Update (October 2026)
The visa application charge waivers and refunds described in this article were temporary COVID-19 measures and are no longer available for new applications. The Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific Labour Scheme have since been combined into the PALM scheme under the 403 visa PALM stream, and the 482 visa is now the Skills in Demand visa. For current government charges, see our Visa Application Fee increases from July 2026 page.
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
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
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.
Source: Minister for Home Affairs media release (2021)
| 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 |
What this means in 2026
The visa application charge (VAC) waivers and refunds in this article were temporary COVID-19 measures for people whose travel was blocked by the border closures. They have ended, so if you apply for a visitor, working holiday, partner or skilled visa today you pay the standard charge. Government charges rose on 1 July 2026, and from 1 October 2026 there is no card surcharge on visa payments.
| Visa covered in this article | Main applicant charge from 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) | AUD 250 if you apply outside Australia, AUD 630 if you apply in Australia |
| Working Holiday (417) or Work and Holiday (462) | AUD 840 for a first visa, AUD 1,000 for a second or third visa |
| Partner visas (subclasses 820/801 and 309/100) | AUD 11,710 for the combined partner application |
| Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) | AUD 4,015 for all streams, plus the employer’s nomination fee and Skilling Australians Fund levy |
Can I still get a refund for a visa I could not use because of COVID-19?
No. The COVID-19 waivers and refunds applied only to set groups and set dates during the pandemic, and they have closed. Visa application charges are now generally not refundable, except in limited situations set out in the Migration Regulations.
My working holiday visa expired while I was stuck overseas. What can I do now?
You can apply for a new working holiday visa if you still meet the requirements, including the age limit for your passport country (30 for most, 35 for some). There is no longer a free replacement visa, so the full charge applies.
How do I check the current charge for my visa?
Charges change each year, usually on 1 July. Our visa application fees from 1 July 2026 page lists the current charges for the most common visas.
Next steps: check the current charge before you lodge, make sure you meet every requirement so the charge is not wasted on a refusal, and book a consultation if you are unsure which visa suits you.
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