Australia has recently adjusted its visa application fees, reflecting increased costs associated with processing applications. The updated fee schedule, which incorporates annual indexation based on the consumer price index, aims to align fees more closely with the expenses incurred in managing visa applications.
Here are the revised fees for some key visa categories:
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
Short-term visa stream:
- Primary applicant: AU$1,495 (approximately US$1,008)
- Dependent(s) under 18 years: AU$375
Medium- to long-term visa stream:
- Primary applicant: AU$3,115
- Dependent(s) under 18 years: AU$780
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
- Primary applicant: AU$4,770
- Dependent(s) over 18 years: AU$2,385
- Dependent(s) under 18 years: AU$1,190
Furthermore, citizenship application fees for permanent residents aged 18 to 59 have been adjusted from AU$540 to AU$560.
In addition to these changes, the Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) has been raised to AU$175,000 from AU$167,500. This threshold, a safeguard under the Fair Work Act, provides protection against unfair dismissal for applicants over the age of 45 years. Additionally, the minimum salary threshold (TSMIT) has been increased to AU$73,150 from AU$70,000.
The Australian government has also implemented a significant hike in student visa fees, setting them at AU$1,600, marking a substantial 125% increase from the previous fee of AU$710.
These adjustments are part of Australia’s efforts to ensure that visa and citizenship application fees accurately reflect the administrative costs involved and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.