Understanding immigration costs helps you budget effectively for your New Zealand journey. Beyond the visa fees themselves, immigration involves multiple expenses. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay throughout the process.
Visa Application Fees
Work Visa Fees
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV):
- Standard application fee: Check current INZ fees
- Partner/dependent applications: Additional fees per person
- Typically several hundred NZ dollars per applicant
Post-Study Work Visa:
- Lower fee than AEWV
- Check current INZ rates
Working Holiday Visa:
- Lower fee tier
- Check current INZ rates
Residence Visa Fees
Skilled Migrant Category:
- EOI fee: Initial fee to enter the pool
- Full application fee: Substantial fee once selected (several thousand NZ dollars)
- Partner/dependent fees: Additional per person
Partnership-Based Residence:
- Application fee: Substantial fee
- Includes initial processing
Parent Residence:
- High application fees
- Well over $1,000
Other Visa Fees
Visitor Visa: Relatively lower fees for temp entry.
Student Visa: Moderate fees.
NZeTA: Small fee for electronic travel authority.
IVL (International Visitor Levy): Additional levy for most visitors.
Fee Changes
Regular Updates: Fees change periodically.
Check Current Rates: Always verify fees on Immigration NZ website.
Budget Higher: Budget for fee increases if applying later.
Employer-Related Fees
Accreditation Costs
Standard Accreditation: Fee for 2-year accreditation.
High-Volume Accreditation: Higher fee for larger employers.
Labour Hire Accreditation: Highest fee tier.
Renewal Fees: Renewal costs every 2 years (or yearly for High-Volume).
Job Check Fees
Job Check Application: Fee per job/role being filled.
Sector Agreement Jobs: Different arrangements may apply.
Who Pays These Fees
Employer Pays: Accreditation and Job Check fees are employer costs.
Cannot Charge Workers: Employers cannot pass these costs to migrant workers.
Your Application: You pay your own AEWV application fee.
Immigration Levy
International Visitor Levy (IVL)
Most visitors pay the IVL:
Amount: Check current levy amount.
Paid With ETA: Paid alongside NZeTA for visa-free travelers.
Included in Visa: Included in visa application for others.
Purpose: Funds tourism infrastructure and conservation.
Exemptions
Some travelers are exempt:
Australian Citizens: Exempt from IVL.
Children: Under certain ages.
Specific Visas: Some visa types exempt.
Health-Related Costs
Medical Examination
Immigration Medical: Required for many visa types.
Panel Physician: Must use approved panel physician.
Cost Varies: Typically $300-$600+ depending on location and tests required.
Additional Tests: Specialists, X-rays, blood tests may add costs.
Locations
In NZ: Panel physicians available in major centers.
Overseas: Panel physicians in most countries.
Booking Required: Appointments often needed in advance.
What's Included
General Examination: Physical examination by doctor.
Chest X-Ray: For tuberculosis screening.
Blood Tests: HIV and other tests for some applicants.
Specialist Referral: If conditions are identified.
Police Certificate Costs
Police Clearances
Required For: Many visa types, especially residence.
Your Countries: Certificates from countries you've lived in.
NZ Police Check: If you've lived in NZ.
Other Countries: From each country of significant residence.
Typical Costs
NZ Police Certificate: Check current Ministry of Justice fee.
FBI (USA): Specific fees for FBI checks.
UK ACRO: UK police certificate fees.
Other Countries: Each country has its own fees and processes.
Timing Considerations
Validity Period: Most certificates valid for 6-12 months.
Start Early: Some countries take time to issue certificates.
Multiple Certificates: May need several—budget accordingly.
Qualification Assessment Costs
NZQA Assessment
International Qualification Assessment: Fee for assessment.
Standard Assessment: Most common assessment type.
Purpose: Confirms NZ equivalency of overseas qualifications.
Timeline: Allow several weeks for processing.
Professional Registration
Depending on your occupation:
Nursing Council: Registration and assessment fees.
Medical Council: Significant registration costs.
Engineering NZ: Assessment and registration fees.
Other Professional Bodies: Varies by profession.
English Language Test Costs
IELTS
Academic IELTS: Common for immigration.
General Training IELTS: Also accepted.
Cost: Typically $300-$400 NZD.
Multiple Sittings: May need to sit multiple times.
PTE Academic
PTE Academic: Alternative to IELTS.
Similar Cost: Comparable to IELTS.
Faster Results: Results available sooner.
Multiple Attempts: May need to retake.
Preparation Costs
Preparation Courses: Optional preparation.
Study Materials: Books, online resources.
Practice Tests: May involve additional costs.
Professional Advice Costs
Licensed Immigration Advisers
Hourly Rates: Often $200-$400+ per hour.
Fixed Fees: Many advisers quote fixed prices for applications.
Complexity Matters: More complex cases cost more.
Value Consideration: Good advice can prevent costly mistakes.
What Influences Fees
Case Complexity: Simple cases cost less than complex ones.
Adviser Experience: More experienced advisers may charge more.
Services Included: What's covered in the quoted price.
Location: Prices vary by region.
What's Typically Included
Assessment: Review of your situation.
Preparation: Gathering and organizing documents.
Application: Completing and submitting application.
Follow-Up: Responding to requests for information.
Communication: Liaising with INZ.
Travel and Document Costs
Travel to NZ
Flights: International flights.
Arrival: Airport transfers, initial accommodation.
Not Immigration Fee: But essential budget item.
Document Costs
Certified Copies: Notarization fees.
Translations: Certified translation of documents.
Courier Costs: Shipping documents if required.
Passport Photos: Immigration-compliant photos.
Hidden and Unexpected Costs
Requests for Information
Additional Evidence: May need to obtain additional documents.
Expert Opinions: May need specialist reports.
Updated Documents: Recently dated documents may be required.
Reprocessing
Second Applications: If first application fails.
Appeals: Appeal fees if appealing decisions.
Tribunal Costs: Filing fees for tribunal.
Time Costs
Time Off Work: For appointments, medicals.
Waiting Periods: Time without income during processing.
Lost Opportunities: Delays affecting employment.
Budgeting Tips
Initial Budget
Visa Fees: Start with INZ fee schedule.
Medicals: Budget $500+ per person.
Police Certificates: $50-$200 per certificate.
English Tests: $300-$400 if required.
Adviser Fees: Get quotes before engaging.
Contingency
Buffer: Add 20-30% for unexpected costs.
Multiple Attempts: Budget for possibility of re-applications.
Time Buffer: Financial buffer for processing delays.
Tracking Expenses
Record Everything: Keep receipts and records.
Tax Implications: Some costs may be deductible (seek tax advice).
Employer Reimbursement: Some employers contribute to costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay visa fees in installments?
No, visa fees must be paid in full at time of application.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is declined?
Generally no. Fees cover processing, not success. Some partial refunds may be available if applications are withdrawn before processing begins.
Who pays employer accreditation fees?
Employers pay accreditation and Job Check fees. They cannot pass these costs to migrant workers.
How do I find current fee amounts?
Always check the Immigration New Zealand website for current fees, as they change periodically.
Can an adviser's fees be spread over time?
Some advisers offer payment plans. Discuss payment options when engaging an adviser.
Budgeting for your New Zealand immigration? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can help you understand exact costs for your specific situation.