Continuing the trend from previous years, yet another financial year means yet another increase for most visa application charges. The annual price hike has been introduced via legislative instrument Migration Amendment (Visa Application Charges) Regulations 2023 (F2023L00831) and applies to visa applications made on or after 1 July 2023.
Why the price increase??
The visa application charges (VACs) have risen for most visas to give effect to the Australian government’s policy of indexing VACs by the forecast consumer price index (CPI). This means that many 2022–23 baseline amounts have increased by the 2023–24 forecast CPI of 3.25%, with some visas also increasing by an additional sum on top of the CPI (rounded to the nearest $5). The extra revenue generated is meant to fund improvements to visa processing, including ensuring that visas are processed in a timely manner.
Oh dear! Which visas have been affected?
A large majority of the visas (at least 60) have had their VACs increased. These include subclasses 020, 100, 101, 102, 103, 114, 115, 116, 117, 143, 151, 155, 157, 159, 173, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 300, 400, 403, 405, 407, 408, 410, 417, 445, 461, 462, 476, 482, 485, 489, 491, 494, 500, 590, 600, 602,676, 785, 790, 801, 802, 804, 808, 835, 836, 837, 838, 858, 864, 870, 884, 866, 887, 888, 890, 891, 892 and 893. You can check the current VAC for various visas using the Department’s website.
I understand, so how can I fulfill my dream of staying in Australia?
We will be more than happy to assist you! Just get in touch with our friendly team via our website. Once you do that, sit back and relax as we guide you through the entire process of applying for the relevant visas!
DISCLAIMER: Content in this article does not constitute immigration or legal advice, is not intended as a substitute for such advice and must not be relied upon as such. The material is designed to provide an informative guideline (current at the time of publication and subject to changes) for general informational purposes only. Please consult an Australian MARA registered agent or Australian Lawyer for professional advice before you make any type of application. Stay updated with migration news by subscribing to us!