Australia Visa Fees Increasing from 1 July 2025: What You Need to Know

Visa Application Costs Set to Rise in July 2025

Significant changes are coming to Australia's visa application fees from 1 July 2025. The Department of Home Affairs has announced an across-the-board increase to Visa Application Charges (VACs), affecting nearly every visa subclass.

The move, part of the Federal Government’s 2025–26 Budget and broader Migration Strategy reforms, aims to align fees with rising administrative costs and fund improvements to the migration system.

Whether you’re applying for a skilled visa, student visa, partner visa, or temporary work visa, these increases could substantially impact your plans and your budget.

Why Are Visa Fees Increasing?

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the fee adjustments are necessary to:

• Reflect inflation and cost-of-service delivery (linked to CPI).
  
• Fund border security and compliance activities.
  
• Support improved visa processing systems and reduce backlogs.
  
• Align migration pricing with policy priorities under the new Migration Strategy.
  

Updated Visa Application Charges from 1 July 2025

Here’s a snapshot of some key visa subclasses and their new charges from 1 July 2025:

• Partner Visa (subclass 820/801 or 309/100): $9,365 AUD
  
• Student Visa (subclass 500): $2,000 AUD
  
• Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417): $670 AUD
  
• Visitor Visa (subclass 600):
  
  • Offshore applications: $200 AUD
    
  • Onshore applications: $500 AUD
    
• Temporary Skill Shortage – TSS (subclass 482): $3,210 AUD
  
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): $4,910 AUD
  
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) – subclass 494: $4,910 AUD
  
• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): $4,910 AUD
  
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): $4,910 AUD
  
• National Innovation Visa (subclass 858): $4,985 AUD
  
• Training Visa (subclass 407): $430 AUD
  

📝 Note: These are just a selection of revised charges. Most visa subclasses will experience an increase from 1 July 2025. Check the official Home Affairs fee estimator for a comprehensive breakdown.

Who Will Be Most Affected?

While all visa applicants will see some impact, the fee increases are especially significant for:

• Partner visa applicants, who now face a cost of over $9,000.
  
• International students, whose fees have nearly tripled.
  
• Employers sponsoring overseas workers, with higher charges across the 482, 186, and 494 visas.
  
• Onshore visitor visa applicants, whose fee jumps to $500 AUD.
  

Budget-conscious migrants and families will need to factor in these changes when planning to lodge.

When Do the Changes Take Effect?

• 1 July 2025: New visa application fees officially come into force.
  
• Applications lodged before this date will be charged at the current, lower rate.
  
• Applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025 will be subject to the new, higher VACs.
  

If you’re considering lodging a visa application, now is the time to act.

What Should You Do Now?

✅ Apply Before the Price Hike

Submit your application before 30 June 2025 to take advantage of current fees.

✅ Budget for Increased Costs

If you're planning to lodge later this year, prepare for higher charges in your migration budget.

✅ Get Professional Help

With application fees rising, mistakes can be costly. A Registered Migration Agent can help ensure your application is accurate and timely.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Changes

Australia’s upcoming visa fee increases are significant and far-reaching. Whether you’re applying for a student, skilled, visitor, or family visa, it’s crucial to understand how these changes will impact your plans — and your pocket.

By acting before 1 July 2025, you can lock in lower rates and give yourself the best chance of a smooth, affordable migration journey.

Remember:

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional immigration advice. Given the uniqueness of every case, engaging with a registered migration agent is highly recommended for bespoke guidance and to navigate the specific details of your situation effectively. Book a visa consultation with a Registered Migration Agent

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