Fees and charges for visa applications are changed from time to time. This post lists all of the fees and charges updates for Australian Visa applications. We keep all of the information together, and updated as the requirements change.
Visa application charges to increase from 1 July 2015
As a result of the latest Federal Budget, changes to visa application charges were recently announced. Most of the changes are minor, but there are two significant changes. Those are for Partner Visas (for off-shore applicants) and Significant Investor Visas.
The Significant Investor Visa charges will increase by 50%.
The Partner Visa fees for off-shore applicants will rise to be the same as charges for applications lodged on-shore.
For greater detail, please download and read this PDF issued by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. It contains a full table of fees applicable from 1 July.
Past Updates
Partner visa fees to increase by 50% from 1 January 2015
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has announced a 50% increase to application fees for partner visas. The increase takes effect from 1 January 2015.
PARTNER VISA CHARGES
* Provisional and permanent partner visas. Currently $3085, these will increase to $4627.50
* Prospective marriage visas. Currently $3085, these will increase to $4627.50
* Temporary and permanent partner visas. Currently $4575, these will increase to $6865.50
Further detail on these fee increases is on the DIBP website.
***
Changes to DIBP fees (22 March 2014)
Published 1 April 2014.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) introduced a surcharge for all credit card payments on 22 March. While information about the surcharge is not yet available, the surcharge may differ by credit card type. Details will soon be available on the DIBP website.
There may also soon be a change to the Visa Application Charge (known as VAC) for Contributory Parent and Contributory Aged Parent visas. An amendment was made to the regulations to enable this charge to increase.
* * *
Charges increased (1 September 2013)
Published: 4 September 2013.
The Australian Commonwealth Government decided to increase charges on many visa applications. The new rates came into effect on 1 September 2013.
Of particular note for immigrants heading to Western Australia with children is that a new public school tuition fee has been introduced. Taking effect in January 2014, children of Subclass 457 visa holders will increase costs by $4000.
What other costs are increasing?
Here is a full table of changed costs – with their new rates.
| VISA TYPE | ITEM | NEW COST | INCREASED BY |
| Subclass 186 and 187 | Base application charge | $3,520 | $460 |
| Subclass 186 and 187 | Additional applicant charge (over 18 years) | $1760 | $230 |
| Subclass 186 and 187 | Additional applicant charge (under 18 years) | $880 | $115 |
| Subclass 457 | Base application charge | $1035 | $135 |
| Subclass 457 | Additional applicant charge (over 18 Years) | $1035 | $900 |
| Subclass 457 | Additional applicant charge (under 18 years) | $260 | $35 |
| Subclass 457 | Nomination application charge | Unchanged | |
| Subclass 457 | Standard business sponsorship application charge | Unchanged |
What about me? I sponsor an employee?
From 1 September 2013, the additional application fees will increase costs. If you hadn’t got visa applications in before the end of August (30 August to be exact), you won’t be able to avoid them.
What does the tuition fee mean for me?
Firstly, that you’re not alone; such fees exist in other states too, notably NSW and the ACT. It will impact on your cost of living, so you will want to factor the fees into all living expense calculations.
What does the tuition fee mean for employers?
Employers will have to consider the additional costs for public school education. If your business wishes to help sponsored employees with the cost, it will mean reviewing the impact to your business and other employees to make sure that what you are doing is fair and reasonable (and sustainable). If you decide that you will help a sponsored employee with the cost, make sure you talk to them about it before they are in Australia: it will affect their cost of living.
