How much does it cost to extend a tourist visa in Australia?

Extending an Australian Tourist Visa: It’s Not an Extension, It’s a New Application

Many visitors to Australia assume they can simply “extend” their tourist visa (subclass 600) if they wish to stay longer than the initial 12 months. This is a common misconception. There’s no such thing as a tourist visa extension in the traditional sense. Instead of an extension, you’ll need to apply for a new visa that’s appropriate for your circumstances.

The cost of remaining in Australia beyond your initial tourist visa’s expiry hinges entirely on the type of visa you apply for next. There isn’t a single “extension fee.” The cost varies considerably depending on several factors:

• The type of visa: This is the most significant determinant of cost. Options after a tourist visa might include a visitor visa (subclass 600) for a further stay, a work visa (several subclasses exist depending on your skills and employment), a student visa (subclass 500), or a partner visa (subclass 820/801). Each has its own application fee.
• The processing time: While not directly a cost, choosing expedited processing (if available) will often incur an additional fee. This is because processing faster requires more resources from the Department of Home Affairs.
• Health checks and police clearances: Some visas require health examinations and police background checks. These are additional costs that vary depending on your location and the specific requirements of the visa.
• Additional supporting documents: The complexity of your application can influence the costs associated with gathering and presenting supporting documentation, such as translations or legal advice.

To determine the actual cost, you must first identify which visa best suits your needs and then check the Department of Home Affairs website (homeaffairs.gov.au). The website provides detailed information on application fees for each visa subclass. These fees are clearly stated and are usually paid online as part of the application process.

Important Considerations:

• Planning is crucial: Don’t wait until your visa is about to expire to start the process. Visa applications can take significant time to process, potentially leading to delays and even refusal if submitted too late.
• Professional advice: For complex situations or if you’re unsure which visa is suitable, it’s strongly recommended to seek professional advice from a registered migration agent. Their fees are separate from the government visa application fees.
• Honesty and accuracy: Providing false or misleading information in your visa application can have serious consequences, including visa refusal and future immigration difficulties.

In short, understanding that extending a tourist visa in Australia means applying for a different visa is the first step. Once you know which visa you need, determining the associated costs is straightforward through the official government channels. Proactive planning and possibly professional guidance will ensure a smoother transition and a clearer picture of the financial implications.