New Zealand Opens Visa Application Centre in Tonga

• New Zealand will open a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on September 14, 2026. 

New Zealand Launches Visa Application Centre in Tonga 

New Zealand’s Immigration Authority (INZ) has announced the opening of a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, effective September 14, 2026.  

What the New Visa Application Centre Offers 

The VAC will be operated by VFS Global on behalf of Immigration New Zealand and will provide: 

• In-person submission of paper visa applications and supporting documentation.  
• Extended operating hours and appointment scheduling through VFS Global’s online platform.  
• Passport scanning services are required for applicants who must submit scanned copies of their passports with their applications. Additional service fees apply.  
• A local visa services option, eliminating the need for applicants to rely on overseas submission processes.  

Changes for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa Applicants 

Tonga now requires employers and applicants to submit all Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) visa applications through the new Visa Application Centre (VAC). Immigration New Zealand staff will be available during the initial weeks of operation to assist applicants with the transition.  

Fees 

Applicants using the VAC will be required to pay service fees in addition to applicable visa application fees: 

• Standard VAC service fee: TOP 86 per application.  
• RSE visa application service fee: TOP 43 per application.  
• Separate fees apply for passport scanning services when needed. 

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