Navigating the New 2025-26 Visa and Citizenship Application Fee Increases

From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government will implement its annual update to visa and citizenship visa application charges. These adjustments are typically tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Understanding these new fees is crucial for anyone planning to apply for an Australian visa or citizenship in the upcoming financial year. It is important to get this right, as an incorrect payment can invalidate an application, leading to significant delays and potential complications in your immigration journey. To help you prepare, we have detailed the key changes across popular visa categories.

Australian Citizenship Application Fees

The fees for applying for Australian citizenship have been revised. For those aspiring to become citizens, the updated costs are as follows:

• Citizenship by Conferral (General Eligibility - Form 1300t): The new standard application fee is now $575. A concession fee of $80 is available for eligible applicants.
• Citizenship by Descent (Form 118): The fee is $370 for the first applicant. A reduced fee of $150 applies to each subsequent sibling applying at the same time.
• Other Citizenship Applications: Fees for other application types, such as resuming or renouncing citizenship, have also been updated. For example, the fee for renunciation (Form 128) is now $310, and the fee for resuming citizenship (Form 132) is $245.

Partner & Prospective Marriage Visa Fees

The charges for the partner visa and prospective marriage visas, which are paid in a single upfront instalment, are as follows:

Partner Visas (Subclasses 309/100 and 820/801):

• Base application charge (main applicant): $9,365
• Additional applicant charge (18 or over): $4,685
• Additional applicant charge (under 18): $2,345

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300):

• Base application charge (main applicant): $9,365
• Additional applicant charge (18 or over): $4,685
• Additional applicant charge (under 18): $2,345

Parent Visa Fees

The costs for parent visas are significant and typically split into two instalments. This pathway requires careful financial planning, and professional advice can be invaluable.

Non-Contributory Parent Visas (Subclasses 103 & 804):

• First Instalment: The base application charge is $5,280.
• Second Instalment: A second instalment of $2,065 per applicant is payable before the visa is granted.

Contributory Parent Visas (Subclasses 143 & 864):

• First Instalment: The base application charge for a new application is $5,040.
• Second Instalment: A significant second instalment of $43,600 per applicant is payable before the visa grant.

Navigating the parent visa process can be complex. Contact Australian Migration Lawyers for tailored support.

Visitor Visas (Subclass 600)

The fees for the popular Subclass 600 Visitor visa depend on the stream and where the application is made.

Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor, and Approved Destination Status Streams:

• Applying from outside Australia: The base charge is $200.
• Applying from within Australia: The base charge is $500.

Frequent Traveller Stream:

• The base application charge is $1,480.

Student & Temporary Graduate Visas

For those planning to study or work in Australia after their studies, the following fee increases apply.

Student Visa (Subclass 500):

• The base application charge for most applicants is now $2000. This affects many international students looking to study in Australia.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):

• For most first-time applicants, the base application charge is $2300.
• A subsequent application charge may apply depending on the stream.

Skilled Migration and Employer-Sponsored Visas

A number of significant changes also affect skilled visas, which are a cornerstone of Australia’s migration program. These adjustments impact skilled workers and overseas workers seeking permanent residency. The updated visa application fees will apply to various visa subclasses, including those under the Employer Nomination Scheme.

For employer-sponsored visas, businesses will need to account for these increased costs when sponsoring skilled workers. This includes popular options like the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa and the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa. Staying informed about these new thresholds is essential for effective workforce planning.

Prospective migrants applying through the points-tested streams must also be aware of the new fee structure. An accurate budget is a critical part of a successful skilled migration strategy.

Other Key Updates

Beyond direct fee increases, prospective applicants should be aware of broader shifts in the migration landscape. The transition to the Administrative Review Tribunal, for example, will change how visa refusals and cancellations are reviewed. While this is a structural change, it has procedural and cost implications for visa applicants who may need to appeal a decision.

It is also wise to monitor processing times, which can fluctuate based on application volumes and departmental priorities. Delays can impact your plans, and having professional help can ensure your application is decision-ready, minimising potential setbacks.

Understanding the Charges

It is important to remember that these fees are for the visa application charge only and are non-refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn. Other costs to consider include health examinations, police clearances, and professional fees for migration assistance. When paying, be aware that credit card transactions may attract a surcharge.

Given the complexity and the significant financial investment involved, ensuring your visa application is lodged correctly with the precise fee is more critical than ever. An error can jeopardise your entire application. Our team at Australian Migration Lawyers has extensive expertise in managing visa and citizenship applications, helping to maximise your prospects of a successful outcome. Contact us for professional guidance.