Spotlight on APAC Series: Australian Visa fees

In our spotlight on APAC series, we round up the latest developments from across Asia Pacific. In this post, we look at the new Visa Application Charges (VACs) & other fees for Australia.

The Australian Government has announced that Visa Application Charges (VAC) will increase from 1 July 2024, due to annual indexation and the 2024-25 Budget Decision. These changes will affect various categories, including student visas.

The below table provides a summary of the new VACs that apply from 1 July 2024:

Visa type	Fee from 1 July 2024 (AUD)	Previous Fee (AUD)
Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa – Short term stream	$1,495 (Main applicant) $1,495 (Adult dependant) $375 (Child under 18)	$1,455 (Main applicant) $1,455 (Adult dependant) $365 (Child under 18)
Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa – Medium term & Labour Agreement streams	$3,115 (Main applicant) $3,115 (Adult dependant) $780 (Child under 18)	$3,035 (Main applicant) $3,035 (Adult dependant) $760 (Child under 18)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa	$4,770 (Main applicant) $2,385 (Adult dependant) $1,190 (Child under 18)	$4,640 (Main applicant) $2,320 (Adult dependant) $1,160 (Child under 18)
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) (subclass 400)	$415 (Main applicant) $415 (Adult dependant) $105 (Child under 18)	$405 (Main applicant) $405 (Adult dependant) $105 (Child under 18)
Training (subclass 407) visa	$415 (Main applicant) $415 (Adult dependant) $105 (Child under 18)	$405 (Main applicant) $405 (Adult dependant) $105 (Child under 18)
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa	$4,770 (Main applicant) $2,385 (Adult dependant) $1,190 (Child under 18)	$4,640 (Main applicant) $2,320 (Adult dependant) $1,160 (Child under 18)
Global Talent (subclass 858) visa	$4,840 (Main applicant) $2,425 (Adult dependant) $1,210 (Child under 18)	$4,710 (Main applicant) $2,360 (Adult dependant) $1,180 (Child under 18)

Additionally, Fair Work has increased the High-Income Threshold from $167,500 to $175,000, effective from 1 July 2024. This change impacts certain exemption for employer sponsored visas, including the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visas.

Other fee increases from 1 July 2024 for Australian Citizenship Applications and Student Visa

In addition to the increases to the Visa Application Charges, Australian Citizenship application and Student visa fees have also increased.

Australian Citizenship

The below table provides a summary of updated application fees for Australian Citizenship applications:

Application type	Fee from 1 July 2024 (AUD)	Previous Fee (AUD)
Citizenship by conferral – general eligibility	$560	$540
Citizenship by descent	$360	$345
Citizenship by descent (applications made at the same time by 2 or more siblings)	$360 for the application by the first sibling $150 for applications made by the second and subsequent siblings	$345 for the application by the first sibling $145 for applications made by the second and subsequent siblings
Evidence of Australian citizenship	$275	$265

Administrative Appeals Tribunal

The fee for certain applications to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) have also increased from $3,374 to $3,496. This applies to review of decisions relating to visas other than protection visas and includes decisions in relation to sponsorships and nominations.

Australian Student Visa

The below table provides a summary of updated application fees for Australian Student visa applications:

Visa type	Fee from 1 July 2024 (AUD)	Previous Fee (AUD)
Student (Subclass 500)
– Base application charge	$1,600	$710
– Additional applicant (18 years and older)	$1,190	$530
– Additional applicant (under 18 years)	$390	$175
Student Guardian (Subclass 590)
– Base application charge	$1,600	$710
– Additional applicant (18 years and older)	$1,190	$530
– Additional applicant (under 18 years)	$390	$175

The significant increase in VACs for student visa application charges is intended to better reflect the country’s high-quality education system and limited work rights, aiming for sustainable migration growth and integrity in the international education sector.

Should you require any further information on these updates or for assistance in planning your global immigration needs, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]

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