The Department of Immigration and Citizenship is introducing new visa pricing arrangements.
Some changes, including a reduction in the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for new students, take effect from January 2012. Other changes will be progressively introduced over the next 18 months, subject to normal legislative processes.
Why are visa pricing arrangements changing?
A review of Australia’s current visa pricing system found scope to target anomalies and inconsistencies, close the gap between visa access charges and the estimated costs of administering visas, and improve the integrity of the visa system.
The move to a per person visa application charge structure is in line with comparable countries. The user-pays approach realises the value of visa access while safeguarding Australia’s international competitiveness. It provides greater fairness and flexibility to respond to changing circumstances.
Which visa classes will change in January 2012?
The VAC for student visas will decrease by five per cent from 1 January 2012.
The VAC for a small number of visa classes will be increased between five to fifteen per cent.
What other changes are proposed?
Some anticipated changes include charges for:
- applicants who include additional family members
- longer duration visas
- paper applications where an online option is available
- optional services, such as visa labels, which are not required by Australia.
Which visa classes will not change under the new arrangements?
The vast majority of visitors will see no change including those arriving on an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and visitors from the European Economic Community.
- Refugee and humanitarian visa applicants
- Citizenship applicants
- Postgraduate research students
- Australian sponsoring businesses.
How do I get more information?
For further information about the program, please contact the Department.
Source: https://www.mara.gov.au
