Once a year the Department of Home Affairs reviews andamends nomination and visa application fees (VACs) . From 1 July 2023, VACs areincreasing to incorporate forecasted CPI of 3.25%

This year the Department of Home Affairs have taken aninteresting approach and increased fees at different rates for subclass streamswith the increase ranging between 3.25% to as much as 46% depending on thesubclass.

The good news for employers who sponsor under a standard oraccredited business sponsorship arrangement will not see a fee increase onnominations and visa application costs for 407 Training Visas, 482 TemporarySkill Shortage Visas and 186 Employer Nominated Sponsored Visas are modest.

A reminder of the cost breakdown for visa application fees from1 July 2023 are as follows;

• 407 Training Visa is $405.00 for the main applicant, $405.00 for additional applicants over 18 years and $105.00 for additional applicants under 18
• 186 ENS Visa is $4,640.00 for the main applicant, $2,320.00 for additional applicants over 18 years and $1,160.00 for additional applications under 18
• 482 TSS- Short Stream is $1,455.00 for the main applicant, $1,455.00 for additional applicants over 18 years and $365.00 for additional applications under 18
• 482 TSS- Medium Stream is $3,305 for the main applicant, $3,305.00 for additional applicants over 18 years and $760.00 for additional applications under 18

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But the big question that comes up with this timely reminder of the annual fee increase is, what impact should employers expect from the increased cost for visa application?

Well, in short (and on the surface) not much. Employers have no control over the cost of visa application charges and sponsored visa holders have no option but to pay the going rate. However, it is important that employers consider visa application costs and how they vary between subclasses. For exmaple, in support of an attractive international employee value proposition, ImminHealth recommends that any employer in health considers thelength of sponsorship carefully for any migrant that will be sponsored underthe 482 TSS Visa- Medium Term stream as the cost of this stream for a temporary visa is high and a nomination should support them until such time as they are eligibleto apply for a visa under a permanent pathway.

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