Changes to Australian Visa Application Charges in the 2023-2024 Federal Budget: What You Need to Know

The Australian Federal Budget for 2023-2024 has just been released.

One of the most notable changes is the increase in Visa Application Charges which will take effect on July 1, 2023.

In addition to the regular Consumer Price Index (CPI) indexation, the VACs will increase by 6% for visa applications. However, certain visitor and temporary visa subclasses will experience an even greater increase of 15%, while business innovation and investment visas will see a staggering 40% increase.

The select visitor and temporary visa subclasses that will be affected include visitor, working holiday, work and holiday, training, temporary activity, and temporary work (short stay specialist).

For what is worth (!) visa processing times may improve as a result of the increased funding, which could be beneficial for applicants in the long run.