Australian Immigration Daily News

The Migration Amendment (Visa Application Charges) Regulations 2025 implements scheduled adjustments to visa application charges (VACs), effective from 1 July 2025, consistent with the Australian Government’s annual indexation policy. The majority of VACs will increase by 3%, reflecting the 2023–2024 Consumer Price Index (CPI), as announced in the Federal Budget.

Additionally, this instrument introduces a further targeted increase for the Subclass 500 (Student) visa and Subclass 590 (Student Guardian) visa, with the base application charge rising from $1,600 to $2,000. This measure aligns with the Government’s Building Australia’s Future plan, aiming to better support the integrity of Australia’s international education system.

Importantly, visa applicants from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste remain exempt from the uplifted charges as part of Australia’s commitment to regional partnership and equitable access to education opportunities.

These amendments are enacted under the Migration Regulations 1994 and are designed to ensure the sustainability and integrity of the visa program while maintaining support for key international relationships.

Source: Migration-Amendment-Visa-Application-Charges-Regulations-2025.pdf 

and Migration-Amendment-Visa-Application-Charges-Regulations-2025---explanatory-statement.pdf