Why is the Australian partner visa so expensive?
Hello everyone,
If you've been researching Australian partner visas, you will have probably already found that the application fee alone is AU$1995 for an offshore application which could result in permanent residency.
I am wondering if anyone has ideas on the reason for its exhorbitant expense.
Here is a comparison of application fees for partner visas in the other top tier countries, from step 1 to permanent residency. Extra costs not considered (i.e. police and medical checks, etc.)
(I'll post links to these as soon as I'm allowed - still a newbie)
When I first started researching requirements for Australian partner visas four years ago, I was shocked to learn that an application could cost so much (and back then the fee was something like $1750). A recent article on this site also stated that partner visa fees will be raised even further in July of this year (2012)!!
I understand that every government has the prerogative to set fees as it wishes, but what could be the reasons it costs so much in Australia specifically as compared to other countires in similar standing? Am I the only one in awe of the mammoth cost required to be with the person closest to your heart in this country?
Hello everyone,
If you've been researching Australian partner visas, you will have probably already found that the application fee alone is AU$1995 for an offshore application which could result in permanent residency.
I am wondering if anyone has ideas on the reason for its exhorbitant expense.
Here is a comparison of application fees for partner visas in the other top tier countries, from step 1 to permanent residency. Extra costs not considered (i.e. police and medical checks, etc.)
(I'll post links to these as soon as I'm allowed - still a newbie)
- USA
Permanent residency for a spouse outside of US
2 forms (I-130 + DS-130), filing fees: US$420 + US$140
Total: US$560 = approx. AU$540
Source: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Canada
Application for permanent residency by a spouse
Processing fees: sponsor CA$75, principal applicant CA$475
Right of permanent residence (principal applicant only): CA$490
Total: CA$1040 = approx. AU$990
Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada
- UK
Application for residency by family of British citizens or settled persons
Application fee: GBP 810
Total: approx. AU$1230
Source: United Kingdom Border Agency
- NZ
Application for a resident visa under the family category
Application fee: NZ$1350
Migrant levy if and when approved: NZ$310
Total: NZ$1660 = approx. AU$1280
Source: Immigration New Zealand
- Australia
Application for partner temporary and permanent visa
Application fee: AU$1995
Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship of Australia
When I first started researching requirements for Australian partner visas four years ago, I was shocked to learn that an application could cost so much (and back then the fee was something like $1750). A recent article on this site also stated that partner visa fees will be raised even further in July of this year (2012)!!
I understand that every government has the prerogative to set fees as it wishes, but what could be the reasons it costs so much in Australia specifically as compared to other countires in similar standing? Am I the only one in awe of the mammoth cost required to be with the person closest to your heart in this country?