On October 21, 2024, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) will open in Apia, Samoa on November 4, 2024 in partnership with VFS Global.
- The new VAC will enhance the service offerings for INZ’s Samoan clients, featuring an application lodgement service available from Monday to Friday, between 09:00 and 16:00.
- The existing INZ Apia office counter, which currently operates for just one hour each day, will close on November 1, 2024.
What to Expect
From November 4, 2024, customers wanting to submit paper visa applications in person can do this through the Apia VAC. A VAC service fee of WST 90 per application will apply.
There will be a transitional period for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) applications to the VAC. INZ Apia will continue to accept RSE visa applications for 2 weeks from November 4- 18, 2024. From November 18, 2024, all RSE visa applications must be submitted through the Apia VAC, which will charge a service fee of WST 45 per application.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.