New Citizenship Application Fees Effective 1 July 2024: Plan Ahead

New citizenship application fees will come into effect in Australia starting 1 July 2024. The Department of Home Affairs has updated these fees to better reflect the costs of processing applications, with annual indexation applied based on the consumer price index (CPI). New Fees for Citizenship ApplicationsThe updated fees will apply to all citizenship applications received by the Department from 12 am (AEST) on 1 July 2024. The following table outlines the new fees: Australian Citizenship by Conferral—General Eligibility (Form 1300t) (amounts in AUD)​​​ Standard fee $560 Concession fee $80 Child/children under 16 years applying on the same form as a responsible parent / Fee exemption Nil Australian Citizenship by Conferral—Other Situations (Form 1290) (amounts in AUD)​​​ Standard fee $345 Concession fee $40 Child/children under 16 years applying on the same form as a responsible parent / Fee exemption Nil Australian Citizenship by Descent (Form 118) (amounts in AUD)​​​ Single application / First sibling when two or more siblings apply $360 Second and each subsequent sibling applying at the same time $150 Australian Citizenship for Children Adopted Under Full Hague Convention or Bilateral Arrangements (Form 1272) (amounts in AUD)​​​ Single application / First sibling when two or more siblings apply $360 Second and each subsequent sibling applying at the same time $150 Renunciation of Australian Citizenship (Form 128) (amounts in AUD)​​​ Standard fee $300 Resumption of Australian Citizenship (Form 132) (amounts in AUD)​​​ Standard fee $240 Child/children under 16 years applying on the same form as a responsible parent Nil Evidence of Australian Citizenship (Form 119) (amounts in AUD)​​​ Standard fee $275 Application for replacement of evidence of Australian citizenship lost, destroyed or damaged due to a natural disaster Nil Fee Concessions and Exemptions Fee concessions for forms 1300t and 1290 are available to: – Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Australian Government (Services Australia or the Department of Veterans Affairs).– Persons under 18 years are listed as dependent on a Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Australian Government (Services Australia or the Department of Veterans Affairs). To be eligible for the fee concession, applicants must provide a copy of both sides of their Pensioner Concession Card with their citizenship application. For paper applications, the copy must be certified. Fee exemptions for forms 1300t and 1290 apply to: – British or Maltese former child migrants who came to Australia without parents between 22 September 1947 and 31 December 1967 under the Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme. A letter from the Child Migrants Trust confirming details of arrival and sponsorship must be submitted with the citizenship application.– Persons who have served for at least 90 days in the permanent forces of the Commonwealth of Australia. A letter or discharge papers from the Australian Defence Force specifying service dates must be submitted with the citizenship application.– Persons applying under the Statelessness provision (section 21(8) of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007). Applying Online For those applying online, the new fees will apply from 12 a.m. (AEST) on 1 July 2024, regardless of when the application was started. The application is considered submitted when it is received by the Department along with the fee. Online applications and fee payments via credit or debit card, PayPal, or UnionPay are generally received on the same day. Ensure your application includes all necessary supporting documents, as incomplete applications may require resubmission and additional fees. ImmiAccount Systems MaintenanceBe aware that online services, including ImmiAccount, may be unavailable from 2 pm (AEST) on 30 June 2024 to 9 am (AEST) on 1 July 2024 due to systems maintenance. Plan accordingly to avoid delays. Paper Applications For paper applications sent by post, the application is considered submitted on the date it is received by the Department, not the posting date. If received at or after 12 am (AEST) on 1 July 2024, the new fees apply. To avoid postal delays, applying online is recommended. If the paper application is received without the full applicable fee, it will not be considered until the correct fee is paid. If a lower fee was pre-paid, but the application is submitted after the fee change, a ‘top-up’ payment can be made using ImmiAccount : My payments > Manage payments > Pre-pay Paper Service > Top-up payment. For more information on fee concessions or exemptions, visit the Department’s website or contact their support services. Ensure you are prepared for these changes to avoid any inconvenience with your citizenship application process.

Australia Expands Work and Holiday Visa Program to Include Filipino Nationals Starting 1 July 2024

The Australian Government has announced a significant update to its Work and Holiday visa program, set to take effect from 1 July 2024. This amendment, detailed in the Migration (Arrangements for Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) Visa Applications) Amendment (The Philippines) Instrument (LIN 24/041) 2024, now includes the Philippines as a specified country eligible for the Subclass 462 visa. This change marks a milestone in bilateral relations, fostering cultural exchange and expanding opportunities for Filipino nationals. Key Updates:   Effective Date and Purpose:Starting from 1 July 2024, Filipino citizens can apply for the Work and Holiday visa, joining a diverse group of international applicants seeking enriching experiences in Australia. This inclusion is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the Australian Government and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. Eligibility Requirements:To qualify for the Subclass 462 visa under these new arrangements, applicants from the Philippines must meet specific criteria: – Hold a valid passport issued by the Philippines.– Meet educational qualifications, such as holding tertiary qualifications or having completed at least two years of undergraduate or post-secondary education. Consultation and Agreement:This amendment follows extensive bilateral negotiations and was formally announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on 8 September 2023. The agreement underscores both nations’ commitment to facilitating greater people-to-people exchanges and strengthening economic and cultural ties.Legislative Framework:The surfing community in Australia is likewise very diverse, with surfers of various ages, abilities, and origins coming together to share their passion for the water. There’s a spot in the lineup for everyone, regardless of experience level—from seasoned pros tearing up the waves to complete newbies just learning to stand up. Surfing fosters a sense of community and camaraderie that goes beyond the beach by tearing down boundaries and bringing people together. Surfers frequently share waves, encourage one another, and relate stories to each other.Enhancing Opportunities and Cultural Exchange: The inclusion of the Philippines in the Work and Holiday visa program represents a significant opportunity for Filipino nationals to explore Australia’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique cultural heritage. Beyond tourism, participants can engage in short-term work to fund their travels, gaining valuable international experience and fostering lifelong connections. This initiative benefits individual travellers and promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between Australia and the Philippines. It reflects a commitment to global mobility and enriching both societies through shared experiences and perspectives. As the implementation date approaches, interested Filipino citizens are encouraged to prepare their applications and explore the possibilities that await them under Australia’s Work and Holiday visa program. Stay tuned for further updates and guidance on how to make the most of this exciting opportunity. Australia looks forward to welcoming Filipino visitors under this new visa arrangement, celebrating diversity, and building bridges across continents. For more information and application details, visit the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website.