Obtaining an Australian visa comes with various costs. Whether you are travelling for tourism, work, study, or family visits, you are often required to obtain a visa. Acquiring an Australian visa involves more than just paperwork.
Before planning a trip to the country which boasts of stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife, you have to understand how crucial the expenses for visas are.
Here Are The Types Of Visas And Their Costs.
The type of Australian visa you are applying for will determine its cost. Below are some common visa types and their associated costs:
Visitor Visas: When you are travelling to Australia for tourism purposes or visiting family and friends, visitor visas will be the best option. The cost of this visa depends on the duration of stay, whether it’s a single or multiple entry. Prices ranged from around AUD $145 for a tourist visa (subclass 600) to AUD $365 for a long-validity visa, as of 2022.
Student Visas: If you intend to pursue education in Australia, then a student visa will be the best option for you. This visa’s cost depends on the course duration and type. For example, as of 2022, the fee for the primary applicant for a student visa (subclass 500) ranged from AUD $620 if a course is lasting less than three months to AUD $1,260 for a course exceeding ten months.
Work Visas: You are required to obtain specific work visas if it’s your plan to work temporarily or permanently in Australia. The costs of this visa type depend on factors like the type of work and the applicant’s circumstances. For example, the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa can cost between AUD $285 to AUD $2,645, depending on its stream and duration.
Permanent Residency Visas: If you are aiming to get a permanent home in Australia, the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) are the various visas available for you. The costs for these visas can be substantial, they often exceed AUD $4,000, depending on the visa subclass and applicant circumstances.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Apart from the visa application fees, there are other expenses to consider:
Health Examinations: Some Australian visa types may require health examinations—and that can incur additional costs. These examinations ensure that applicants meet the country’s health requirements. The costs can vary depending on where you are applying from and the tests needed.
Biometrics: As part of the application process, some visa applicants may need to provide biometric information. This biometric information involves providing fingerprints and photographs and may incur extra charges.
Migration Agent Fees: Though this is not mandatory, some people decide to recruit the services of migration agents to help with their visa applications. These agents charge fees for their services, and their charges can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the services provided.
Translation and Certification: You may need to translate your any document you submit as part of your visa application if it’s not in English. Certified translators will charge for a service like this.
Waivers and Exemptions
Some individuals may be qualified for waivers or exemptions from certain visa costs. For example:
Waivers for Certain Nationals: Some visa subclasses offer fee waivers for citizens of certain countries or regions.
Financial Hardship Waivers: In cases of financial hardship, you may request a waiver of the visa application fee. Nonetheless, this is subject to assessment by the relevant authorities.
Before Applying for an Australian visa, it is advisable to stay updated on the latest visa requirements and fee structures, as they may change over time. Also, consult official sources such as the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website or seek guidance from reputable migration agents who can provide valuable insights and assistance throughout the visa application process.
