Visa Application Charges Increase

The Department of Immigration Visa application fees increased across a range of categories. The higher rate became applicable as of July 1, 2018. The rate increase which is in line with CPI affects the following listed visa categories.

• Student Visa – A 2.7% increase from $ 560 to $ 575
• General Skilled Migration Visa – 2.3% increase from $ 3,670 to $ 3,755
• Graduate Temporary Subclass 485 – 2.3% increase from $ 1,500 to $ 1,535
• Partner – 2.3% increase from $ 7,000 to $ 7,160
• Parent (contributory) first instalment – 2.3% to 3% increase from between $ 330 and 3,770 to $ 340 and $ 3,855
• TSS – STOL – 2.2% increase from $ 1,150 to $ 1,175
• TSS – MLTSSL – 2.2% increase from $ 2,400 to $ 2,455
• ENS/RSMS – 2.3% increase from $ 3,670 to $ 3,755
• Business Migration (Entrepreneur) – 2.3% increase from $ 3,670 to $ 3,755
• Business Migration (Significant investment visa-SIV) – 2.2% increase from $ 7,150 to $ 7,310

Applicants lodging a contributory parent visa will only be hit with a meagre 3% increase on the fee as of July 1st, with no increases applied to the second instalment which stands at $ 43,600.
Additional Increases Coming Into Effect
The Skilling Australia Training Fund Levy, due to be made effective soon as per the last budget will require employers to pay higher transaction rates when seeking to sponsor employees from overseas.
The expected increase is 2% and is thought to affect applications lodged after July 1st, 2018. However the increase will not be applied to all visa types, hence, potential applicants are advised to seek the help of professional visa consultants.
By lodging your visa application through a professional channel you will not only have the backing of experienced professionals but will also see a higher success rate of gaining a visa to Australia by being directed through the most effective and proper channels.