Can I get a refund for my application fee? Visit, study and work visas

You can only get a refund in special circumstances.

If your visa application has already been completed

You cannot get a refund if your application has been completed, even if it was declined. This is because the fee you pay covers the costs of assessing your application.

If your visa application has not been completed

You can apply for a refund if your visa application has not been completed, but refunds are only given in special circumstances. You cannot get a refund if you change your mind about your application. 

Situations where fee refunds apply can include:

• you paid the fee but you did not need to
• you paid the wrong fee
• you paid the fee but your application did not meet our lodgement criteria.
  
  

Apply for a refund

To apply for a refund:

1. Complete the refund request form.
2. Send your refund request to the same office that you sent your application to. If you applied online, check our Fees, decision times and where to apply page to find the office that handles applications for your location.
   
   

Customer Refund Request Form (if you are inside New Zealand) PDF 249KB

Customer Refund Request Form (if you are outside New Zealand) PDF 247KB

Fees, decision times and where to apply