Australia has significantly increased student visa application fees from $710 to $1,600, effective July 1, 2024, marking a 225% hike.
This increase makes Australia the most expensive country for student visa applications, surpassing the United States and Canada, where fees are approximately US$185 and C$150 (US$110), respectively.
This measure is part of the Australian government’s broader strategy to manage record-high migration levels, which have placed considerable pressure on the housing market. The new visa fee aims to balance the influx of international students with the country’s capacity to accommodate them.
The fee increase also includes additional charges for accompanying family members. Each accompanying family member aged 18 and over will now incur a fee of $1,445, while those under 18 will be charged $390.
Additionally, the minimum funding requirements for international students have been raised. As of May 10, 2024, applicants must demonstrate funds of at least $29,710, a 21% increase from the previous amount of $24,505.
This new threshold is about $5,000 higher than what is required for a Canadian study permit application. The government states that this increase aligns with 75% of the national minimum wage, ensuring students have sufficient financial support during their stay.
Furthermore, the Australian government has implemented measures to close loopholes in visa regulations that allowed international students to overstay their visas. Visitor visa holders and students on temporary graduate visas are now prohibited from applying for student visas while onshore.
The government is responding to a significant rise in students on second or subsequent student visas, with numbers exceeding 150,000 in the 2022-2023 period, by implementing stricter regulations and enforcement.
Source: The Guardian