As of 1 July 2025, the Australian Government is updating its visa and citizenship application charges for the new financial year. These annual adjustments are important for anyone planning to apply for an Australian visa or take the final step towards citizenship.
Paying the correct fee is essential as an incorrect payment can make your application invalid and lead to serious delays. To help you plan your budget and prepare for a smooth application, we have broken down the key changes for the most popular visa types.
Updated Fees for Temporary Visas
Student & Temporary Graduate Visas
For international students and recent graduates, the following government charges will apply from 1 July 2025:
- Student Visa (Subclass 500): The base application charge is increasing to $2,000 for most applicants.
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): The base application charge for most first-time applicants will be $2,300.
Planning to study or work after graduation? Chat with an agent at Australian Migration Agents to ensure your budget is on track.
Visitor Visas (Subclass 600)
The fees for the popular Subclass 600 Visitor visa will vary depending on where you apply from and the stream you choose:
- Applying from outside Australia: The base fee is now $200.
- Applying from inside Australia: The base fee is now $500.
- Frequent Traveller Stream: The base application charge for this stream is $1,480.
Updated Fees for Family & Partner Visas
Partner & Prospective Marriage Visas
The application charges for partner and fiancé visas are paid as a single upfront cost. The new fees are:
- Partner Visas (Subclasses 309/100 & 820/801): The base charge for the main applicant is $9,365.
- Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300): The base charge for the main applicant is $9,365.
- Additional Applicants: For both visa types, additional adult applicants are $4,685, and children are $2,345.
Parent Visas
The Parent visa pathway involves significant costs, which are usually paid in two instalments. The main difference in cost relates to processing times.
- Non-Contributory Parent Visas (Subclasses 103 & 804): The first instalment is $5,280. A second instalment of $2,065 per applicant is required before the visa is granted. These visas have very long processing times.
- Contributory Parent Visas (Subclasses 143 & 864): The first instalment is $5,040. A very large second instalment of $43,600 per applicant is due before the visa can be granted. This higher 'contribution' allows for much faster processing.
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Updated Fees for Skilled & Employer-Sponsored Visas
The fee increases will also affect Australia’s skilled migration program. While the base application charges are updated annually, the total cost for these visas can vary significantly.
Factors such as employer sponsorship fees, the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, and costs for additional family members will impact the final amount. Both skilled workers applying through points-tested streams and businesses sponsoring employees will need to account for these updated costs. A clear budget is a vital part of any successful skilled migration plan.
Updated Fees for Australian Citizenship
For permanent residents ready to become Australian citizens, the application fees have also been updated.
- Citizenship by Conferral: The standard application fee is now $575. A concession fee of $80 is available for those eligible.
- Citizenship by Descent: The fee for the first applicant is $370. If a sibling applies at the same time, their fee is reduced to $150.
- Other Applications: Fees for renouncing citizenship are now $310, and resuming citizenship is $245.
Important Reminders for Your Application Budget
- Fees are Non-Refundable: The visa application charge (VAC) will not be refunded if your application is withdrawn or refused. Double-checking that you are applying for the right visa is the best way to protect your investment.
- Budget for Extra Costs: The main fee does not include other expenses like health exams, police clearances, document translations, or professional migration assistance.
- Credit Card Surcharges: Be aware that paying with a credit card may attract a surcharge.
- Lodge a Complete Application: Visa processing times can change. A decision-ready application can help minimise delays.
How Our Migration Agents Can Help You Plan
With the significant financial investment required for a visa, ensuring your application is lodged correctly with the right fee is more important than ever. An error can put your entire application at risk.
Our team of registered migration agents at Australian Migration Agents has experience managing all types of visa and citizenship applications. We can help you navigate these new fees and prepare a complete and accurate application. Contact us today for professional guidance.
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