The impending fee increases applicable to a number of Australian visa classes have recently been announced by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). The new application processing fees for Australian fiancée, partner, marriage and same sex partner visas are scheduled to come into effect from the 1st July 2008, the details of which were made available on the 11th June 2008.
While these fee increases are yet to be officially confirmed and given Australian Parliamentary clearance, which is due by the end of June, they are widely considered to be the most likely outcome for these popular visa categories.
The family-class visa sectors, including the Australia subclass 300 prospective marriage visa, the subclass 309 temporary spouse visa, and the subclass 310 interdependency visa, are set to see an increase of A$30, from their current application fee of A$1390, to A$1420.
For those visa applications rising from A$1,390 to A$1,420, the first visa application charge is made if the application is made for an offshore visa. The second visa application charge for those applying to extend their provisional status based on a marital or de facto relationship with an Australian sponsor currently remains unchanged
There will be a price raise for onshore applications from the current A$2,060 to A$2,105, an increase of A$45. These fees relate to the Subclass 820 temporary spouse/partner visa and the Subclass 826 temporary interdependency visas made from within Australia. The fee of A$670 for those applying to convert the subclass 300 prospective marriage visa to the subclass 820 conditional spousal visa onshore will remain unchanged.
