50 percent Increase in Partner Visa Application Charge from 1st of January 2015
Starting from 1 January 2015 the Partner Visa Application Charge (VAC) is going to increase in price.
There has been a 50 per cent increase to most partner Visa Application Charges. This change will apply to permanent Partner visa subclasses (combined 309/100 and 820/801) and the prospective marriage visa (subclass 300).
The increase from $4,575 to $6,865 for onshore Partner visas and from $3,085 to $4,630 for offshore Partner visas and Prospective Marriage visas has been justified on the grounds that it is to “fund whole-of-government policy priorities”.
The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA), the professional association for Registered Migration Agents (RMAs), is deeply concerned about the 50% increase in the Visa Application Charges for Partner visas, which is to take effect from 1 January 2015.
MIA National President, Angela Chan FMIA, said that the increase was questionable because of: the size of the increase by 50%; the vulnerable applicants who have been targeted to pay the increase; the lack of any improved service that the increase will bring; and the diminishing importance afforded to family migration.
“As important as revenue-raising is for the Government, it must be properly and fairly targeted.
“The targets on this occasion are those who have no choice but to pay this exorbitant fee, regardless of their ability or willingness to pay,” said Ms Chan.
