A new financial year is usually a time when government implements new changes and increases in fees as part of the immigration process. This year is no different.
Visa Application Fee Increases
The Department of Home Affairs has announced a 5.4% increase in application fees for most visa classes, commencing 1 July 2019. The increase will not apply to applications lodged before this date. For most applications, this will be a minor increase. The largest total increase will be for the Partner (Sc309/100 or Sc820/100), which will increase by $387.
The second visa application charge for the Contributory Parent (Sc143/173) and Contributory Aged Parent (Sc864/884) visas will remain at $43,600 per person. The Visitor (Sc600) visa fees will not be affected by the increase.
If you are eligible for a visa and considering lodging an application before 1 July 2019, get in contact with us and we’d be happy to advise on whether you can avoid this fee increase.
Changes to the Working Holiday Visas
From 1 July 2019, Working Holiday (Sc417) and Work and Holiday (Sc462) visa holders have the option of applying for a third-year visa. This is subject to meeting the criteria of completing 6 months of specified work in a specified area in their second year. This means that a successful application for a third year cannot be lodged before January 2020.
A lower number of permanent migration places
The government has capped the 2019/2020 immigration intake to 160,000, down from 190,000 in 2018/2019. However, with only approximately 162,000 visas reportedly granted in the 2018/2019 year, there may be little actual change from year to year.
Despite the decrease in prospects for migration given the lower number of places, the start of a new financial year can be a hopeful time for some prospective Skilled migrants. The Skilled visa invitation rounds for the last quarter of the financial year have seen only 200 applicants invited so far. We are likely to see an increase in invitation numbers from July 2019, although the points required for an invitation is likely to remain high.
If any of these changes affect you, we’re here to help call our Potts Point office 02-8096 8143 and ask for Pablo.