New Zealand to increase student visa fees by 90% for Nigerians, others

New Zealand has announced a significant increase in student visa fees for applicants from Nigeria and other non-Pacific nations. Starting October 1, 2024, the student visa fee for these applicants will rise by 90%, from NZD395 (approximately $238) to NZD750 (about $452). This change is part of a broader adjustment aimed at aligning visa fees with the actual costs of processing applications.

The fee increases are not limited to student visas; other visa categories will also see substantial hikes. For instance, the fee for a post-study work visa will jump by 139%, and the fee for a skilled residence visa will increase by 16%. Despite these increases, New Zealand's government maintains that its visa fees will still be competitive compared to countries like Australia and the UK.

The changes are part of a broader effort by New Zealand to revise its immigration policies, which includes updates to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. This includes a reduction in the visa fee but a substantial increase in the immigration levy, particularly for roles considered low-skilled.

These fee adjustments come as New Zealand aims to balance its immigration policies, supporting regional neighbors with subsidized fees for Pacific countries while aligning costs more accurately with processing expenses for others.