New Zealand to Revise Visa Application Centre Service Fees from January 2026

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New Zealand to Revise Visa Application Centre Service Fees from January 2026

Travellers planning to apply for a New Zealand visa in 2026 should note an upcoming change in application-related charges. From 1 January 2026, Visa Application Centres (VACs) handling New Zealand visa submissions will increase their service fees in 26 countries, according to Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

The adjustment has been attributed to rising operational expenses and inflationary pressures faced by service providers.

What Is Changing and What Is Not

What Is Changing and What Is Not

It is important to clarify that only the VAC service fee is being revised. The actual visa application fee charged by Immigration New Zealand remains unchanged.

VAC service fees cover administrative support such as document submission, biometric collection where applicable, and basic applicant assistance. These centres are operated by third-party providers, including VFS Global, on behalf of Immigration New Zealand.

Countries Affected by the Fee Increase

The revised service fees will apply across several regions, including Asia, Europe, the Pacific, the Middle East, and North America. Countries where the increase will take effect include:

Australia, Bangladesh, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Nepal and Bhutan, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.

Sample of Revised VAC Service Fees

While fees vary by country, some updated charges from January 1, 2026, include:

  • India: INR 1,400 (up from INR 1,250)
  • Bangladesh: BDT 1,850 (up from BDT 1,600)
  • Nepal and Bhutan: NPR 1,800 (up from NPR 1,600)
  • Sri Lanka: LKR 5,800 (up from LKR 5,000)
  • United Arab Emirates: AED 135 (up from AED 120)
  • United Kingdom: GBP 22 (up from GBP 19)
  • United States: USD 28 (up from USD 25)

Applicants should note that final charges depend on the location and local currency.

Advice for Visa Applicants

Immigration authorities recommend that applicants check the latest VAC service fee before submitting their application. Updated fee details are available on the official Immigration New Zealand website and the VAC provider’s country-specific pages.

Applicants are also advised to factor in the revised charges when planning travel budgets, especially for family or group applications.

Temporary System Issues Acknowledged

INZ has also confirmed that recent system upgrades may temporarily affect access to certain online documents or correspondence. The department has stated that the issue is being addressed and has advised applicants to allow additional processing time where needed.

What You Should Do Before Applying

What You Should Do Before Applying

If you plan to apply for a New Zealand visa in the coming months:

  • Confirm the updated VAC service fee for your country
  • Rely only on official INZ or VAC websites for accurate information
  • Allow extra time in case of technical delays

With the new service fees coming into effect from January 1, 2026, staying informed and checking official updates can help ensure a smoother visa application process without unexpected costs.

Read also More informations for visas:

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