The Department of Home Affairs is increasing the fees required to lodge visa applications and other migration processes.
Migration application are typically increased annually at the start of each financial year. In 2020 there was no increase as the Australia was grappling with the first wave of the pandemic.
Visa Applications
This year visa application charges for many (but not all) visas will go up by 1.75%, rounded to the nearest $5. The increase is based on the forecast Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2022.
For example, the current visa application charge for Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Stream visas is $4,045 for the main applicant. From 1 July 2021 it will be $4,115
An additional 11.345% fee increase will apply to most Subclass 188 and 888 Business Innovation and Investment visas, excluding the Entrepreneur stream of 188 visas.
Citizenship
For the first time since 2016, citizenship application fees are going up. The Citizenship by Conferral (general eligibility) fee will increase from $285 to $490. The new Citizenship by Descent application fee will be $315, up from $230 currently.
The Department has said that the citizenship fees increase is reasonable in comparison to other countries such as New Zealand, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)
The fees to lodge some merits review applications at the AAT will also increase from $1,826 to $3,000. The increase relates to applications for review of decisions of visas other than protection visas. It also includes decisions in relation to sponsorships and nominations.
AAT's new fees is subject to annual increase, from 1 July 2022, in line with existing indexation arrangements. Federal Circuit Court fees are going up as well, including fees to review migration decisions.
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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2021L00842/Explanatory%20Statement/Text
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2021L00852/Explanatory%20Statement/Text
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Elan Rysher is a Registered Migration Agent and Qualified Student Counsellor. He is the main Writer for ImmiUpdates and the founder of Rysher Migration. Elan has many years of experience working in immigration, finance and health. Being a former migrant himself, Elan is passionate about helping others fulfil their Australian dream.
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