Categories: News

Australia to increase citizenship, passport fees effective July 1

The Australian government has announced a substantial increase in fees for citizenship applications and passports, set to take effect from July 1, 2024.

These changes will affect various applicants, including permanent residents, adoption cases, and specific foreign applicants.

Advertisement

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.

 

Advertisement

The revised fees will impact a wide range of applicants, necessitating careful planning and budgeting for those affected. Families and specific groups will see exemptions and minimal fee changes, offering some relief amidst the overall fee hikes according to the travel business.

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.

Advertisement

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

What to know

In addition to citizenship application fees, Australians will face higher costs for obtaining or renewing passports starting July 1, 2024. While the exact details of these increases have not yet been disclosed, they will apply to all passport applications submitted from this date onwards.

The Australian government applies annual indexation to citizenship application fees based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This adjustment takes effect each year on July 1. For 2024, the updated fees will be applied to all citizenship applications received by the Department of Home Affairs from 12:00 am (AEST) on July 1.

Advertisement

For those applying online on or after July 1, 2024, the new fees will be applicable regardless of when the application process was initiated. An application is considered submitted when it, along with the appropriate fee, is received by the Department of Home Affairs.

Advertisement
citynews

Recent Posts

Tinubu to confer on Indian Prime Minister Nigeria’s second highest national honour

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-nation visit, will be honoured with…

2 hours ago

2027: Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing speaks on ‘endorsing Atiku’

The Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo Youth Wing Worldwide has exonerated itself from a purported visit to former…

2 hours ago

World Bank ‘uncovers $32m missing funds in Nigeria’s water project’

The World Bank has uncovered $32 million in unaccounted funds in Nigeria’s water project. This…

2 hours ago

Nollywood Actress, Iyabo Ojo Accused Of Killing Mohbad

Popular Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, has revealed that some people accused her of killing the…

2 hours ago

Movie review: See what O.C Ukeje did in Black Mail

O.C. Ukeje shines in his portrayal of Ray Chinda in Black Mail, a movie about…

2 hours ago

Kizz Daniel to go on music break after upcoming EP

Kizz Daniel has revealed plans to take a temporary break from music after releasing his…

4 hours ago