Australian Visa Application = $2100 - WHAT THE F?

FullHD

Hi All

I went to the down under expo and am interested in applying for a visa for Australia.
I get back home and go on line to what i think is the correct site
http://www.immi.gov.au/
To my amazement, the application costs a deposit/payment of $2100 AU.
Even if you get a company to sponsor you, there is a similar payment.

I am a bit shocked, does anyone know if this is the correct site or an agency?
Also, has anyone applied recently, has anyone been awarded a visa.

Thanks
Garry

testicle

Here's a hint: gov.au

Also, the AU$2105 is only the first payment, there is a second payment of AU$2905

You are aware that this visa is for permanent residency in Australia?

Supercell

Those fees look about right from a quick google, surely thats refundable if the application isn't successful?

FullHD

Is this the correct visa for me.
I would consider myself skilled, but graduated 15years ago.
I was planning to apply and wait for 12-18 months as i have been told it will take this long.
Then in about 12months time, i was going to visit Australia for 1-2 months and see if it was for me.
But if the cost is a first payment of $2100, you would want to be pretty sure that you were going to take the visa.
If i do go, i would see myself staying for 3 years, and maybe then thinking about becoming a resident.

I can see the point, they want to only get applications from people who are serious about moving. BUT $2100 sounds like buying/selling Visas to me. Which is something that would never happen in Ireland.


Garry

supermouse

Why dont you get a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days and costs around €30 from your local travel agent when you are going for the holiday. Then when you decide you want to stay get a 1 or 2 year working visa for about €160 (maybe more for the 2 years). You'll have a better idea if you wish to stay on instead of forking $2100 on a risk

Could be an idea

none

garrycs69 wrote: »

BUT $2100 sounds like buying/selling Visas to me. Which is something that would never happen in Ireland.
Garry

Well, the Irish visas cost EUR 60 single and EUR 100 multi entry. As opposed to a standard Schengen fee of EUR35/60 for the most of Europe. That's just for a visit. Work permits/Green Cards (EUR1000) here are well on par with Australia. Rip-off Ireland

IRISH RAIL

Im pretty sure I read on the site its NOT refundable personally I think thats bad form.

lady_j

What age are you? If you're under 30 then go for the working holiday visa? Or the 457 visa which is four years? I wouldn't apply for permancy visa of somewhere you haven't been!!

If you're looking to get sponsored then I'm fairly sure a lot of companies will take the hit of the fee but that depends what industry you're skilled in.

Our man in Havana

supermouse wrote: »

Why dont you get a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days and costs around €30 from your local travel agent when you are going for the holiday. Then when you decide you want to stay get a 1 or 2 year working visa for about €160 (maybe more for the 2 years). You'll have a better idea if you wish to stay on instead of forking $2100 on a risk

Could be an idea

Great idea.

BTW the visas are cheaper if you apply online yourself they are only €16 online direct from the aussie immigration. Travel agents gouge people with visa costs. I know of one chap that paid a travel agent for his visa, it turned out they never applied and he had a tonne of grief on arrival in Sydney.

You need to get a sponsor for the 457 visa. Your are best to go out as a tourist and suss out the situation and find an employer to sponsor you.