Reduced Student Visa Application Charges for Pacific and Timor-Leste Students
The Australian Government has announced a significant reduction in visa application charges (VAC) for student (Subclass 500) and student guardian (Subclass 590) visa applicants from specified Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. This is to make the application process smoother and more accessible.
What are the Key Changes for Specified Pacific and Timor-Leste passport holders?
Visa applicants can pay at the reduced VAC at the time of lodging the sc500 or sc590 visa application.
The sc500 and sc590 visa application process will be much simpler, as it removes the previous need to apply for a partial refund process.
Reduced VAC also applies to secondary applicants meeting specific eligibility criteria.
When Will This Change Be in Effect?
This change will be in effect by 22 March 2025, eligible applicants will no longer need to pay full VAC and then seek a partial refund. Applicants who paid the full VAC for Subclass 500 and 590 visa applications lodged between 1 July 2024 and 21 March 2025 are still required to claim a partial refund.
What will the new VAC fee be for eligible Pacific and Timor-Leste students?
The new VAC for Subclasses 500 and 590 are listed below by 22 March 2025:
Primary Applicant: AUD 710
Secondary Applicant above 18 years old: AUD 530
Secondary Applicant under 18 years old: AUD 175
How Can Agape Henry Crux Assist
Speak with an Immigration Lawyer if you require any professional assistance with Student Visas or Student Guardian visas. Agape Henry Crux is led by 2 of our Accredited Specialists Immigration Lawyers, and the team specialises in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our solicitors to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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