With the release of the Federal Budget earlier this month, Joe Hockey explained one avenue of saving money for the Federal Government is to increase fees for visa applications.
Many visa applications will notice the price hike. The most affected visa is offshore applicants in the family stream. Currently, visa applications for partner visas offshore are notably less expensive in comparison to onshore applications. However with the new reforms, immigration will 'harmonise' the application fees to one uniform price. Consequently the price for most offshore applications will increase to meet the price for onshore applications.
Below is an example of some of the price increases we will see come 1 July 2015.
The following Visas will be subject to a price 'harmonisation' and a 10 percent increase.
- Non-Contributory parent
- Aged dependent relative
- Remaining relative
- Distinguished talent
- Former resident
Significant Investor Visas will be subject to a 50% increase.
Many other visas will be subject to a 5% increase including:
- Resident return visas
- Working holiday and work and holiday visa
- Temporary work visas
- Contributory parent visa
Any remaining visas will also be subject to a 2.3% increase and include:
- 457 temporary work (skilled) visa
- 485 graduate temporary visa
- ENS/RSMS visa; and
- General skilled migration visas
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.
