Refund Process for Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa Application Charge
The Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa involves both a nomination and a visa application, governed by the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Regulations 1994. The application includes:
The fee and SAF Levy are non-refundable if a nomination application is refused.
Can the Visa Application Charge (VAC) be Refunded?
Under Regulation 2.12F(1), the Minister of Home Affairs is required to refund the VAC's first instalment under certain conditions upon receiving a written refund request or when deemed reasonable without one.
What are the Conditions for the VAC to Be Refunded?
The following are circumstances in which the Minister must issue a VAC refund:
The visa application was unnecessary when filed
The application was made due to an immigration mistake
The applicant passes away before the application is decided
Certain visa categories, like Tourist (Class TR) and Visitor (Subclass 600), meet specific criteria
A Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) or other relevant visa was withdrawn due to the lack of an approved nomination
The visa application was withdrawn because the applicant didn’t have an approved work sponsor
Other conditions as specified in legislative instruments
In short, if a TSS nomination is refused and the associated visa is withdrawn, the VAC may be refunded if a written request is submitted.
How to Apply for a VAC Refund
If your visa is already being processed, the Department of Home Affairs will send an "invitation to comment" request if your visa cannot be approved or linked to a new nomination. You have 28 days to withdraw your visa application. Refund requests can only be made after withdrawing the visa.
To Request a Refund:
Via ImmiAccount:
Log in to ImmiAccount
Select “Manage Payments” under the “My Payments” tab
If the payment status shows as "Credit" or "Paid," you can select "Request Refund" to begin the process.
Via Form 1424 (for non-ImmiAccount payments):
Complete Form 1424 and send it to the office processing your application. If you are unsure of the office's location, you may send it to the nearest Department office.
Include supporting documents like:
Bank statement showing the transaction
Tax invoice or visa application receipt
Acknowledgement of visa application withdrawal
Refund Processing Time
Refund processing times vary as each request is assessed individually, and the Department has no set timeframe to complete the refund process.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you are in a situation where your visa application did not succeed and seek an alternative visa pathway to continue to stay in Australia, reach out to Agape Henry Crux for professional legal advice. Our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law and our team of immigration lawyers are specialised in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
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