Getting a clear picture of the costs associated with family migration to Australia cost is an important step. These family visas are tailored to fit different family structures, allowing your spouse, children, or other close relatives to join you to live, work, and study in Australia. The costs can differ significantly, as each subclass of family visa comes with its own financial considerations, dependent on the applicants’ unique scenarios.
Navigating these costs and the application process can be daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Longton Migration, with its team of experienced registered Agents and lawyers, offers clear guidance to demystify these expenses and streamline your journey. Whether it’s understanding the direct costs, additional charges, or the nuances of financial planning for your visa, Longton Migration stands ready to assist you every step of the way.
Breaking Down the Costs of Family Visas in Australia
First off, there’s the base Visa Application Charge (applicable to the primary applicant) —this is the fee paid directly to the Australian government when you lodge your visa application. It’s like the ticket price for your visa journey. This charge varies depending on the type of visa and your specific situation, but think of it as the baseline cost of getting your application processed.
Where there are dependent applicants, the applicable lodgment fees are referred to as ‘secondary’ visa application charges and these are dependent on whether the dependent is under 18 (e.g. a dependent child), or over 18 (in the case of a spouse). In some visa categories, there is even a ‘second’ visa application charge applied before visa grant where an adult applicant does not meet the ‘Functional English’ test. These can be very expensive, and have hovered between $5,000 and $10,000 for many years.
The Contributory parent visa categories also require payment of a substantial contribution to offset the likely costs of health and community services. These are currently $43,600 per person on the application (and yes, this also includes all dependents on the application, even if they are considerably younger and unlikely to require health care in the near term!).
In addition to the above, there is usually a credit card surcharge (generally 1.4%) payable on the above fees and charges.
It might be tempting to ‘DIY’ an application, but despite these costs, it is always advisable to seek professional support to ensure your investment is not forfeited by way of a visa application being refused.
For personalised advice tailored to your unique situation, feel free to reach out to us. Our team at Longton Migration is equipped to help you understand all the fees associated with your visa process, ensuring no hidden surprises along the way.
Costing Out Your Visa Journey
Typically, a family visa application will involve the following base and secondary lodgment fees:
- New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa (subclass 461)
- Main Applicant Cost: AUD $420
- Additional Applicant Cost (over 18): AUD $215
- Additional Applicant Cost (under 18): AUD $105
- Payment Timeline: The total amount is payable in full at the time of lodging your application.
- Child visa (subclass 802)
- Main Applicant Cost: AUD $3,055
- Additional Applicant Cost (over 18): AUD $1,530
- Additional Applicant Cost (under 18): AUD $765
- Payment Timeline: Full payment is due upon application lodgement.
- Carer visa
- Main Applicant Cost: AUD $4,120
- Additional Applicant Cost (over 18): starting from AUD $3,095
- Additional Applicant Cost (under 18): starting from AUD $2,580
- Payment Timeline: You’ll pay in two instalments – the first at lodgement and the second is due before the final visa decision.
- Remaining Relative visa
- Main Applicant Cost: AUD $7,055
- Additional Applicant Cost (over 18): AUD $4,560
- Additional Applicant Cost (under 18): AUD $3,315
- Payment Timeline: This visa also follows a two-instalment plan, with one part due at application and the remainder before visa grant.
- Aged Dependent Relative visa
- Main Applicant Cost: AUD $7,055
- Additional Applicant Cost (over 18): AUD $4,560
- Additional Applicant Cost (under 18): AUD $3,315
- Payment Timeline: Like the other two-step payment visas, half is paid upfront, and the balance is paid prior to the visa grant.
- Aged / Parent (Permanent) visas
- Main Applicant Cost: AUD $4,765
- Additional Applicant Cost (over 18): AUD $1,605
- Additional Applicant Cost (under 18): AUD $805
- Payment Timeline: Payment is due upon application lodgement, with the $43,600 contribution (in the case of contributory subclasses) payable immediately prior to visa grant.
- Partner (Permanent) visa
- Main Applicant Cost: AUD $8,850
- Additional Applicant Cost (over 18): AUD $4,430
- Additional Applicant Cost (under 18): AUD $2,215
- Payment Timeline: Payable at lodgment.
- NB: a lower fee is payable if applying from the Prospective Marriage Visa
- Prospective Marriage visa
- Main Applicant Cost: AUD $8,850
- Additional Applicant Cost (over 18): AUD $4,430
- Additional Applicant Cost (under 18): AUD $2,215
- Payment Timeline: Payable at lodgment.
Remember, it’s always wise to consult with us at Longton Migration to ensure you’re on top of your payment schedule and to get the full details on additional costs that may apply to your unique situation. These may include the annual indexation which occurs on 1 July each year (which we expect to be an increase of around 2.75% for 2024/2025).
We’re here to make your visa application process as smooth as possible!
Essential Extras: Understanding Additional Visa Application Requirements
Stepping through the visa application process is more than just filling out forms. You’ll encounter a few extra steps that come with their own price tags. To ensure you’re clued up on these additional requirements so you can budget accordingly, you will also need to factor in the following ‘disbursements’:
Health Checks: Each member of your family included in the visa application must undergo a health examination. Adults typically hand over about $400, and for the little ones, it’s closer to $350. These payments go directly to the medical professionals rolling up their sleeves to give you the all-clear.
Biometric Identification: You might need to give a bit of yourself – quite literally – in the form of biometrics. We’re talking fingerprints and facial snapshots, folks. The fee for this futuristic identification? It goes to the tech-savvy Biometric Collection Centres.
Police Clearance: Ever felt like a character in a detective novel? You will now, as you may need police checks from any country where you’ve resided for a year or more in the last decade. This is your backstory check, and it’s paid to the law enforcement agencies that hold the pen to your past.
Document Translation: If your life story is written in a language other than English, you’ll need a translator to retell it. The cost for translation varies and is paid to the linguistic experts who ensure your story reads well to the Australian authorities.
Remember, these prices were spot on as of 1 July 2023, but like a chameleon, they can change. Always double-check the latest fees for a parents visa in Australia with Longton Migration or take a peek at the Australian Government’s website for the freshest info.
