The New Zealand Government has announced a significant 90% increase in student visa fees for Nigerian citizens and applicants from other non-Pacific countries.
The revised fees will take effect from October 1, 2024, according to information provided on the New Zealand immigration website.
Under the new fee structure, the cost of a student visa will rise from the current NZD 395 ($238) to NZD 750 ($452) for applicants from Band C countries, which includes Nigeria. The visa application process in New Zealand is categorized into three bands: Band A for New Zealand residents reapplying for visas, Band B for citizens from Pacific nations, and Band C for applicants from other regions, including Nigeria.
The fee increase extends beyond student visas, impacting other visa categories as well. Post-study work visa fees for Band C applicants will see a steep rise of 139%, jumping from NZD 700 ($422) to NZD 1,670 ($1,006). Skilled residence visa applications for Band C will also experience a 16% hike, with fees increasing from NZD 2,480 ($1,494) to NZD 2,880 ($1,735).
These changes are part of the government’s broader effort to align visa charges with the actual costs of processing applications. Despite the fee increases, New Zealand will continue to offer subsidized visa fees for applicants from Pacific countries, a move aimed at supporting regional neighbors.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford noted that, even with the revised fees, New Zealand’s visa costs remain competitive compared to countries like Australia and the United Kingdom. She also highlighted additional changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, including the introduction of an English language requirement for migrants in low-skilled roles and new minimum skill and work experience thresholds.
Furthermore, employers seeking to hire migrants for roles classified under ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 will now be required to engage with Work and Income, New Zealand’s welfare agency, before approval. This measure is intended to prioritize local workers and ensure that hiring migrants is necessary.
