Australian Immigration Daily News

The "Migration Amendment (Visa Application Charge Refund) Regulations 2024" introduces amendments to the Migration Regulations 1994.

The primary objective is to provide a partial refund of the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for Student (Subclass 500) and Student Guardian (Subclass 590) visa applicants from specified Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. This refund offsets the increase in VAC that took effect from 1 July 2024.

The partial refund applies to the difference between the VAC amounts payable before and after the new regulations were implemented. The aim is to support educational opportunities for students from these regions, thereby strengthening Australia's ties with Pacific nations and contributing to regional stability and development. The regulations are designed to ensure fairness and avoid creating barriers for prospective students from these areas. The changes are set to commence the day after registration on the Federal Register of Legislation.

The key points include:

1. Partial Refund: The refund is the difference between the VAC on 30 June 2024 and the increased VAC from 1 July 2024.
2. Eligibility: Applies to primary applicants holding passports from specified Pacific countries and Timor-Leste.
3. Regulatory Details: The regulations outline specific procedures for requesting and processing refunds.
4. Human Rights Consideration: The regulations align with Australia's commitments to human rights, promoting educational opportunities for specific regions while ensuring non-discrimination.

These regulations underscore the Australian government's commitment to maintaining strong ties with Pacific countries while supporting the educational aspirations of students from these regions.

Source: Migration-Amendment-Visa-Application-Charge-Refund-Regulations-2024.pdf and

Migration-Amendment-Visa-Application-Charge-Refund-Regulations-2024---Explanatory-Statement.pdf