New Zealand has identified nine categories of foreign nationals who are exempt from paying the immigration levy when applying for specific visas to enter or reside in the country.
The exemptions cover different groups, including Samoan citizens seeking residency, refugees, victims of human trafficking and family violence, skilled migrant job seekers and migrants affected by exploitation.
According to information published by the New Zealand government, the exemptions apply to applicants under specific immigration categories. This means that not every foreign national applying for a New Zealand visa automatically qualifies for the levy waiver.
The policy provides financial relief for people in vulnerable circumstances and applicants covered by special immigration arrangements.
New Zealand Visa Levy Exemption: 9 Categories of Eligible Migrants
The New Zealand government has outlined nine categories of applicants who do not have to pay the immigration levy when applying under the relevant visa pathways.
They include:
1. Samoan Citizens Applying for Resident Visas
Citizens of Samoa applying for a New Zealand resident visa are exempt from paying the immigration levy.
The exemption reflects the special relationship between New Zealand and Samoa, making Samoan citizens the only nationality-specific group identified on the list.
2. Refugees and Protection Claimants
People who have claimed refugee or protection status and are applying for a visa under the relevant immigration provisions are exempt.
The waiver also covers individuals applying for resident visas as recognised refugees or protected persons.
3. Family Members of Refugees
Family members of recognised refugees or protected persons can also qualify for the exemption.
This applies to people seeking residence based on their relationship with someone who has been granted refugee or protected-person status.
4. Refugee Family Support Category Applicants
Applicants seeking visas through New Zealand’s Refugee Family Support Category are included in the exemption.
The category provides an immigration pathway for eligible family members of refugees who have settled in New Zealand.
5. Victims of Family Violence
Foreign nationals applying under the Special Category for Victims of Family Violence do not have to pay the immigration levy.
The exemption covers applicants using this specific pathway to seek immigration status after experiencing family violence.
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6. Victims of Human Trafficking
People applying under the Special Category for Victims of People Trafficking are also exempt.
The provision offers financial relief to individuals seeking immigration assistance through the designated pathway for victims of human trafficking.
7. Skilled Migrant Job Seekers
Applicants seeking visas under the Skilled Migrant Category Job Search are included in the exemption list.
This means eligible skilled migrant job seekers applying through this specific category do not have to pay the immigration levy.
8. Victims of Migrant Exploitation
Foreign nationals applying for a Migrant Exploitation Protection work visa are exempt from the levy.
This category covers migrants who have experienced exploitation and are seeking protection through the designated work visa pathway.
9. Family Members of Migrant Exploitation Victims
The exemption also extends to certain family members of migrant exploitation victims.
Specifically, partners and dependent children of individuals who hold or are applying for a Migrant Exploitation Protection work visa are included.
What the New Zealand Immigration Levy Exemption Means for Applicants
The nine exemptions cover applicants whose circumstances or immigration pathways qualify them for relief from the standard immigration levy.
The list includes people seeking protection from violence, trafficking and workplace exploitation, as well as refugees and their eligible family members.
Samoan citizens applying for residence are also covered under a special arrangement between the two countries.
However, the exemption is tied to the specific visa categories identified by the New Zealand government. Applicants should not assume that they qualify simply because they belong to one of the broad groups mentioned.
Foreign nationals planning to apply should confirm the applicable requirements and levy rules with Immigration New Zealand before submitting their applications.
Do Nigerians Qualify for New Zealand’s Immigration Levy Exemption?
Nigerians are not specifically listed as a nationality eligible for the immigration levy exemption.
However, Nigerian nationals who meet the requirements of one of the listed categories may qualify.
For instance, a Nigerian applying under the relevant refugee or protection pathway, or for a Migrant Exploitation Protection work visa, could fall within an exempt category.
Eligibility depends on the specific visa pathway and the applicant’s circumstances, rather than nationality alone.
The announcement does not mean that all Nigerians can apply for New Zealand visas without paying immigration charges. Other applicable visa fees and requirements may still apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is exempt from paying New Zealand’s immigration levy?
Nine categories are exempt: Samoan citizens applying for residence, refugees and protection claimants, family members of refugees, Refugee Family Support Category applicants, victims of family violence, victims of human trafficking, skilled migrant job seekers, migrant exploitation victims and eligible family members of exploitation victims.
2. Can Nigerians apply for New Zealand visas without paying the immigration levy?
Yes, Nigerians may qualify if they apply under one of the specific exempt visa categories. Nigerian nationality alone does not qualify an applicant for the exemption.
3. Are all refugees exempt from New Zealand’s immigration levy?
The exemption covers applicants seeking visas after claiming refugee or protection status and recognised refugees or protected persons applying for residence under the relevant provisions.
4. Are family members of refugees exempt from the levy?
Yes. Eligible family members applying for residence based on their relationship with a recognised refugee or protected person are covered.
5. Are victims of human trafficking exempt from New Zealand visa levies?
Yes. Applicants using the Special Category for Victims of People Trafficking are included in the exemption.
6. Are migrant exploitation victims exempt from paying the levy?
Yes. Applicants for the Migrant Exploitation Protection work visa are exempt, along with eligible partners and dependent children.
7. Do skilled migrant applicants qualify for the exemption?
The exemption specifically covers applicants applying under the Skilled Migrant Category Job Search, not necessarily everyone applying through New Zealand’s skilled migration system.
8. Does the exemption mean applicants do not pay any visa fees?
No. The exemption concerns the immigration levy. Other applicable visa application fees or charges may still be payable.
9. Where can applicants confirm New Zealand’s immigration levy exemptions?
Applicants should consult Immigration New Zealand for the latest visa requirements, levy rules and eligibility conditions.