Australia Visitor Visa Fee Rises to A$250: What Pakistani Applicants Pay (2026)

If you are planning a family visit or holiday in Australia, budget a little more than last year. Since 1 July 2026, the Australian government has raised the visa application charge for most visas, and the Visitor visa (subclass 600) is no exception. Here is what changed, what it means for Pakistani applicants, and how to avoid wasting money on a weak application.

What changed on 1 July 2026

New regulations (the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026) were registered on 30 June 2026 and took effect the next day. They lifted the first-instalment visa application charge for most visa types. For visitors, the published changes are:

Most Pakistani applicants apply from Pakistan, so the relevant figure is the offshore A$250 charge. Note that these are base charges; concessions apply only in limited situations, and extra costs such as service-centre fees, medicals or biometrics may apply on top.

How Pakistani applicants apply

According to the Australian High Commission in Islamabad, there are two streams. The Tourist stream (Form 1419) is for holidays, recreation or visiting family and friends. The Business Visitor stream (Form 1415) is for short business trips such as meetings and conferences, and you must be outside Australia when you apply and when the decision is made. The High Commission points applicants to the VFS Global document checklists for Pakistan for each stream.

Processing time: do not book flights early

The High Commission lists a service standard of 28 days, but warns that times can be longer. Its advice is clear: do not book flights or make travel commitments until you hold a visa. Applying well ahead of your travel date is the safest approach.

Build a file that justifies the fee

Since the fee is lost on refusal, preparation matters. In general, visit-visa officers look for a genuine temporary purpose, enough funds for the trip, and clear reasons to return home. Practical steps include:

• Valid passport with clean travel history
• Bank statements showing steady income
• Proof of job, business or study in Pakistan
• Property or family ties to Pakistan
• A realistic itinerary and accommodation plan
• Invitation and host details if visiting relatives

Always follow the exact VFS checklist for your stream, and answer every form question consistently with your documents.

Quick answers

Can I pay the old fee now? No. The charge that applies is the one in force when your application is received.

Do I get a refund if refused? No, visa application charges are non-refundable.

Can I apply from inside Australia? The Tourist stream allows it, at the higher A$630 charge, but you must remain in the same location (inside or outside Australia) until a decision is made.

Is 28 days guaranteed? No, it is a service standard, not a promise.

Visa rules and fees change often. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website or the Australian High Commission in Islamabad before applying.