Government Proposes Significant Increases to Visa Application Fees

If the recent government proposal is approved, the Visa Application Charges for Subclass 457 (Temporary Business (Long Stay)) visas would increase by 30 percent, and would triple for certain Skilled Graduate visas, effective January 1, 2013.

The Australian government is proposing to increase the Visa Application Charges (VAC) for several visa subclasses that provide permission to work and are in high demand according to the government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook. If approved, the new fees would take effect on January 1, 2013.

The proposed changes to visa charges are as follows:

Subclass 457 (Temporary Business Long Stay) Visa; Current VAC is AU$350 and the proposed VAC is AU$455.

Skilled Graduate Visas; Current VAC is AU$315 and the proposed VAC is AU$1,260.

Working Holiday Visa; Current VAC is AU$280 and the proposed VAC is AU$360.

 Partner Visas; Current VAC is AU$3,060 for applications filed within Australia and the proposed VAC is AU$4,000.  The Current VAC for applications filed abroad is approximately AU$2,700 and the proposed VAC is AU$4,000.

The proposed fees are subject to change prior to January 1, 2013.

Source: Fragomen