From 1 July 2025, Australian visa application charges (VACs) will see their annual adjustment under the Government’s indexation policy and there are some extra changes this time that businesses, education providers, and international students should be aware of.
What’s changing?
In line with the 2025 Federal Budget and the Government’s standard approach to keeping fees in step with inflation, most visa application charges will rise by 3%. This reflects the 2023–2024 Consumer Price Index (CPI). For employers, migration agents, and anyone helping to manage skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas, this means the typical small annual uplift to factor into budgets and candidate conversations.
However, there’s a more significant change for the international education sector. The base fee for the Subclass 500 (Student) visa and the Subclass 590 (Student Guardian) visa will jump from $1,600 to $2,000. This targeted increase supports the Government’s Building Australia’s Future plan, which includes measures to protect the integrity of Australia’s world-renowned international education system.
Regional partners remain exempt
Importantly, the Government has confirmed that applicants from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste will not face the increased charges. This exemption is part of Australia’s ongoing commitment to strong regional ties and equitable access to study opportunities for Pacific communities.
Why this matters for employers
While the biggest headline change affects student visas, annual indexation on other visa subclasses means it’s worth double-checking your budgets and making sure any upcoming applications from skilled migration to employer-sponsored pathways reflect the new charges from 1 July. Small details can add up, especially for businesses managing multiple applications or helping new hires plan their move.
Staying on top of these updates is all part of avoiding unexpected costs, delays, or confusion whether you handle applications in-house or work with a trusted migration partner.
How we help
At Working In Australia, we make it our business to keep employers informed. If you’re sponsoring skilled workers or want to understand how this year’s VAC changes could affect your workforce plans, we’re here to help you navigate the details and keep your recruitment pipeline moving.
If you’d like to chat about your next steps, just get in touch with our team, we’re ready when you are.
