09 May 2018

Skilled Migration Price Increases

Obtaining a skilled visa can be a costly process. At Visa Bureau we work hard to keep our clients updated with price increases and migration changes.

As we approach the start of the new migration year - 1 July 2018 - it's common to see prices increase. We have highlighted below expected price increases for skilled visa applicants. We do expect the majority of skill assessing bodies and the Department of Home Affairs to increase their fees between now and the 1st of July 2018.

Skill Assessment Price Increases

VETASSESS Trades have announced a fee increase for all trade skill assessments. Any payments made after 4 June 2018 will incur the new fee structure, irrespective of what stage you have reached. The new fees are as follows:

VETASSESS Trades skill assessment fees
Assessment service Cost ($ AUD)
Pathway 1 | Documentary Evidence Assessment $1080.00 (including $300 TRA admin fee)
Pathway 1 | Technical Interview $1610.00
Pathway 1 | Practical Assessment $1610.00
Pathway 1 | Licensed Practical/Trade Assessment $1890.00
Pathway 2 | Documentary Evidence Assessment $1080.00 (Includes $300 TRA Admin fee)
Pathway 2 | Technical Interview $610.00

AITSL, the skill assessing body for Teachers, will increase their skill assessment fee on 1 July 2018 from $815.00 to $830.00 AUD. This price increase has been published on their new application forms.

As of 1 May 2018 the skill assessing body for Social Workers AASW doubled the price of their assessment from $900.00 to $1800.00 AUD.

The Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council (ANMAC) have not formally announced any fee increases, however they do state on their website that their skill assessment fees are adjusted each financial year. Therefore we expect to see a price increase on 1 July 2018 in accordance with the Australian financial year.

There are numerous skill assessing bodies and many choose not to preadvise fee increases, thus making it difficult to advise of the changes until they have occurred. As Registered Migration Agents we subscribe to various newsletters and forums to stay as updated as possible with all migration changes. All changes are communicated to our clients, and in advance where possible.

We do expect the majority of skill assessing bodies and the Department of Home Affairs to increases their prices between now and the 1 July 2018.

Department of Home Affairs Price Increases

The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) typically increases the Visa Application Charges (VACs) on 1 July 2018. Last year the price increases for skilled visas was minimal, with the main applicant VAC increasing from $3600.00 to $3670.00 AUD.

The department do not preadvise of their proposed fee increases for Visa Application Charges. To avoid potential fee increases for VACs you should lodge your visa before 1 July 2018. However it's important you have all the required documents for your visa to upload at time of lodgement. Failure to provide documents can result in the case officer making a decision on your incomplete application, resulting in refusals. Do not rush your visa application in the hope of avoiding the new fees, as a failed application will be much more costly!

How can Visa Bureau assist with my Skilled Visa application?

If you are considering applying through the General Skilled Migration pathway, using a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) to determine your eligibility is highly recommended before starting the process. We offer a variety of professional services to suit all budgets.


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