Australia’s Ruling Party to Increase Student Visa

Sharing the party’s plans, Australia’s Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said that the student visa fees are set to increase from the current AUD$1,600 to AUD$2,000 if the Labor Party wins the upcoming federal election, VisaGuide.World reports.

As explained by the two officials, this measure is aimed at targeting the education sector, as it has been a key driver of immigration to Australia.

It was further highlighted that the move is expected to generate around AUD$760 million in the next four years.

The Labor Party already increased the visa fees for international students in July of last year. Less than one year ago, the student visa fees were hiked from AUD$710 to AUD$1600.

Even though it was believed that for some time the fees would remain unchanged, the plans of the current ruling party were announced only some months after the opposition Coalition promised to put in place a new AUD$5,000 visa fee for international students.

The Coalition also proposed the conduct a review of the Temporary Graduate Visa, subclass 485, arguing that the current rules are being misused by international students to gain permanent residence and employment rights in Australia.