Australia Visa Waivers and Refunds

The Australian government will introduce waivers and refunds for some visas. The government announced that the visitors, working holiday makers, seasonal and pacific workers, prospective partners and temporary skilled workers who are unable to travel due to COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for the visa waivers and refunds.

VAC waivers are available for the following applicants:

Visitor visa holders who are not in Australia and whose visas expired or will expire between March 2020 and December 2021 will be eligible for a waiver when they apply for a new visa.
Working Holiday Marker visas who are overseas or who had to leave Australia early due to COVID-19 pandemic will also be eligible for a waiver when they return to Australia. If you are over the age limit for a Working Holiday Visa, you are able to claim a refund.
Temporary skilled workers who have returned overseas or unable to travel to Australia due to the pandemic are eligible to a waiver of the subsequent visa application fees.

VAC refunds are available for the following visa subclasses:

Prospective marriage visa holders who have been unable to enter Australia in the nine months period will be given a refund. If your visa has expired, any new applications will be prioritised.
Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific Labour Scheme visa holders who were granted a visa before 20 March 2020 and have been unable to travel to Australia will also be eligible for a refund.

Visa Subclass	Waiver or Refund
Subclass 600 – Visitor Visa	Waiver
Subclass 482 – Temporary Skilled Visa	Waiver
Subclass 457 – Temporary Skilled Visa	Waiver
Subclass 300 – Prospective Marriage Visa	Refund
Subclass 417 -Working Holiday Visa	Waiver
Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday Visa	Waiver
Subclass 403 – Temporary Work – Pacific Labour Scheme	Refund
Subclass 403 – Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Program Stream	Refund

Upcoming New Zealand Immigration Changes 2025