G7.1 The need to pay a migrant levy (26/07/1999)

1. All successful principal applicants and accompanying family members in the General Skills Category must pay a migrant levy.
2. The levy is NZ$180 for each person whose residence visa is issued or residence permit is granted on or after 1 July 1998, up to a maximum of NZ$720 for family members included in a single application.
3. The principal applicant is notified of the amount of the migrant levy in the letter advising of approval in principle and must pay the migrant levy before a residence visa is issued or a residence permit is granted.

G7.1.1 Refund of migrant levy

1. If a migrant levy is paid but the principal applicant and spouse or partner and dependent children included in the application 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 must be declined.
3. Visa and immigration officers who have been delegated the authority to refund the levy (under section 149(2) of the Immigration Act 1987) must be satisfied that:
   1. the principal applicant and spouse or partner and dependent children included in the application have not taken up residence, and
   2. their residence visas and returning residents' visas are no longer current.
4. The person who paid the fee will be refunded the appropriate amount.

Effective 26/07/1999