New Zealand to Increase Visa Application Fees from January 2026 — Apply Before the Hike!

Highlights: New Zealand Confirms Visa Application Centre Fee Increase from 2026

• New Zealand has announced an increase in Visa Application Centre (VAC) service fees for applicants in India and 25 other countries, effective from January 1, 2026.
• Indian applicants submitting New Zealand visa applications through VACs such as VFS Global will be required to pay higher charges for application submission and biometric services.
• Immigration New Zealand stated that the fee revision is due to rising operational costs and inflation impacting the management of visa application centres globally.
• The increase applies only to VAC service fees and does not affect the actual visa application fees charged by Immigration New Zealand.
• Applicants are strongly advised to check the latest VAC fee structure on official websites before applying to avoid unexpected costs or payment delays.

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New Zealand Announces Higher Visa Application Centre Fees for Indian Applicants

Planning a trip, education, job, or long-term move to New Zealand?

New Zealand has officially confirmed that Visa Application Centre (VAC) service fees will increase from January 1, 2026, impacting applicants in India and 25 other countries.

While the actual visa application fees charged by Immigration New Zealand remain unchanged, the revised VAC charges will raise the overall cost of submitting visa applications through centres such as VFS Global. This includes fees for application handling, document verification, and biometric services.

With New Zealand continuing to attract Indian tourists, students, and skilled professionals, this fee hike makes early planning essential. Applicants are advised to review the updated VAC fee structure and consider applying before the new charges take effect to avoid higher costs.
 

List of Countries Affected by New Zealand VAC Fee Increase from 2026

New Zealand’s revised Visa Application Centre (VAC) service fees, effective January 1, 2026, will apply to applicants across 26 countries and territories, including India. Applicants submitting visa applications through VACs such as VFS Global in these locations will be required to pay higher service charges.

The table below lists the countries, including India, where New Zealand Visa Application Centre (VAC) fees will rise from January 2026.

Rank	Country / Territory
1	Australia
2	Bangladesh
3	Fiji
4	Hong Kong
5	India
6	Indonesia
7	Iran
8	Japan
9	Nepal & Bhutan
10	Pakistan
11	Papua New Guinea
12	Philippines
13	Samoa
14	Singapore
15	Solomon Islands
16	South Africa
17	South Korea
18	Sri Lanka
19	Taiwan
20	Thailand
21	Turkey
22	United Arab Emirates
23	United Kingdom
24	United States
25	Vanuatu
26	Vietnam

 

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New Zealand Visa Fee Changes: What Is Changing and Why It Matters

Indian nationals planning to apply for a New Zealand visa in 2026 should be aware of an important cost update. From January 1, 2026, New Zealand will implement higher Visa Application Centre (VAC) service fees for applicants in India and several other countries. While the actual visa application fees charged by Immigration New Zealand remain unchanged, the increase in VAC charges will impact the overall cost of applying.

Here’s what Indian applicants need to know:

• Higher VAC service fees from 2026: Applicants submitting visa applications and biometrics through centres such as VFS Global in India will be required to pay increased service charges from January 1, 2026.
• Visa fees remain unchanged: The fee hike applies only to VAC service charges for application handling and biometrics and does not affect the visa application fees paid directly to Immigration New Zealand.
• Reason behind the increase: Immigration New Zealand has attributed the higher VAC fees to rising operational costs, inflation, and system upgrades needed to maintain visa application services.
• Multiple countries affected: The revised fees will apply to applicants in 26 countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, the UK, and the USA.
• Applicants should verify fees in advance: Indian applicants are advised to check updated VAC fees online via the official Immigration New Zealand tools and VAC websites to avoid payment errors or application delays.
• Technical advisory issued: Immigration New Zealand has also flagged temporary technical issues affecting some online applications, particularly document viewing, and applicants should plan submissions accordingly.

Also, read…

New Zealand announces new rule allowing students to work 25 hours weekly. Apply now!
 

Cost-Saving Tips for Indian Applicants Applying for New Zealand Visas

To minimise expenses and avoid last-minute issues, Indian applicants planning a New Zealand visa should take the following practical steps:

• Apply before January 1, 2026: Submitting your visa application before the new VAC fees take effect can help you avoid higher service charges.
• Check fees in advance: Always verify the latest Visa Application Centre fees using the official Immigration New Zealand fee tools and the relevant VAC website before applying.
• Prepare documents carefully: Ensure all documents are accurate and complete to avoid re-submissions, which may lead to additional costs or delays.
• Plan for premium services if needed: If your application is time-sensitive, consider premium VAC services, keeping in mind that these come at an additional cost.
• Stay informed: Regularly check official Immigration New Zealand updates to stay aware of any further changes to visa fees or application procedures.
   

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FAQs

What change is happening to New Zealand Visa Application Centre (VAC) fees from January 2026?

New Zealand will increase the Visa Application Centre (VAC) service fee for applicants submitting visa applications in India and 25 other countries starting January 1, 2026. This change affects the service charge collected by VACs for handling applications, biometric collection, and administrative support. It does not change the actual visa application fee set by Immigration New Zealand. Applicants submitting visas through VACs after the effective date will need to pay the revised service fee in addition to the regular visa charges, making the overall cost of applying slightly higher.

Why is New Zealand increasing the VAC service fees?

The VAC fee increase is driven by higher operational costs, inflation, and the need to maintain service quality across global visa application centres. These centres handle administrative tasks such as document intake, biometric collection, and application forwarding. Rising costs related to staffing, infrastructure, security, and compliance have contributed to the decision. Immigration New Zealand periodically reviews VAC service fees to ensure continued efficiency and sustainability of outsourced visa services. The increase helps ensure applicants continue receiving consistent support and secure processing facilities worldwide.

Does the VAC fee increase affect the visa application fee charged by Immigration New Zealand?

No, the VAC fee increase does not affect the official visa application fee charged by Immigration New Zealand. The visa fee is paid for processing the application by immigration authorities, while the VAC service fee covers administrative services provided by third-party centres. These two charges are separate and paid independently. Even after the VAC fee hike comes into effect, Immigration New Zealand’s visa fees will remain unchanged unless announced separately. Applicants should budget for both costs when planning their visa application.

Which countries will be affected by the New Zealand VAC fee increase?

The VAC fee increase will apply in India and 25 other countries where New Zealand visa applications are processed through Visa Application Centres. These countries span multiple regions, including Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific. While India is among the key affected countries, applicants in neighbouring South Asian nations and other global locations will also see revised service charges. The exact fee amount may vary by country, depending on local operating costs and service structures.

How can applicants find the updated VAC service fees before applying?

Applicants can check the latest VAC service fees by visiting the official Visa Application Centre website, such as VFS Global, or by using Immigration New Zealand’s online fee-checking tools. VAC websites usually publish updated fee tables, including service charges, optional services, and local taxes. Applicants are advised to verify fees shortly before submitting their application, as charges may differ by country and visa type. Confirming the updated fees helps avoid payment issues or delays during submission.

When will the increased VAC service fees come into effect?

The revised New Zealand VAC service fees will come into effect on January 1, 2026. Any visa applications submitted at a VAC on or after this date will be subject to the increased service charge. Applications lodged before the effective date will be charged at the existing rate. Applicants planning to apply close to the deadline should confirm submission dates carefully to understand which fee applies. The timing is particularly important for students, tourists, and work visa applicants planning early applications.

Will the VAC fee increase affect visa processing times?

There is no indication that the VAC fee increase will directly impact visa processing times. The fee change is administrative and relates only to service charges, not processing capacity or immigration decision-making. Visa processing timelines continue to depend on application volume, visa type, documentation quality, and Immigration New Zealand’s internal procedures. However, applicants are encouraged to apply early and submit complete applications to avoid delays, especially during peak travel and study seasons.

Is the fee increase uniform across all countries where New Zealand VACs operate?

No, the VAC fee increase may not be uniform across all countries. Service charges can vary depending on local operating costs, currency differences, and service agreements in each country. While the increase applies broadly across India and 25 other countries, the exact revised fee amount may differ from one VAC location to another. Applicants should check country-specific VAC websites or official announcements to confirm the exact service fee applicable to their location.

Can the VAC fee increase impact plans to apply for a New Zealand visa?

Yes, the VAC fee increase can impact applicants’ budgeting and planning, especially for families or group applications. While the increase applies only to service fees, it adds to the overall cost of applying for a New Zealand visa. Applicants planning to apply in 2026 should factor the higher VAC charge into their expenses. Those applying before the effective date may benefit from lower service fees. Early planning helps avoid last-minute financial surprises.

Where can applicants see the list of countries where the VAC fee will increase?

Applicants can find the list of affected countries in official announcements from Immigration New Zealand, Visa Application Centre service providers, and reputable news sources reporting on the update. VAC websites often publish country-specific notices explaining fee changes and effective dates. Applicants are advised to rely on official VAC communications rather than third-party sources to ensure accuracy. Checking updates regularly ensures applicants stay informed about fee changes in their country.