Australian Visa and Tribunal Fee Increases: 1 July 2025

The Australian Government has announced significant changes to visa application charges, set to take effect from 1 July 2025. These adjustments will impact a wide range of visa categories and also affect the cost of lodging an appeal, affecting prospective applicants and their families.

From our experience, staying informed about these developments is crucial for planning your migration journey. This article provides a clear overview of the new fee structures, including the increased costs for lodging a review with the Administrative Review Tribunal, and what these changes mean for you. For tailored advice, contact Australian Migration Lawyers for expert guidance.

Key Visa Application Charge (VAC) Increases

As of 1 July 2025, most visa application charges will increase. The fee adjustments vary across different visa subclasses, with increases ranging from 5% to 40%. It is important to note that these changes will apply to all new applications lodged on or after the commencement date.

These updated fees reflect the Government's revised approach to the migration system. You might be wondering how this affects your specific situation. The exact application fee depends on the visa you are applying for and whether you are including additional applicants in your submission.

Fee Changes for Specific Visas

• Partner Visas: The application charge will increase from $9,095 to $9,365.
• Student Visas: The fee will rise from $1,600 to $2,000.
• Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482): The cost will increase from $3,115 to $3,210.
• Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143): This visa will see an increase from $48,495 to $48,640.

Please note: These changes apply to government fees only and do not include the professional fees for Australian Migration Lawyers.

Implications of Increased Lodgement Fees

These adjustments to visa application charges have important implications for anyone involved in the migration process. For primary applicants and their families, the cost of lodging a visa application is higher. It is crucial for all existing visa holders and prospective applicants to be aware of these financial adjustments.

Planning ahead can help mitigate the impact of these changes on your budget and application timeline. This is especially true if there is a risk of refusal, which could lead to further costs associated with appealing the decision.

What if Your Application Is Refused?

If a visa application is refused, you may have the right to a review of the decision. In most cases, this involves lodging an application with the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). The ART is an independent body that reviews decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs.

Lodging an appeal with the Tribunal incurs a significant application fee, and these fees are also increasing. For a Migration Review, the standard application fee will rise from $3,496 to $3,580. For a Protection Review, the fee will increase from $2,151 to $2,203. This adds another layer of financial consideration for applicants.

Navigating the appeals process requires careful preparation and a thorough understanding of the relevant legal requirements. Seeking professional assistance can maximise your prospects of a successful outcome while ensuring you are aware of all potential costs.

How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help

The Australian migration landscape is complex and constantly evolving. With the new fees for visa applications and tribunal lodgements, having access to accurate and timely advice is more important than ever.

At Australian Migration Lawyers, we help our clients navigate these changes with confidence. We offer expert assistance across all visa subclasses, from initial consultations to preparing and lodging decision-ready applications. Our team can also provide robust representation in the Administrative Review Tribunal for those challenging a visa refusal.

Whether you are seeking to apply for Australian citizenship, a skilled visa, or need help with any other migration matter, we are here to provide the support you need. Contact us today to discuss your situation.