The Australian government has announced a significant increase in fees for citizenship applications and passports, effective July 1, 2024.
The Australian government has announced a significant increase in fees for citizenship applications and passports, effective July 1, 2024. The citizenship application fee will rise substantially, while the cost of obtaining or renewing a passport will also see a notable increase. This move is part of the government’s broader policy changes, though the specific reasons and details behind the fee hikes have not been fully disclosed.
These changes will affect various applicants, including permanent residents, adoption cases, and specific foreign applicants.
The new fee structure, effective July 1, 2024, will introduce higher costs for permanent residents, individuals seeking citizenship through adoption, and foreigners applying under specific international agreements. While the fee adjustments are broad, certain families and groups will benefit from exemptions or minimal fee changes.
This move aims to streamline and modernize the application process while ensuring that the necessary resources are available to manage the growing number of applications effectively. The government has emphasized that these changes are part of a broader effort to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Australia’s immigration and citizenship systems.
Breakdown of new citizenship application fees
- Standard (Ages 18 to 59): $560 (up from $540)
- Adoption – First Sibling: $360 (up from $345)
- Adoption – Additional Siblings: $150 (up from $145)
These adjustments reflect the government’s commitment to maintaining an efficient and effective immigration and citizenship system. Children under 16 who apply on the same form as a responsible parent will not be affected by these fee increases. This exemption aims to ease the financial burden on families.
Fees for foreign children adopted under the Hague Convention or bilateral arrangements will also increase:
- Single Application/First Sibling: $360
- Second and Subsequent Siblings: $150
Furthermore, the fees for renouncing and resuming Australian citizenship will rise:
- Renouncing Citizenship: $300
- Resuming Citizenship: $240
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