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If you are thinking of visiting, studying, or working in New Zealand, there is one simple change you should know about: from 1 January 2026, some Visa Application Centre (VAC) service charges will go up. This change can raise the total Visa Application Fees you pay when you submit your paperwork, so it’s worth a few minutes of careful planning.

What exactly is changing — in plain words

There are two parts to the cost of getting into New Zealand:

• The official government charge (the core visa rate set by Immigration New Zealand).
• The VAC service charges — extra fees that third-party centres (for example, VFS Global or TLS) add for services like document handling, courier, and local processing.

The news for January 2026 is about the second part: some VACs will increase their service fee. The government visa rates themselves are separate and, for applicants in affected countries, the VAC part of your Visa Application Fees will be higher from that date.

Who will feel the change?

Not everyone worldwide will pay more — the fee rise applies to VACs in a specific list of countries (about 26 countries are affected). If you live in one of those countries, your local VAC may charge more from 1 January 2026. If you don’t live in those places, your VAC fee might not change. Always check the VAC website for your city to be sure.

Why this matters to your budget

When people talk about “Visa Application Fees” they sometimes only mean the government fee. But in real life you almost always pay a few items:

1. Government Visa Application Fees (the main application fee).
   
2. VAC service fee (the part rising in January 2026 in some countries).
   
3. The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) when it applies.
   
4. Optional extras — medical tests, police certificates, document translations, courier charges.
   

Even a small VAC increase can push the final bill higher — and if a family or group applies together, those small increases add up fast. For example, an extra NZD $15 per person becomes NZD $60 for a family of four.

A quick note for NZeTA travellers

If your country is visa-waiver eligible, you might use an NZeTA instead of a visa. The NZeTA Visa Fees are shown on the official NZeTA page, and the simplest way to avoid extra charges is to Submit NZeTA Online using the official government site or the official app. That way you won’t pay extra third-party fees for the basic NZeTA charge.

How to check the true numbers — step by step (do this before you pay)

1. Start with Immigration New Zealand’s fee pages to find the government Visa Application Fees for your visa type. Use the fee lookup and the Fees Guide (INZ 1028).
   
2. Visit your local VAC website (for example VFS Global or TLS) and read their fee schedule. That will show the VAC service charge that will apply when you submit.
   
3. If you need an NZeTA, go to the official NZeTA page and either Submit NZeTA Online or use the app. There you will see the exact NZeTA Visa Fees and processing times.
   
4. Add everything: government fee + VAC fee + IVL (if applicable) + extras (medical, police, courier). That total is the real Visa Application Fees you should budget.
   

Simple, practical tips to avoid surprises

• If your plans are firm and you can apply before 1 January 2026, do so. Applications submitted earlier will be charged at the old VAC rate in most cases.
• Ask the VAC or agent for a line-by-line invoice before you pay. If they call something “service fee,” make sure you know exactly what it covers.
• If you have a visa-waiver passport, Submit NZeTA Online yourself to avoid extra middle-man fees.
• Keep all receipts and screenshots of fee pages — they can help if there is a dispute or unexpected charge.
• Remember the IVL (International Visitor Levy) — it’s paid when you apply for a visa or NZeTA and is usually applied on top of other charges.

Common questions people ask (short answers)

Q: Is the government visa price rising too?
A: The January 2026 change announced refers to VAC service fees (third-party charges). Government visa fees are separate. Always check the official INZ fee pages.

Q: I’m on a tight budget — what’s best?
A: Try to apply before the VAC increase if possible, and do the NZeTA yourself online if you are eligible. Ask your VAC exactly which services are optional.

Q: Who can I contact if fees look wrong?
A: Start with the VAC and ask for a breakdown. If you still have concerns, contact Immigration New Zealand or check their official fee guide.

• Short checklist before you click submit (copy this)
• Check the government Visa Application Fees for your visa type.
• Check your local VAC service fee and its effective date.
• If eligible, Submit NZeTA Online and confirm NZeTA Visa Fees.
• Add IVL and extra costs and make your final budget.

Final thought — a friendly reminder

Visa steps can feel boring and technical, but a ten-minute check now can save you unexpected costs and stress later. Treat “Visa Application Fees” as the full sum — not just the government line item — and you’ll make smarter choices. If you want, I can help you draft a short “how to Submit NZeTA Online” guide or build a simple fee calculator for your country. Which would you prefer?