The government of New Zealand has chosen to raise its immigration fees significantly starting next month, but this will only affect some transferees.

On July 2, total immigration fees will rise by 16.7 percent, which is due to increased costs absorbed by the country’s immigration services office. Despite the hike, approximately four in five visitors to the Oceanian nation won’t have to deal with these issues since visa fees are not required.

The U.S. does have a mutual fee waiver agreement with New Zealand. However, for those with a corporate immigration plan there, it may be important to examine what the effect would be for that company’s employees and make sure they meet waiver guidelines.

New Zealand immigration officials also announced their selections for expression of interest applications, choosing 583 candidates from 1,241 applications. India and the Philippines accounted for the highest percentage of applications, with 27 and 10 percent of applicants, respectively. The U.S. made up 2.3 percent.

Filed under: Immigration Services