Additional costs to factor in for your visa application
Beyond the INZ visa application fee, there are a few other costs you might encounter. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Health Checks
Costs vary depending on what’s required and where you go. Most skilled residence applicants need a full medical exam, while partners and children of NZ citizens/residents often require a limited check. Chest x-rays are usually needed for everyone 11+ years. If you’ve been in NZ in the past three years, you might not need a medical at all – just a chest x-ray in some cases.
Specialist Medical Reports
If you or a family member have a pre-existing health condition, INZ may require extra medical reports, which come with additional costs.
Character Checks
These vary wildly by country – some are free and processed in a day, while others are expensive and take months. Bureaucracy can slow things down so give yourself plenty of time. If there are health or character issues, expect processing delays and potential extra costs for legal representation.
English Language Tests
If INZ requires proof of English proficiency, testing fees will apply.
Translations
Any documents that aren’t in English (or dual-language) must be translated. Prices vary, but selective translation – focusing only on the key parts of a document – can help keep costs down. INZ accepts this approach, and Cath, the immigration advisor we work with, can guide you on what’s needed.
Partner and Child Visa Costs
- For residence applications, the INZ fee stays the same regardless of family size.
- For temporary visas, each person needs a separate visa.
- If a child under 16 is moving to NZ with one parent while the other stays behind, there may be custody-related legal costs in the home country.
A bit of preparation can help smooth the process – and save you some money!
