The Department of Home Affairs has released information regarding the circumstances where a visa application charge could be waived or refunded. Below is a summary of specific visa subclasses covered by the provisions:
Prospective Marriage visa – Subclass 300
Where an applicant was granted a Prospective Marriage visa but could not enter Australia because of COVID-19 travel restrictions before visa ceased, persons of this cohort may be eligible for a VAC refund.
Refunds will help former Prospective Marriage visa holders to apply for another visa to come to Australia, once travel restrictions are lifted. These applications will be given priority, but the actual processing times for applications will depend on whether the application is complete and meets all the requirements for the visa.
Temporary workers
Limited refunds are available to temporary workers. For those who are or were part of the Pacific Labour Scheme or Seasonal Worker Programme, were granted a visa before 20 March 2020 and were unable to travel to Australia because of COVID-19 travel restrictions, VAC may be refunded.
For those who were granted a Temporary Skill Shortage or Temporary Work (Skilled) visa but you were unable to enter Australia because of COVID-19 travel restrictions before the visa ceased, applicants may be able to receive a VAC waiver for a future visa application.
Working Holiday Makers
Those who were granted a Working Holiday Maker visa, may be able to receive a VAC waiver for a future application or a refund. A VAC waiver will apply for a further application if an applicant was unable to travel to Australia because of travel restrictions or had to depart Australia early due to COVID-19.
Visitors
A VAC waiver will be available for Visitor (Tourist) visa holders whose visas expired while outside Australia following implementation of COVID-19 travel restrictions on 20 March 2020.
For full details, visit: