New Zealand has announced a change that will affect many people who use a Visa Application Centre to submit their papers or give fingerprints. From 1 January 2026, some Visa Application Centre service fees will rise in India and in 25 other countries. This is not a change to New Zealand’s visa rules — it is a change to the extra service charge that some third-party centres collect when they help you lodge your application. 

I know fee changes feel personal — you plan a trip, pay for exams, or save to study. That extra money adds pressure. Below I explain clearly what is changing, why it matters, and practical steps you can take so nothing surprises you.

What exactly is changing?

A Visa Application Centre (often called a VAC) is a private or partner centre that helps you lodge your New Zealand visa application. VACs take documents, scan passports, collect Biometrics, and may offer courier returns or other services. The fee that a VAC charges for these services is separate from the fee you pay to Immigration New Zealand for the visa decision. What is changing is the VAC service fee in certain countries — the amount the centre charges for its help.

This change starts on 1 January 2026. If you go to a VAC after that date, expect to pay a slightly higher service fee at the counter or when you book an appointment. 

Which countries are affected?

Immigration New Zealand has named 26 countries and territories where VAC service fees will go up. The list includes India along with places across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Europe, and North America. Because each country’s VAC runs different services, the exact increase will vary by country and by the type of service you use. Always check the official Immigration New Zealand page or your local VAC website for the precise list and details. 

Who runs these centres in India?

In India, VFS Global is the official partner that runs many New Zealand Visa Application Centre locations. VFS Global shows the current VAC service fee and options for booking and payments on its site. If you plan to apply from India, check the VFS New Zealand page so you know the current service fees and how they will change from January 2026. 

Why are fees going up?

Immigration New Zealand says the fee increase is needed because VAC operators face higher costs. Things like staff wages, rent, equipment, and inflation mean the centres need to raise their service charge to keep working safely and smoothly. This is a financial and operational reason — it is not a change in who can get a visa or how Immigration New Zealand decides applications. 

How much more will it cost me?

There is no single global number. Each Visa Application Centre sets its service charge by country and by the services you choose — for example, simple document submission is different from biometrics, and courier return costs extra. That means the exact amount depends on where you apply and what you ask the VAC to do. The safest step is to check the local VAC page (for India, the VFS Global New Zealand page) for the exact fees before you book.

Practical tips — how to avoid surprises

1. Check the VAC fee now. Before you plan dates or book a slot, look at the Visa Application Centre web page for your country. In India, check VFS Global for the New Zealand VAC fee and payment methods.

2. Prepare documents carefully. A missing paper can force a re-visit and an extra VAC service fee. Use the checklist on Immigration New Zealand’s website.

3. Think about timing. If your papers are ready and your travel plans allow, applying before 1 January 2026 may save you the higher VAC fee. But don’t rush and make mistakes — a correct application is more important than a small saving.

4. Budget for optional extras. Some VACs offer SMS alerts, faster courier return, or premium appointment slots for extra cost. Decide which extras you actually need.

What about NZeTA users?

If you are visiting New Zealand for a short stay, you may use the electronic NZeTA route. That is different from VAC services. The NZeTA Application Form is completed online, and after you apply you can check your NZeTA Status online too. These online steps usually do not involve the VAC fee increase — but if you later need to use a VAC for a different visa or for biometrics, keep the VAC fee in mind. For NZeTA help, use the official NZeTA pages to complete the NZeTA Application Form and to check NZeTA Status. 

A simple example for an applicant in India

Imagine you are a student or tourist in India:

• Visit the VFS Global New Zealand page. Note the current Visa Application Centre service fee and how to pay.

• Check Immigration New Zealand for the checklist and whether your visa needs biometrics or extra documents.

• If everything is ready, decide whether to apply before 1 Jan 2026. If not ready, take time to prepare — a complete application is the safest path.

Final words — stay calm and prepared

Fee rises are never fun, but this one is about keeping services running well. The change affects the extra service charge you pay at a Visa Application Centre, not the visa rules themselves. If you check official pages, prepare your documents, and budget a little extra, you will be ready and avoid last-minute stress. For India, start with the VFS Global New Zealand page and Immigration New Zealand’s official VAC announcement to get exact fees and the full country list.