New Zealand advises visa applicants to collect all required documents before applying to speed up processing, as the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will increase to NZD$100, and the visa fee will also hike starting 1 October 2024.
In a recent statement, New Zealand Immigration announced submitting an application without the required evidence or before meeting the specified criteria could result in a declined application. If this occurs, applicants must pay the increased fees upon reapplication after October 1, 2024, VisaGuide.World reports.
According to the same authority, each visa requires specific documents, such as health, character, and identity records.
To ensure applications are processed as fast as possible, we are reminding applicants that providing all the required evidence with your applications will save time and money.
Fee-waiver options are still available, but they come with specific eligibility criteria, such as living with a partner for 12 months or accumulating two years of work experience in New Zealand. These eligibility periods are fixed and cannot be shortened.
Last month, the Government announced that visa charges, including fees and levies, will increase starting next month. It also noted that this levy helps reconnect friends and families, provides employers with essential skills and capital, and supports New Zealand’s international and humanitarian goals. It is fitting that those benefiting from the immigration system contribute to its operational costs.
Visa Categories Requiring the Increased IVL Fee
Most international visitors applying for a visa or NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) will need to pay a non-refundable IVL. The current levy of NZD$35.00 will increase to NZD$100.00 from 1 October 2024. The levy applies to:
- Visitor visas (excluding partner and dependent categories)
- NZeTAs
- Student visas (excluding dependent child category)
- Working Holiday and Work Exchange schemes
- Student and Trainee Work visas
- Specific Purpose Work visas
The IVL is collected through the immigration system, with travellers paying it alongside their visa or NZeTA fees.
Additionally, those using the immigration system will now cover 80 percent of the costs for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs in schools, with the Government funding the remaining 20 percent.
Moreover, the Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has expressed concern that the increase in the IVL, including a recent 60 percent rise in visitor visa fees, could significantly raise the cost of visiting New Zealand to up to NZD$500 (about $310) per person. This amount is more than double the price of visiting Canada and two-thirds higher than visiting Australia.
TIA CEO Rebecca Ingram warned that the IVL hike to NZD$100 might negatively impact the tourism industry, potentially leading to a decrease of 48,000 visitors and a reduction in visitor spending by NZD$273 million.