TWO months after the federal government raised 457 visa fees by almost 50% and an additional 15% increase will be imposed on employers seeking access to this economically responsible skilled migration program.
Effective 1 September, the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for primary applicants on 457 visas will increase from $900 to $1035 per person. Secondary applicants over the age of 18 (e.g. partners) will incur an additional $1035 cost, and fees for secondary applicants under the age of 18 (e.g. children) will be $260, up from $225.
Prior to the last Parliamentary sitting, during which a number of amendments to the Migration Act were passed with minimal debate, the 457 visa application fee was $455, with no additional charge for accompanying family members.
Speaking at the recent AREEA Migration Forum, AREEA chief executive Steve Knott said that despite representing just 2% of Australia’s resource industry workforce, Temporary Skilled Migration plays a crucial role in providing investor certainty and filling skills shortages on major projects.
“The industry goes to extreme lengths to employ locals first, but we still have a small but critical number of skills shortages in key areas and will continue to have these in the next couple of years,” Mr Knott said.
“When we do need skilled migrant labour, it is often vital to safety, maintenance and project delivery.”
For more information about the Migration Amendment (Visa Application Charge) Regulation 2013, click here.
