VFS Australia Price Increase: New $115 Fee Explained

If you’re in the process of applying for an Australian visa, you need to be aware of a key change in the associated costs. The mandatory service fee charged by VFS Global has been updated. This VFS Australia price increase affects nearly all applicants who need to provide biometrics or submit documents in person, and understanding this change is crucial for budgeting your application correctly.

Effective from 2025, the standard service fee for most Australian visa applications submitted through a VFS Centre is now AUD $115 (or the equivalent in your local currency). This fee is separate from and in addition to the visa application charge you pay directly to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Let’s break down exactly what this means for you.

Understanding the VFS Australia Price Increase: What is the $115 Fee?

It’s easy to get confused between the different fees involved in a visa application. The most important thing to understand is that you are paying two separate entities for two different services.

First, you pay the Visa Application Charge (VAC) to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. This is the core fee for them to process and decide on your visa application.

Second, you pay the Service Fee to VFS Global. VFS Global is a commercial company that manages the administrative and non-judgmental tasks of the visa process on behalf of the Australian Government. The new $115 VFS fee is their charge for the services they provide at the Visa Application Centre (VAC). This is often referred to as the biometrics fee Australia because its primary purpose is to cover the cost of collecting your fingerprints and photograph.

Think of it this way: The government fee is for the visa decision, and the VFS fee is for the in-person appointment and processing logistics.

Who Needs to Pay the New VFS Charges Australia?

This fee applies to most applicants for Australian visas who are required to provide their biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) as part of their application. This includes applicants for popular visa types like visitor visas, student visas, and many work visas.

If you submit your visa application online but are then instructed by the Department of Home Affairs to attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometrics, you will need to book an appointment and pay this $115 fee. There are very few exemptions. Even if you are only submitting documents and not providing biometrics, you will likely still be required to pay the service fee for using the centre’s facilities.

Total Visa Costs After the VFS Australia Price Increase

To budget accurately for your Australian visa application in 2026-2027, you need to add all the components together. The new VFS fee is a mandatory part of this calculation for most applicants.

Your total cost will be a combination of three distinct elements:

Your final formula is simple: Total Cost = Government VAC + $115 VFS Fee + Any Optional Services.

What Does the $115 VFS Fee Include and Exclude?

Understanding what your money gets you is essential. The mandatory VFS global fee Australia is not an all-inclusive package.

What the $115 fee INCLUDES:

• Your scheduled appointment at the Visa Application Centre.
• The process of collecting your biometrics (digital photograph and fingerprint scan).
• The secure transfer of your biometrics and any physical documents to the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

What the $115 fee EXCLUDES:

• The actual Australian visa application fee.
• Courier service to return your passport or documents. This is a separate, optional charge.
• SMS or email alerts about your application’s status.
• Assistance with filling out your visa application form.
• Photocopying or printing services at the centre.
• Access to the Premium Lounge for a more comfortable experience.

Always assume that any service offering extra convenience will come at an additional cost, payable directly to VFS Global.

How to Pay the Visa Application Centre Fee?

The payment process for the VFS service fee is integrated into the appointment booking system. Generally, you will be required to pay the $115 fee online using a credit or debit card at the time you schedule your biometrics appointment on the VFS Global website.

This pre-payment system ensures your appointment slot is confirmed. Arriving at the centre without having paid the service fee will likely result in you being unable to proceed with your appointment. Always keep a copy of your payment receipt and bring it with you to the centre.

Before you book, it is highly recommended that you check the official VFS Global website for your country to confirm the final fee in your local currency and the accepted payment methods.

Conclusion

The VFS Australia price increase to $115 is a significant adjustment that you must factor into your visa application budget for 2025 and beyond. By understanding that this is a separate, mandatory service fee for biometric collection and document handling, you can avoid confusion and plan your finances accordingly. Always distinguish between the government’s visa fee and VFS Global’s service fee, and remember to check the official VFS website for the most current information and any optional service costs before you book your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About the VFS Fee

Navigating visa fees can be stressful. Here are direct answers to the most common questions about the new charges.

Is the $115 VFS fee the same as the Australian visa fee?

No, they are completely separate. The $115 VFS fee is paid to VFS Global for their administrative services. The Australian visa fee (Visa Application Charge) is paid to the Australian Government for making a decision on your visa. You must pay both for your application to be processed.

Do I have to pay the $115 fee if I apply for my visa online?

Yes, most likely. Even though you lodge the visa application form itself online through the ImmiAccount portal, the Australian Government will typically require you to attend a VFS Centre in person to provide your biometrics. You must pay the $115 fee to book this mandatory appointment.

Is the VFS service fee refundable if my visa is refused?

No. The VFS service fee is for the service of collecting your biometrics and handling your documents, a service which is rendered at the time of your appointment. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your visa application. The same applies to the government’s Visa Application Charge.

Does the $115 fee cover the courier return of my passport?

No, it does not. The standard $115 service fee only covers the submission process. If you want your passport and documents returned to you via courier, you must purchase this as an additional service from VFS Global at an extra cost.

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