The Migration Amendment (Differential Student Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2025 amend the Migration Regulations 1994 to introduce a differential (lower) Visa Application Charge (VAC) for Subclass 500 (Student) and Subclass 590 (Student Guardian) visa applicants who hold a valid passport issued by a specified country in the Pacific or Timor-Leste. These amendments replace a previous partial refund scheme and provide direct reduced fees from 22 March 2025 onwards.

Key Amendments:

1. Repeal of Partial Refund Provisions – The previous policy that allowed eligible applicants to claim partial refunds of the VAC after payment is revoked.
2. Introduction of Differential VAC – Eligible applicants from the Pacific and Timor-Leste will now pay a lower VAC at the time of application rather than seeking a refund later.
3. Eligibility Criteria– The reduction applies to:
   • Primary applicants holding a valid passport from eligible countries.
   • Secondary applicants (family members) applying jointly or as dependents of an eligible visa holder.
4. Reduced VAC Amounts:
   • Primary Applicant: $710 (instead of the standard $1,600).
   • Additional Applicant (18+ years): $530 (instead of $1,190).
   • Additional Applicant (under 18 years): $175 (instead of $390).
5. Transition Period – Applicants who lodged between 1 July 2024 and 21 March 2025 can still apply for a refund until 22 June 2025.
6. Policy Intent – The amendment supports Australia’s engagement with the Pacific region, promoting educational and economic opportunities for these countries.

Legal & Policy Context:

• The Migration Act 1958 authorises the Australian Government to set and amend visa fees through regulations.
• The amendment aligns with Australia’s international education policies and regional cooperation efforts.
• The change does not trigger human rights concerns but is justified as a positive measure to support access to education for Pacific nations.

Conclusion:

The Migration Amendment (Differential Student Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2025 aim to strengthen Australia’s ties with the Pacific and Timor-Leste by making student visas more affordable for eligible applicants. It replaces the refund model with a direct fee reduction, streamlining the process and reducing financial burdens on eligible students.

Source:  Migration-Amendment-Differential-Student-Visa-Application-Charge-Regs-2025.pdf and

Migration-Amendment-Differential-Student-Visa-Application-Charge-Regs-2025-Explanatory-Statement.pdf

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