610 | NZD $3,610 |
| Dependent Child Resident Visa | NZD $3,610 | NZD $3,610 |
| Intercountry Adoption Resident Visa | N/A – Only Paper Applications | NZD $3790 — $3995 |
Other Visa Categories
If you are granted refugee status or are a victim of domestic violence or trafficking, you can apply for a fee waiver and be granted a work visa or resident visa for free. An interim visa also has no fee.
There are several additional categories for the NZ immigration system, including the following.
| Visa Type | Online Visa Application Fee | Paper Visa Application Fee |
| Active Investor Plus Visa (invest at least NZD $15 million) | NZD $7,780 | N/A – Only Online Applications |
| Entrepreneur Resident Visa | N/A – Only Paper Applications | NZD $6,860 |
| New Zealand Citizenship | NZD $470 for adults over the age of 16 NZD $235 for children under the age of 15 | NZD $470 for adults over the age of 16 NZD $235 for children under the age of 15 |
| Global Impact (entrepreneur) Permanent Resident Visa | N/A – Only Paper Applications | NZD $4,240 |
| New Zealand Permanent Residence | N/A – Only Paper Applications | NZD $220 — $260 |
Factors Affecting a New Zealand Visa Application Fee
Different circumstances will affect how much you are expected to pay, including your passport nationality, the date you apply, and whether you require additional services like express delivery for urgent needs.
Countries with visa waivers may not have to pay visa fees if they are visiting for a short period of time. Diplomatic status, such as being a stateless person, can also reduce fees. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, they must be translated into English, which will cost extra.
The minister of immigration has imposed quotas on certain visa types, mostly permanent residencies, and this may impact how much you have to pay.
Payment Methods and Refunds
You can pay your application fee through a credit card, debit card, an online transfer using your routing and account number, or a bank draft.
You may be able to receive a refund on your application fee if your application is withdrawn or denied, but if you choose to reapply, you’ll have to pay again. However, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is non-refundable.
Tips for Managing Visa Costs
As ministry officials prefer online applications, applying online will save you in visa fees. You should also ensure that your application is correct, as this will help you avoid delays or resubmitting.