Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance only. Visa application charges are determined by the Department of Home Affairs and are subject to change without notice. For the most current fee information, please consult the Department's official website or contact our team.
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows individuals to visit Australia for tourism, business visitor activities, or to visit family for up to three, six, or twelve months. The requirement to have an immediate relative in Australia applies only to specific streams, such as the Sponsored Family stream. Most streams do not require you to have a relative in Australia.
The cost of the visa depends on several factors, including the selected visa stream and your application circumstances. This article provides information on Visitor Visa fees and related requirements to assist you in planning your application.
Factors That Determine Visitor Visa Costs
There are several factors that influence the cost of a Visitor Visa for Australia:
- Visa Stream: The Subclass 600 visa has several streams, including the Tourist stream, Business Visitor stream, and Sponsored Family stream. Each may have a different application charge.
- Application Location: Whether the visa application is lodged from outside Australia (offshore) or from within Australia (onshore) will impact the cost.
- Sponsorship: In the Sponsored Family stream, an Australian citizen or permanent resident must sponsor the applicant. For this, they may be required to pay a security bond.
- Purpose of Visit: The primary purpose of your visit, whether for tourism, business, or seeing family, helps determine the appropriate stream and associated cost.
- Frequency of Travel: Visas that permit multiple entries over a long period, such as the Frequent Traveller stream, are typically more expensive than a single-entry visa.
Visa application charges vary significantly based on these factors. For instance, applying from within Australia generally incurs a higher fee than applying from overseas. The Frequent Traveller stream has a substantially higher application charge, reflecting its long-term, multiple-entry benefit.
For the most accurate and up-to-date fee for your specific situation, it is always best to consult the Department of Home Affairs' pricing estimator or speak with a registered migration agent at Australian Migration Agents.
Visitor Visa Extensions: Costs and Requirements
While the Australian Visitor Visa cannot be formally 'extended', it may be possible to remain in Australia longer by applying for a new visa. If you wish to remain in Australia beyond the validity of your Subclass 600 visa, you are required to apply for a new visa before your current one expires.
The new visa could be another Visitor Visa or a different type, such as a Student Visa, depending on your circumstances. Whether you can apply from within Australia will depend on the conditions attached to your current visa.
Please note that applying for a new visa will require payment of a new application charge, as well as any costs associated with health checks, police checks, or other supporting documents.
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What to Do If Your Visitor Visa Is Rejected
The Australian visa application process is complex, and if the Department of Home Affairs finds any issues in your application, it may result in refusal. In case your visa has been refused, the following steps may be relevant:
Understanding the Refusal Notice
The Department of Home Affairs notifies applicants of a rejection through a refusal letter. The Department will send you a letter stating the exact reasons why your visa was denied.
It is important to carefully review and understand the reasons outlined in the refusal notice, so you can address these if you decide to reapply.
Options for Review or Reapplication
If you believe the grounds for visa refusal were not justified, you may be able to seek a review with the Administrative Review Tribunal within the stipulated time frame, which is often 21 days.
Alternatively, you may choose to submit a new application, ensuring that all required information and supporting documents are included. For instance, you must provide sufficient evidence to address the previous reasons for refusal, such as providing more detailed evidence of your financial capacity.
How a Refusal Affects Future Applications
Refusal of a visa application can impact your future applications. In some cases, you may need to provide more substantial evidence or documents to support any subsequent application. A history of refusal means future applications will likely face a higher level of scrutiny.
Tips to Reduce Costs and Avoid Extra Fees
A successful visa application without any errors means you avoid paying extra fees in a reapplication process. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are applying for the visa.
Preparing Complete Documentation
The next tip is to prepare all the documentation beforehand. Before starting the application process, create a checklist of the required documents. These may include your bank statements to prove your financial capacity, a valid passport, and other essential documents.
Please note that incomplete documentation can result in unexpected delays during visa processing and may also result in visa refusal, requiring a new application and payment of the relevant fee.
Avoiding Unnecessary Delays or Mistakes
It is important to provide truthful and accurate information in your visa application. Providing false or misleading information may lead to visa refusal, additional costs, or even a period of exclusion from applying for Australian visas.
Where to Get Expert Advice on the Visitor Visa
If you require advice on the Visitor Visa process, a registered migration agent can provide essential guidance. The team at Australian Migration Agents can provide you with the right support to ensure you can confidently overcome every possible delay and detour.
Australian immigration law is complex. There are frequent policy changes and several deadlines that applicants must meet. This volume of information can overwhelm any individual who wants to visit Australia for recreational purposes or tourism. This is why choosing professional advice from a migration agent is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Pay My Visa Fee in Instalments?
Generally, the Visitor Visa application fee cannot be paid in instalments and is due in full when you submit your application. However, for some other visa types, the application charge may be payable in two instalments.
Do Children Pay the Same Fee as Adults?
No, children do not have to pay the same fee as adults for the visitor visa. Usually, the total cost of a visa application for children is less than that for adults. However, the process requires additional documents, such as the parents' or guardians' identification and evidence that you have permission for the child to travel.
Does Using a Migration Agent Increase the Total Cost?
Hiring a migration agent involves professional service fees, which adds to the upfront cost of the visa application. However, in the long run, proper assistance can minimise the overall cost involved in the application process. This is because professionals can help you avoid common pitfalls that could lead to a refusal and the cost of reapplying.
How Long Does It Take for the Visa Fee to be Processed?
There is no separate processing time for the visa fee, as the payment is considered an integral part of the visa application. Until you have paid the fee, your application will be considered incomplete.
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