The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have announced additional increases to visa application charges. This fee increase is a result of the release of the recent Economic Statement for the 2013-2014 financial year released by the Commonwealth Government on 2 August 2013.

In-line with the Statement, the Commonwealth Government has decided to increase all visa application charges, with the exception of student and visitor visa applications. This will be effective for all applications lodged on or after 1 September 2013.

Temporary Work (Skilled) Subclass 457 visa

Visa application charges for a Subclass 457 visa from 1 September 2013 are:

  • base application charge: $1,035 (increased from $900)
  • additional applicant charge per dependant aged 18 years and over (e.g. spouse of dependant aged 18 years or over): $1,035 (increased from $900)
  • additional applicant charge per dependant aged below 18 years: $260 (increased from $225)
  • nomination application charge remains unchanged: $330, and
  • standard business sponsorship application charge remains unchanged: $420.

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) Visa

Visa application charges for both the Subclass 186 and 187 visas from 1 September 2013 are:

  • base application charge: $3,520 (increased from $3,060)
  • additional applicant charge per dependant aged 18 years and over (e.g. spouse of dependant aged 18 years or over): $1,760 (increased from $1,530), and
  • additional applicant charge per dependant aged below 18 years: $880 (increased from $765).

Public school tuition fees in Western Australia for subclass 457 visa holders

The Western Australian Government handed down its budget on 8 August 2013. One of the measures announced is the introduction of a yearly $4,000 public school tuition fee for children of subclass 457 visa holders from January 2014. Similar fees already exist in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

How are employers affected?

Additional application fees will add to the costs of applications lodged from 1 September 2013. Sponsors may consider lodgement of visa applications prior to 30 August 2013 to avoid this increase.

The introduction of public school tuition fees in Western Australia will increase costs for subclass 457 visa holders in that state. Employers may wish to fund these additional costs for their sponsored employees. Employers may also wish to review employment contracts, company reimbursement and salary packaging policies to determine the impact on their employees and to ensure any salary packaging of education costs is delivered effectively. It is also recommended that employers communicate these costs to their sponsored employees before their arrival in Australia to ensure they factor such costs into their overall living expenses.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.