AUSTRALIA – Massive Hike in 457 Government Fees
Australia’s Treasurer has announced that, effective 1 July, the application fee for a 457 visa will almost double, from AUD$455 to AUD$900.
Increase in 457 Fees
Just four years ago, in 2009, the government fee for a 457 visa was just AUD$250. The fee has been rising steadily over the years, with the most recent increase in January 2013, after which the fee stood at AUD$455.
The new fees are almost double that, at AUD$900 (approximately GBP£575, or USD$870).
This massive hike in fees appears to be purely a revenue raising exercise, and is expected to raise AUD$46.8 million in financial year 2013 -2014 and AUD$52.8 million in financial year 2014-2015.
Program Numbers
The budget announcement also contained information on program numbers.
The total program for all visa approval numbers will remain unchanged at 190,000 visas to be granted in the next financial year.
Skilled program numbers, which include the ENS (Employer Nomination Scheme), will decrease by 700 places to 128,550 and Family Program numbers (includes spousal applications), will increase by 700 places to 60,885.
Action Items
- If possible, apply for upcoming 457 visas prior to 1 July 2013, to avoid paying the new, increased fee
