Migration Amendment (Visa Application Charges) Regulations 2025

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.
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