If you are one of those students, business people, or skilled migrants planning to migrate to Australia for further studies, business-related activities, or to explore career opportunities. In that case, you might face several hurdles because the Home Affairs Department of Australia has recently increased the visa fee for international students, business people, skilled migrants, and others, effective July 1, 2024. This new change aims to manage the number of migrants.
The Home Affairs Department of Australia has increased the visa fee by 125%, making Australia one of the most expensive countries for international students.
A Government Official released a statement for student visas saying, “The increase in value signifies the growing importance of education in Australia, and it demonstrates the Government’s dedication to restoring integrity in the international education sector.”
Main Motive Behind this Change
The Australian government has implemented measures to manage migration and rental market issues among international students, business people, and skilled migrants, aiming to reduce immigration levels and build integrity despite their significant contribution to the Australian economy.
Changes in the Visa Application Charges(VAC)
Furthermore, the Home Affairs Department of Australia has said that the fee increase will apply to applications submitted on or after July 1, 2024, for most visa categories.
The following table represents the new fee requirement for most visa subclasss.
| Visa Type | Old Application Fee | New Application Fee |
| Student and Guardian (Subclass 500 & 590) | $710 | $1,600 |
| General Skilled Migration (Subclass 189, 190, 491, 494) | $4,640 | $4,765 |
| Graduate Temporary (Subclass 485) | $1,895 | $1,920 |
| Partner (Subclass 300, 820/801, 309/100) | $8,850 | $9,095 |
| Parent (Contributory) (Subclass 143) | $420 – $4,765 | $430 – $4,895 |
| TSS – STSOL (Subclass 482) | $1,455 | $1,495 |
| TSS – MLTSSL (Subclass 482) | $3,035 | $3,115 |
| ENS/RSMS (Subclass 186, 187) | $4,640 | $4,770 |
| Business Migration (Subclass 188A, 188B) | $9,450 | $9,710 |
| Significant Investor Visa (SIV) (Subclass 188C) | $13,860 | $14,240 |
| Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – applying onshore | $475 | $490 |
| Citizenship Application (By Conferral) | $540 | $560 |
Key Takeaways of this Change
The following information explains the key takeaways of this change.
- Fees for accompanying family members increased to $1,445, with those under 18 charged $390.
- Minimum funding requirements for international students increased to $29,710, a 21% increase from $24,505.
- This increase aligns with 75% of the national minimum wage.
- Measures to close visa regulations loopholes allowing overstaying of visas announced.
- The move comes in response to a significant rise in second or subsequent student visas.
- Deputy High Commissioner Matthew Mechan disclosed that over 10,000 Nigerian students were granted admission to Australian universities between 2015 and 2019.
- Home Affairs Department of Australia announces fee increase for visa applications submitted on or after July 1, 2024.
