10 July 2008

Fees for Australian visas increase in annual review

The fees for obtaining an Australian visa have increased by varying amounts, according to the Government. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship said the adjustment was a planned annual one, with each application fee increasing by around 2.3 per cent.

"Most fees and visa application charges are adjusted annually in line with changes to the Consumer Price Index," the Government department said. However, Australian visa hopefuls applying for a second contributory parent visa will see no change in the charge.

Each fee cost has increased by a multiple of AUD$5 (£2.50) and is rounded up. In addition, the charge for an Australian tourist visa has increased by AUD$25 to AUD$100, as per the budget earlier this year.

All the new fee changes came into effect at the start of July, with the department saying: "The changes will better reflect visa processing costs and more closely align Australian visa application charges with other comparable countries." For skilled workers wanting an Australian visa the current charge is AUD$5,030.

Australia needs skilled workers: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.