The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has confirmed that Visa Application Charges (VAC) across multiple subclasses have been revised and will come into effect starting 1st July 2025. The changes apply to student, visitor, and partner visa categories, with an average increase of 3% across most streams.
The revised fee structure is part of DHA’s annual adjustment policy, aimed at keeping application processing aligned with rising operational and administrative costs.
The updated visa fee structure affects a wide range of international applicants, including prospective students, visitors, and migrant partners. While the percentage increase may appear modest, it carries significant financial implications, particularly for applicants submitting family-based or dependent-inclusive visa applications.
Among the notable changes, the Student Visa (Subclass 500) now carries a base application charge of AUD 2,000. For applicants with dependents, the additional charge is AUD 1,225 for those aged 18 and above, and AUD 400 for minors under 18.
Visitor visa categories, such as the Tourist stream andBusiness Visitor stream (subclass 600 – outside Australia), are now priced at AUD 200 per application, with no separate dependent fees listed.
The most significant increase can be seen in the Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100), which now carries a base charge of AUD 9,385, with dependent fees rising to AUD 4,685 for adults and AUD 2,345 for minors. Below is the revised visa fee table effective from 1st July 2025:
The increase comes at a time when Australia’s education and migration sectors are already navigating tightened policy frameworks and heightened compliance scrutiny. Education providers and migration agents are advised to inform students and applicants well in advance to ensure documentation and financials are aligned with the new structure.
