Key Takeaways
• Student Visa Fees increase 25% to AUD 2,000 starting July 1, 2025, highest among English-speaking countries.
• Other visa fees rise about 3%; Fair Work High-Income Threshold raised to AUD 175,000 from July 1, 2024.
• New fees apply to applications after midnight July 1, 2025 (AEST); budget planning and early application advised.
Australia’s New Immigration Fee and Threshold Changes: What International Students, Migrants, and Employers Need to Know for July 1, 2025
Australia 🇦🇺 has announced major changes to its immigration fees and income thresholds, with new rules taking effect from July 1, 2025. These updates affect a wide range of people, including international students, skilled workers, families, and employers. The government says these changes are meant to help manage immigration numbers, keep the system running smoothly, and make sure there’s enough money to support services. But for many, the higher costs and new rules bring new questions and challenges.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of what’s changing, who is affected, and what steps you should take if you’re planning to study, work, or settle in Australia 🇦🇺.
Biggest Fee Increase: Student Visa Fees Jump to AUD 2,000
The most talked-about change is the sharp rise in Student Visa Fees for the Subclass 500 visa. Starting July 1, 2025, the cost to apply for a student visa will go up from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000. This is a 25% increase, making Australia’s student visa fees the highest among major English-speaking countries.
Why is this happening?
The government says the higher fee will help cover the costs of running the immigration system and make sure the international education sector remains strong and honest. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher have both said the fee increase is part of their plan to manage immigration in a fair way and raise money for public services.
How much money will this raise?
Officials expect the higher Student Visa Fees to bring in about AUD 760 million over the next four years.
What does this mean for students?
– Higher upfront costs: Students must now budget for the new, higher fee when planning to study in Australia 🇦🇺.
– Possible drop in enrolments: Some English language schools have already seen fewer students signing up, and a few have even closed. Many in the education sector worry that the higher fees will make Australia 🇦🇺 less attractive compared to other countries.
– More pressure on families: Families sending children to study in Australia 🇦🇺 will need to plan for the extra cost.
When does the new fee apply?
Any student visa application submitted from midnight July 1, 2025 (AEST) will be charged the new fee. If you apply before this date, you pay the old fee.
Where can you find the official fee schedule?
The Department of Home Affairs keeps the most up-to-date information on visa fees on its official website.
Other Visa Fee Increases: Partner, Skilled, and Employer-Sponsored Visas
It’s not just students who are affected. From July 1, 2025, fees for many other visas will also go up by about 3%. Here’s a quick look at the new costs:
Partner Visas (Subclasses 309/100, 300, 820/801):
– Main applicant: AUD 9,365 (up from AUD 9,095)
– Additional applicant (18+): AUD 4,685 (up from AUD 4,550)
– Additional applicant (under 18): AUD 2,345 (up from AUD 2,280)
Skilled Migration Visas (Subclasses 189, 190, 491, 494):
– Main applicant: AUD 4,910 (up from about AUD 4,765)
– Additional applicant (18+): AUD 2,455 (up from AUD 2,385)
– Additional applicant (under 18): AUD 1,230 (up from about AUD 1,190)
Why are these fees going up?
The government says the increases are needed to keep up with inflation and the rising costs of processing applications.
Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Fees:
– The fee to appeal a visa decision (except for protection visas) has gone up from AUD 3,374 to AUD 3,496.
Australian Citizenship Application Fees:
– Standard application: AUD 560
– Some other categories: AUD 360 (first sibling), AUD 150 (for each sibling after that)
– Other specific applications: AUD 275
These changes mean that anyone applying for a visa or citizenship, or appealing a decision, will need to pay more from July 1, 2025.
Income Thresholds: Higher Salary Requirements for Employer-Sponsored Visas
Another important change is the increase in the Fair Work High-Income Threshold. From July 1, 2024, this threshold went up from AUD 167,500 to AUD 175,000.
What is the Fair Work High-Income Threshold?
This is the minimum salary that employers must pay to certain skilled workers if they want to sponsor them for visas like:
– Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
– Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494)
Why does this matter?
Employers who want to sponsor overseas workers for these visas must now offer higher salaries to meet the new rules. This could make it harder for some businesses to bring in skilled workers, especially in industries where wages are lower.
Why Did Australia 🇦🇺 Make These Changes?
The government says these changes are part of a bigger plan to:
– Raise money to pay for the costs of running the immigration system and related services.
– Control the number of international students to make sure schools and universities can keep up quality and provide good support.
– Adjust fees regularly to keep up with inflation and the real costs of processing visas.
These changes were announced ahead of the next federal election, and the government has made it clear that managing immigration numbers and keeping the system strong are top priorities.
How Do These Changes Affect Different Groups?
International Students
– Higher costs: Students must now pay more to apply for a visa, which could make Australia 🇦🇺 less appealing compared to countries like Canada 🇨🇦, the United States 🇺🇸, or the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.
– Possible drop in enrolments: Some schools, especially those offering English language courses, have already seen fewer students. A few have even closed because of falling numbers.
– Need for more support: Many in the education sector are calling for more scholarships or financial help for students to balance out the higher fees.
Skilled Workers and Families
– More expensive applications: Skilled workers and families applying for partner visas will need to budget for the higher fees.
– Employers must pay more: Businesses wanting to sponsor workers must now offer higher salaries to meet the new Fair Work High-Income Threshold.
Education Providers
– Financial pressure: With fewer students, some schools may struggle to stay open.
– Need to adapt: Schools may need to offer more support or scholarships to attract students.
Employers
– Review salary offers: Companies must check that their job offers meet the new salary requirements for sponsored visas.
– Adjust budgets: Higher fees and salary requirements may mean higher costs for hiring overseas workers.
Immigration Professionals
– Advise clients: Lawyers and migration agents are telling clients to plan for the higher fees and make sure they understand the new rules.
– Stay updated: Professionals must keep up with the latest changes to avoid mistakes that could lead to delays or refusals.
What Should Applicants and Sponsors Do Now?
For Visa Applicants:
– Check the new fees: Make sure you know the exact cost for your visa type before you apply. The Department of Home Affairs has a visa pricing estimator.
– Apply early if possible: If you can, submit your application before July 1, 2025, to pay the lower fee.
– Budget for higher costs: Plan ahead for the increased fees, especially if you’re applying with family members.
– Use the correct forms: Always download the latest visa application forms from the official government website.
For Employers and Sponsors:
– Review salary offers: Make sure your job offers meet the new Fair Work High-Income Threshold.
– Adjust recruitment plans: Higher costs may affect your hiring plans, so budget accordingly.
For Education Providers:
– Prepare for changes: Expect possible drops in enrolments and think about ways to support students, such as scholarships or payment plans.
– Communicate clearly: Let students know about the new fees and any support you can offer.
System Maintenance and Application Timing
To make sure the new fees were applied smoothly, the Department of Home Affairs did system maintenance from June 30 to July 1, 2025. This means that any applications submitted after this time will be charged the new fees. If you’re planning to apply, double-check the timing to avoid surprises.
Expert Opinions and Stakeholder Reactions
Government Officials:
Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher have both said the fee increases are needed to keep the immigration system strong and to raise money for important services.
Education Sector:
Many English language schools and universities are worried about the impact of higher fees. Some have already seen fewer students, and a few have closed. There are calls for the government to offer more support to students to keep Australia 🇦🇺 competitive.
Immigration Professionals:
Lawyers and migration agents are advising clients to act quickly and plan for the higher costs. They also stress the importance of understanding the new rules to avoid mistakes.
Students and Migrants:
Many are worried about the higher upfront costs and are looking for clear information and support to help them make decisions.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes have sparked debate across the education and migration sectors, with many watching closely to see how the new fees will affect Australia’s 🇦🇺 position as a top destination for students and skilled workers.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Australia’s Immigration Fees?
The government has said it will keep reviewing visa fees and income thresholds to make sure they match economic conditions and policy goals. This means more changes could come in the future, especially as the government watches how the new fees affect student numbers and the health of the education sector.
The outcome of the next federal election could also bring more changes to immigration policy and fee structures. All applicants and sponsors are encouraged to stay informed by checking the Department of Home Affairs news page and seeking advice from qualified professionals.
Where to Find Official Information and Help
- Department of Home Affairs:
The main source for up-to-date visa fees, forms, and news is the Department of Home Affairs website. - Visa Application Forms:
Always use the latest forms from the official forms page. - Professional Advice:
If you need help with your application or understanding the new rules, consider contacting a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer. - System Maintenance Notices:
Check the DHA news archives for updates on system downtimes and fee changes.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Student Visa Fees for Australia 🇦🇺 will rise to AUD 2,000 from July 1, 2025, making them the highest among major English-speaking countries.
- Other visa fees (partner, skilled, employer-sponsored) are also going up by about 3%.
- Fair Work High-Income Threshold is now AUD 175,000, affecting employer-sponsored visa requirements.
- All applicants must pay the new fees for applications lodged after midnight July 1, 2025 (AEST).
- Plan ahead: Budget for higher costs, check official sources for the latest information, and seek professional advice if needed.
By staying informed and preparing for these changes, students, families, skilled workers, and employers can better manage the new costs and requirements for moving to or staying in Australia 🇦🇺. For the most current updates, always refer to the Department of Home Affairs and consult trusted immigration professionals.
Learn Today
Student Visa (Subclass 500) → A temporary visa allowing international students to study full-time in Australia for the visa duration.
Fair Work High-Income Threshold → A minimum salary (currently AUD 175,000) employers must pay to sponsor certain skilled foreign workers on visas.
Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) → An independent body reviewing visa decisions, where appeal fees have recently increased.
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) → A visa for skilled workers nominated by employers to live and work permanently in Australia.
Visa Pricing Estimator → An official Department of Home Affairs online tool to calculate exact visa application fees.
This Article in a Nutshell
Australia raises student visa fees to AUD 2,000 from July 1, 2025, with other visa costs also increasing. Employers must meet higher salary thresholds. These changes fund immigration services but may reduce student enrollments and challenge employers, requiring careful planning and professional advice.
— By VisaVerge.com
