New Zealand Work Visa Fees for Indians (2026): AEWV and Post-Study

The amounts below come from the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 (version as at 1 June 2026) and the 'From' costs on INZ visa pages, as published on the official sources, checked on 2026-10-15. INZ's live site was returning errors in mid-October 2026, so several INZ page figures were read from archived captures and are worth re-checking before you pay. For visitor and student visas, see our New Zealand visa guide for Indians.

How much does each New Zealand work visa cost an Indian?

These are the 'Rest of world' amounts for an Indian citizen applying from outside New Zealand. INZ publishes no rupee amounts for its fees, so the rupee cost depends on the exchange rate on the day you pay.

Why is the levy bigger than the application fee?

Each total has two or three parts. Besides the application fee, the immigration levy is a separate charge set in Schedule 6 of the regulations, and for work visas it is the larger part: NZD 1,060 of the AEWV total and NZD 1,350 of the post-study total.

The third part, the NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), is charged on temporary entry visa applications. It does not apply to:

• Accredited Employer and post-study work visas, and business visitor visas.
• Separate applications as the partner or dependent child of a New Zealand citizen or visa holder or applicant.
• Visits for medical treatment, and holders of a current Australian permanent residence visa.
• From 20 October 2026, the new India Iconic Work and India Skilled Work visas created under the NZ-India Free Trade Agreement.

MFAT says the agreement provides the equivalent of 1,667 three-year temporary employment entry visas a year: 1,467 for 13 skilled Green List occupations and 200 for iconic Indian occupations such as yoga, music, chefs and ayurvedic practitioners. INZ had not published the fees, criteria or opening dates for those two India-specific visas when this was checked.

What does the post-study route cost from start to finish?

The Post-Study Work Visa is the end of a study route, so its real cost includes the years before it:

1. Fee Paying Student Visa: NZD 850, with living funds of NZD 20,000 for each year of study of 1 year or more if you pay for yourself, plus tuition for the first year or course.
2. Qualification: a degree at level 7 or higher studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks, or an eligible lower qualification with a related job.
3. Post-Study Work Visa: NZD 1,670, applied for no later than 3 months after the student visa for the qualification expires, with at least NZD 5,000 in total for living expenses.
4. Partner's work visa: from NZD 1,630 if your partner applies.

The post-study visa allows open work for up to 3 years depending on the qualification, and can be held only once. From 16 November 2026, INZ extends eligibility to holders of an NZQCF level 7 graduate diploma studied full-time in New Zealand who also have a bachelor's degree.

Which costs sit outside the INZ fee?

The VFS fees include courier to the lodging country and are non-refundable. VFS runs New Zealand centres in New Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai.

How long will you wait after paying?

• AEWV: 80% within 5.5 weeks; Green List roles are prioritised without an escalation request.
• Post-Study Work Visa: 80% within 5.5 weeks.
• Partner of a Worker Work Visa: 80% within 6 weeks; Partner of a Student: 80% within 5 weeks.
• Fee Paying Student Visa: 80% within 8 weeks.

These are INZ's headline timeframes for all applicants, not India-only figures.

What will residence cost later?

Work visas are often a step to residence. The Skilled Migrant Category and Straight to Residence resident visas both list a cost from NZD 6,450, and the Permanent Resident Visa, available after holding a resident visa for 2 years in a row, from NZD 315. Budget for these separately from your work visa.

Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram prepares flight reservations, hotel bookings, travel itineraries and cover letters for visa files. Packages run from INR 1,000 for a flight reservation to INR 3,000 for a reservation, hotel booking, itinerary and cover letter. WhatsApp +91 95230 91018 or use our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I pay New Zealand work visa fees in Indian rupees?

INZ publishes its fees in NZD only and no official rupee amount. Only the VFS service charges are set in INR, such as the INR 1,460 passport handling fee, paid by demand draft to VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd.

Does my partner pay the NZD 100 tourism levy on a work visa?

Separate applications as the partner or dependent child of a New Zealand citizen or visa holder or applicant are exempt from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.

How much money must I show for a New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa?

At least NZD 5,000 in total for living expenses, shown with documents such as bank statements in your name. This is separate from the NZD 1,670 visa fee.

Are the AEWV and seasonal work visas the same price?

Yes. The AEWV totals NZD 1,540, and the Global Workforce Seasonal and Peak Seasonal visas both list a 'From' cost of NZD 1,540 on the INZ visa pages.