Applying for a New Zealand Visa in 2026? VAC Service Fee Going Up

Official Update on VAC Service Fee Changes Effective January 2026

From 1 January 2026, applicants submitting New Zealand visa applications through Visa Application Centres (VACs) in selected countries will be required to pay a revised service fee. This adjustment applies exclusively to VAC service charges and does not alter Immigration New Zealand’s visa application fees. The revision aligns with inflationary pressures and increased operational costs across global VAC networks.

This update directly impacts applicants lodging Temporary Visa, New Zealand Residence Visa, Student Visa New Zealand, NZ Temporary Visa, and New Zealand Visitor Visa applications through outsourced VAC partners, including VFS Global.

Scope of the VAC Service Fee Increase

The revised VAC service fee applies only in specific countries and territories. Applicants applying from these locations must ensure they pay the updated amount at the time of submission to avoid processing delays or application rejection.

The increase applies to:

• Paper-based submissions at VACs

• Online applications requiring biometric enrolment at VACs

• Applications lodged through authorised VAC partners

Countries and Territories Where VAC Fees Are Increasing

Applicants submitting applications from the following countries and territories will be affected by the revised VAC service fee:

• Australia

• Bangladesh

• Fiji

• Hong Kong

• India

• Indonesia

• Iran

• Japan

• Nepal & 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

• Vietnam

Each location may have country-specific pricing, depending on local operating costs and services offered by the VAC.

How to Check the Correct VAC Service Fee Before Applying

Applicants must verify the exact VAC service fee applicable to their country before submission. Immigration New Zealand provides an official online fee-checking tool that calculates the correct amount based on:

• Country of application

• Visa category

• Application submission method

In addition, VAC partner websites, such as VFS Global, publish updated fee tables that reflect local currency amounts and payment methods.

Where the VAC Service Fee Fits in the Application Process

The VAC service fee is charged separately from:

• Immigration New Zealand visa application fees

• International visitor conservation and tourism levy (if applicable)

• Medical, police, or translation costs

Failure to pay the correct VAC service fee can result in:

• Incomplete submission

• Delays in biometric enrolment

• Application return without processing

Practical Guidance for Applicants Applying in Late 2025

Applicants planning to lodge their visa application on or after 1 January 2026 should:

• Budget for the increased VAC service fee

• Avoid assuming 2025 fee structures remain valid

• Confirm payment methods accepted by the local VAC

• Retain payment receipts for records and follow-ups

Applications submitted before 1 January 2026 remain subject to the existing VAC service fee structure at the time of submission.

Key Takeaways for New Zealand Visa Applicants

• The VAC service fee increase takes effect 1 January 2026

• It applies only in listed countries and territories

• Immigration New Zealand visa fees remain unchanged

• Applicants must verify fees using official tools or VAC websites

• Paying the correct VAC fee is essential for timely processing

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