New Zealand to refund processing fees for temporary visas suspended in August 2020

New Zealand has suspended processing offshore applications for temporary visas in August 2020. NZ's borders are expected to remain closed to international travellers into 2022. Immigration New Zealand has confirmed that because of these border restrictions, almost 50,000 pending visa applications will be closed, and the associated processing fees and levies to the tune of NZ$14 million will be refunded. The only exemption is if the traveller has an exception from the current border restrictions due to work or family reasons. Visa applicants, including prospective students, will be encouraged to re-apply when normal border operations and visa services resume.

For applications submitted online, refunds will be paid to the card the original payment was paid from. If the payment was made by a third party on behalf of the applicant, such as a Licensed Immigration Advisor, it is the responsibility of the applicant and their representative to arrange reimbursement of the refund. Immigration New Zealand is not able to mediate between the applicant and their representative. With limited exceptions, including an estimated 1,250 foreign students that will be allowed to return to New Zealand this year under strict quarantine conditions.