New Visa Fees Kick In – What Kenyans Need to Know
As of July 1st, 2025, Australia has officially raised visa application fees across several key categories—changes that are already reshaping the migration landscape. For Kenyans currently in Australia or planning to make the move, this update affects everything from budgeting to timing and long-term strategy. Whether you're a student, a graduate, or a skilled professional, understanding the new costs is now more important than ever.
The student visa (Subclass 500), which previously cost $1,600 AUD, now stands at $2,000 AUD. This significant increase affects both first-time applicants and current students looking to extend their stay. For many Kenyan students who rely on financial support from home, this rise adds to an already demanding list of expenses—tuition, rent, insurance, and living costs. For families sending their children abroad, it's a shift that may require deeper savings or even rethinking timelines.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), a popular pathway for students transitioning to post-study work rights, now costs $2,300 AUD—up from $2,070. This increase, though smaller, still hits hard for recent graduates who are just beginning their professional journey in Australia and are already juggling job searches, relocation, and visa planning. Every extra dollar matters at that stage, and applicants will need to adjust their financial planning accordingly.
For skilled professionals hoping to secure permanent residency via the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), the new fee is $4,910 AUD. While this isn’t a dramatic increase from previous years, it adds to the cumulative cost of skilled migration—which includes English tests, skills assessments, police clearances, and health checks. Kenyans exploring this route should be prepared for the full financial picture and start planning early to avoid delays or missed opportunities.
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Then there’s the partner visa, which has always been one of the most expensive in the system. The onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) has now climbed to $9,365 AUD. For Kenyans in long-term relationships or marriages looking to sponsor—or be sponsored—this high cost makes timing, documentation, and application accuracy even more crucial. Mistakes can lead to costly reapplications, so careful preparation or professional help is highly recommended.
All in all, these changes signal a broader shift in Australia’s migration policy—one that places greater financial responsibility on the applicant. For the Kenyan community, the implications are clear: more strategic planning, earlier financial preparation, and better access to accurate information. Whether you're studying, working, or reuniting with loved ones, navigating this new fee structure will require clarity and intention.
The best advice right now is to stay informed by regularly checking the Department of Home Affairs website, consult a trusted migration agent if you're unsure, and avoid last-minute applications that could catch you out with unexpected costs. For many, Australia remains a land of opportunity—but getting here, or staying here, now demands a little more planning and a little more patience.
