Australian Visa Cost & Processing Time

Australia offers various types of visas for visitors, students, workers, and permanent residents. The cost and processing time for each visa can vary based on factors such as visa type, duration, and complexity of the case.

Generally, visa fees are non-refundable and must be paid in advance when submitting an application. The cost of an Australian visa can range from AUD $140 to over AUD $10,000, depending on the visa type and duration.

Visa processing times can also vary widely based on the visa type and individual circumstances. For example, the processing time for a visitor visa can range from 48 hours to 4 weeks, while the processing time for a skilled visa can range from 4 months to over a year.

In some cases, it may be possible to expedite the visa processing time by paying an additional fee. This option is typically available for certain types of visas, such as business and skilled visas, and can be useful for those who need to travel to Australia on short notice.

It's important to note that the visa application process can also involve additional costs, such as health checks, police clearances, and biometric data collection. These costs can add up, so it's important to factor them into your budget when planning your trip to Australia.

To ensure a smooth visa application process, it's important to carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This includes submitting a complete and accurate application form, providing all required documents and information, and paying the required visa fees.

The cost and processing time for an Australian visa can vary based on a variety of factors. It's important to carefully consider your visa options and plan ahead to ensure that you have sufficient time and resources to obtain your visa before your intended travel date.

First Installment Visa Fee

Applicants for an Australian visa are required to pay the application fee in two separate installments that correspond to different stages of the application process.

The first installment covers four distinct fees, which are as follows:

• Base application fee
• Additional applicant charge
• Subsequent temporary application charge (only applicable for specific visas)
• Non-internet application charge (only applicable for certain cases)

The initial visa application must be submitted along with payment of the first installment.

Second Installment Visa Fee

For certain visa types in Australia, a second installment fee may be required before you can receive the visa if your application is successful. However, if your application is rejected or withdrawn, you will not be required to pay this fee. The amount of this fee varies depending on the visa type, and for some visas, it can be quite high. The Australian authorities will inform you when it's time to pay this fee if it's applicable to your visa. It's important to be aware of this potential additional cost when planning your budget for your trip to Australia and to carefully review the visa requirements and fees before submitting your application.

How Much Does an Australia Visa Cost?

Below are the initial application fees that are required for an Australian visa:

That visa fees for a particular subclass may vary depending on the previous visa held by the applicant. Specifically, for holders of a contributory parent visa who apply for another subclass in the same category, the visa fees will change accordingly. It is advised to contact the Immigration office to get an idea about the fees that need to be paid.

This means that if an applicant previously held a contributory parent visa and is now applying for a different subclass within the parent visa category, the visa fee may differ from what is listed for other applicants. Therefore, it is essential to check with the immigration office to determine the exact fee applicable for their visa application. This information will help the applicant to budget for the visa application process accordingly.

What Is the Additional Applicant Charge for Australia Visa?

When you apply for a visa with another applicant, you will be required to pay an additional applicant visa fee, in addition to the base application fee mentioned above. The amount of this fee varies based on the type of visa you are applying for, the age of the applicant, and whether or not you are currently in Australia at the time of application.

For certain types of Australian visas, the following are the additional applicant fees that you will be required to pay:

What Is a Subsequent Temporary Application Fee?

The aforementioned charge is solely relevant for individuals applying for specific temporary visas while in Australia. To be eligible for this fee, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• The applicant must be physically present in Australia at the time of submitting their visa application.
• The applicant must be seeking one of the following temporary visa types: Tourist Visa (subclass 600), Student Visas (subclass 500, 590), Training Visa (subclass 407), Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462), Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408), or Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482).
• The applicant must have held a prior Australian visa, excluding bridging visas, criminal justice visas, or enforcement visas.

It is essential to note that this additional charge does not apply to visa types that lead to permanent residency or long-term residence in Australia.

What Is a Non-Internet Application Charge?

For those who choose to submit a paper application for an Australian visa, a non-internet application charge will be incurred in addition to the regular application fee. This fee applies to applicants who do not submit their application through ImmiAccount, which is the online application portal for Australian visas. Additionally, applicants who choose to send their application by post or courier fax will also be required to pay this fee. The non-internet application charge is a separate fee and can vary depending on the type of visa being applied for. It is important for applicants to carefully review the visa requirements and application procedures to determine whether the non-internet application charge applies to their visa application. By doing so, applicants can ensure that they have accounted for all associated fees and can submit their visa application successfully.

Non-Internet Application Charge Exemptions

Individuals who apply for certain visa types may be exempted from paying the non-internet application fee. These visa types include:

• Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
• Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)
• Skilled-Recognised Graduate Visa (subclass 476)
• Resident Return Visa (subclass 155, 157)

It is important to note that this exemption only applies to the non-internet application fee and not to any other associated fees or charges. Additionally, eligibility for fee exemption may vary based on individual circumstances, and it is recommended that applicants consult the Department of Home Affairs website or seek professional advice for further information.

How Do I Pay the Visa Application Fee for Australia?

The process of paying the visa application fee for Australia depends on the type of visa you are applying for and the location where you are submitting your application. Here are some general guidelines:

Determine the visa application fee: Before you can pay the visa application fee, you need to know how much it costs. This information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website or by contacting a visa application center.

Choose a payment method: There are several payment methods available, including online payment, bank transfer, and credit/debit card payment. The accepted payment methods may vary depending on the location where you are submitting your application.

Pay the visa application fee: If you are submitting your application online, you will be prompted to pay the fee during the application process. If you are submitting a paper application, you will need to include the payment along with your application form.

Keep proof of payment: It is important to keep a record of your payment, such as a receipt or confirmation email. This will be useful in case there are any issues or delays with your application.

In summary, paying the visa application fee for Australia involves determining the fee amount, choosing a payment method, making the payment, and keeping proof of payment. It is important to carefully follow the payment instructions provided by the Department of Home Affairs or the visa application center to ensure that your payment is processed correctly.

How Do I Pay the Visa Fee if I Submitted a Paper Application?

If you submitted a paper application for an Australian visa and are required to pay the application fee, you have several payment options available to you. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank draft. You can also pay in person at an Australian Visa Application Centre or through a third-party service provider. If you are paying by bank draft, you should ensure that the draft is in Australian dollars and made payable to the Department of Home Affairs. When submitting your application, you should include the payment confirmation with your application to ensure that your payment is properly processed. It's important to note that payment methods may vary depending on the country from which you are submitting your application, so it's recommended that you check the specific payment options and procedures for your country. By carefully following the payment instructions and including the payment confirmation with your application, you can ensure that your payment is processed correctly and that your visa application is not delayed.

Will I Get a Refund if My Visa Application Is Rejected?

If your Australian visa application is rejected, you may be eligible for a refund of the application fee you paid. However, this is subject to the visa subclass and the circumstances of the rejection. In some cases, such as if you have made an error in your application or failed to meet certain requirements, you may not be eligible for a refund. If you are eligible for a refund, it will typically be processed automatically and refunded to the original payment method. It's important to note that any subsequent temporary application fees or non-internet application fees that you have paid will not be refunded if your application is rejected. Additionally, if you withdraw your application before a decision is made, you may also be eligible for a partial refund, although this is again subject to the visa subclass and circumstances. It's important to review the specific refund policies for your visa subclass and circumstances to understand your eligibility for a refund.

Australian Visa Processing Time

The processing time for an Australian visa application can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of visa being applied for and the complexity of the application. In general, processing times can range from a few days to several months. The Department of Home Affairs provides estimated processing times for each visa subclass on their website, which can help applicants understand what to expect in terms of waiting times. However, these processing times are only estimates and may change depending on the volume of applications being processed at any given time. Additionally, certain circumstances, such as health or character issues, may result in longer processing times. It's important for applicants to plan ahead and submit their visa application well in advance of their intended travel dates to allow for sufficient processing time. By doing so, applicants can help ensure that their visa is processed in a timely manner and that they are able to travel to Australia as planned.

Australian ETA Processing Time

The processing time for an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) can vary depending on several factors, such as the volume of applications received, the accuracy of the information provided in the application, and the individual circumstances of the applicant.

In most cases, an ETA is processed instantly or within a few minutes of submitting the application online. However, some applications may take longer to process, especially if additional information or documentation is required. In such cases, the processing time can range from a few hours to several days.

It is recommended to apply for an ETA at least 72 hours before the intended travel date to allow for any unexpected delays in processing. In some cases, it may also be necessary to provide additional documentation or attend an interview, which can further extend the processing time.

Overall, the processing time for an Australian ETA is generally fast and efficient, but it is important to plan ahead and apply well in advance to avoid any issues or delays with travel arrangements.

Frequently Asked questions