Indians exploring global travel often set their sights on two popular destinations: tranquil New Zealand and bustling USA. Both offer unique opportunities for tourism, business, education, and more—but their visa policies, fees, processing times, and refund rules differ significantly. Let’s dive in and explore both paths thoroughly.
New Zealand Visa for Indians
Who Needs a Visa?
Indian citizens must apply for a visa before visiting New Zealand. Depending on the purpose—tourism, business, events, transit—you’ll choose a Visitor Visa or another category such as student or work visa.
Fees & Levies
Visitor Visa fee starts from NZD 441 (approximately ₹22,300).
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is NZD 100 and is mandatory for most types.
Additional immigration levies may apply for work, study, or resident visas.
Fees were revised from October 2024, shifting more cost responsibility to applicants.
Online Application Process
- Create a RealMe account on the official NZ Immigration portal.
- Fill in the application form, upload documents (passport, financial proof, photos).
- Pay the visa fee and IVL online using a credit/debit card.
- Submit the application and track the progress via the portal.
Some applicants may be asked to provide biometric data or submit the passport.
You may also apply offline through VFS Global or the New Zealand Embassy in India.
Requirements
- A valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from NZ)
- Travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation, etc.)
- Proof of funds (approximately NZD 6,000–7,500 or ₹3–3.5 lakhs for one month stay)
- Character and health documents if asked
- Onward travel ticket or proof of exit
Duration & Validity
Visitor Visas usually allow stays of up to 6 months, sometimes extended to 9 months on a single entry.
Multiple-entry visas allow several visits of up to 6 months each within an 18-month window.
Processing Time
Visitor and business visas are processed within 2 to 4 weeks.
Around 80% of applications are decided within 2 weeks.
Work, student, or residence visas may take longer, from 2 to 6 months depending on the type.
Refund Policy
Refunds are only considered if the application is withdrawn before processing or if the wrong amount was paid.
There are no refunds once the application is processed or if it is rejected.
The IVL is non-refundable under any circumstances.
U.S. Visa for Indians (Non-Immigrant)
Visa Categories
B‑1/B‑2 visa is issued for business, tourism, or medical travel. Most Indians apply under this combined category.
Other visa types include F‑1 (student), H‑1B (work), and J‑1 (exchange visitor).
Fees
The standard MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee for B‑1/B‑2 visa is USD 185 (approximately ₹15,200).
Recently, a refundable security deposit of USD 250 has been introduced for some tourism visa categories.
There are no additional issuance fees for Indian citizens in most non-immigrant categories.
Online Application Process
- Fill out the DS‑160 form online.
- Pay the visa fee and save the receipt.
- Schedule an appointment for biometrics at a Visa Application Center (VAC) and a personal interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Attend the VAC appointment (photo and fingerprints) and then the embassy interview.
If renewing your visa and eligible, you may qualify for Interview Waiver (drop-box option).
Requirements
- Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.)
- DS‑160 confirmation page
- Visa appointment confirmation
- Proof of ties to India (job, property, family)
- Financial statements to prove ability to cover trip
- Additional documents: travel plans, invitation letters (if any), or prior visas
Validity
B‑1/B‑2 visas are usually valid for up to 10 years with multiple entry access.
Each entry allows a stay of up to 6 months, extendable by filing with U.S. immigration authorities.
Processing Time
After the interview, visa processing usually takes 5–7 working days.
In drop-box cases, processing may take around 3 weeks.
Appointment wait times vary by location and can range from a few days to several months.
Refund Policy
The MRV visa fee is non-refundable even if the visa is denied.
The newly introduced USD 250 deposit is refundable only if the applicant follows visa rules and does not overstay.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | New Zealand Visitor Visa | U.S. B‑1/B‑2 Visa (for Indians) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Mode | Online via RealMe or VFS/Embassy | DS‑160 online, VAC & embassy visit |
| Fee | NZD 441 (~₹22k) + NZD 100 IVL | USD 185 (~₹15k) + USD 250 deposit |
| Processing Time | 2–4 weeks; 80% decisions in 2 wks | 5–7 working days post-interview |
| Validity | Up to 6–9 months stay | Up to 10 years validity, 6 months stay |
| Refund Friendly? | Only pre-processing; IVL no refund | No for MRV; deposit refundable |
Tips for Applicants
- Gather all documents in advance: passport, photos, financial proof, travel plans.
- Apply at least 2 to 3 months before your intended travel.
- Always track your application through the official online portal.
- Avoid booking flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
- Understand the refund policy—once paid, most fees aren’t returned.
Both New Zealand and the U.S. offer clearly defined visa processes for Indian citizens. New Zealand leans toward digital self-service models, while the U.S. system involves more personal interaction. Each has pros and cons—New Zealand’s is relatively quicker but valid for shorter periods; the U.S. visa lasts longer but involves a more layered process.