The Australian Government has confirmed that visa application charges and tribunal review fees will be increasing from 1 July 2025. These new costs will apply to a wide variety of visa types and will also raise the price of lodging an appeal, affecting many future applicants and their families.
Staying up-to-date with these changes is key to planning your move to Australia. This article provides a simple guide to the new fees, including the updated costs for a review with the Administrative Review Tribunal, so you know exactly what to expect.
Important Update on Visa Application Charges (VACs)
Beginning 1 July 2025, the majority of visa application charges are set to rise. The government has indicated that these adjustments will range from 5% to 40%, depending on the specific visa subclass. This increase will affect all new applications that are submitted on or after this date.
These changes are part of the government's new strategy for the migration system. The final fee you pay will depend on the visa you choose and if you are including family members in your application.
A Breakdown of the New Visa Fees
Here is a look at the updated government application charges for some of the most popular visa categories:
- Partner Visas: The fee will increase from $9,095 to $9,365.
- Student Visas: The charge will rise significantly from $1,600 to $2,000.
- Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482): The cost is set to increase from $3,115 to $3,210.
- Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143): The application charge will see an adjustment from $48,495 to $48,640.
Please Note: These figures represent the government's fees only and do not include the professional service fees for assistance from Australian Migration Agents.
Unsure which fee applies to you? Contact Australian Migration Agents for a clear breakdown of the costs for your situation.
Understanding the New Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) Fees
If a visa application is refused, you may have the option to have the decision reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). The ART is an independent body that assesses decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs. Lodging an appeal with the tribunal has a separate application fee, which is also increasing from 1 July 2025.
- Migration Review: The standard fee will go up from $3,496 to $3,580.
- Protection Review: The cost will rise from $2,151 to $2,203.
This adds another financial layer to consider in your migration planning.
Tip: Remember to budget for both the visa application charge and any potential costs for health checks, police clearances, or biometrics when planning your migration journey.
Should You Lodge Your Application Before the Price Rise?
With these fee increases on the horizon, many potential applicants wonder if they should submit their application before 1 July 2025. Lodging early could be a smart financial decision, potentially saving you money on the upcoming higher government charges. However, it is crucial that you only submit your application when it is complete and decision-ready. A rushed or incomplete application has a higher risk of refusal, which could lead to losing your initial application fee and facing the additional cost of an appeal.
Tip: If your visa application is complete and well-prepared, submitting it before 1 July 2025 could be a great way to avoid the higher fees.
Thinking of lodging your application soon? Chat with our team at Australian Migration Agents to ensure it's decision-ready and submitted correctly.
What These Fee Changes Mean for You
These adjustments to visa and tribunal fees have a direct impact on anyone planning to apply for an Australian visa. The overall cost of migrating is increasing for both individuals and families. Being aware of these new costs allows you to plan your budget and timeline effectively, especially if there is a risk of a refusal that might require a costly appeal.
How Our Migration Agents Can Assist You
Australia’s migration system is always changing, and keeping up with new fees and rules can be challenging. Having access to clear and current guidance is more important than ever.
At Australian Migration Agents, we help our clients understand and navigate these changes with confidence. Our registered migration agents offer professional assistance with all visa types, from the first consultation to lodging a complete application. We can also provide robust support in the Administrative Review Tribunal if you need to challenge a visa refusal. Whether you are applying for a skilled visa, a partner visa, or have another migration goal, we are here to help. Contact our friendly team today to discuss your plans.
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