R5.85 Settlement information fee

Note: Following changes to the Immigration Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2003, the policy in R5.85 - R5.85.1 will not apply to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2003.

Immigration Regulations 1999 reg 42(1)

1. A settlement information fee of NZ$90 applies to all successful principal or sole applicants whose residence visa or permit is issued or granted on or after 1 July 1998.
2. The settlement information fee does not apply to citizens of Samoa, those recognised as refugees and people who are granted a residence permit under S4.1 October 2000 Residence Policy.
3. The principal or sole applicant will be notified of the requirement to pay and the amount of the settlement information fee in the letter advising that their application has been approved in principle.
4. The principal or sole applicant must pay the settlement information fee before a residence visa is issued or residence permit is granted.

R5.85.1 Refunds of settlement information fee

1. If a settlement information fee is paid but the principal applicant and dependants do not take up residence, a refund may be granted upon request to the NZIS. The request must be made in writing.
2. Requests made more than 6 months after the expiry date of any unused residence visa will not be considered.
3. Visa and immigration officers who have been delegated the authority to refund the fee (under section 149(2) of the Immigration Act 1987) must normally be satisfied that:
   1. neither the principal applicant nor any of the dependants have taken up residence, and
   2. all their residence visas and returning residents' visas are no longer current, or
   3. special circumstances exist that warrant a refund of the fee as an exception to paragraph (b) above.
4. The person who paid the fee will be refunded the amount of the fee.

Effective 01/10/2000