Business and Skilled Migration

In reply to Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (1 July 2015).

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs):

In relation to this matter I am advised that the assertion in the question that the process costs about $30,000 is wrong. Migration fees and charges are dependent on the specific scenario and the context of the situation.

For example, the current fees for an employer to sponsor, nominate and bring in a temporary worker are $420 for the initial sponsorship, $330 for the nomination and $1,060 for the visa application.

If the worker has dependent family to accompany them, then there will be additional application fees per dependent. For example, for a worker with a spouse and two dependent children over 18, an additional application fee of $3,180 is charged.

If a worker comes through a Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, there is no cost for nomination. However, a visa application fee of $3,600 is payable.

Again if the worker has dependent family to accompany them there are additional application fees per dependent. For example, a worker with a spouse and two dependent children over 18, an additional application fee of $5,400 is charged.

In addition to application fees, there may be other costs associated with visa applications such as medical and police checks.

If a Migration Agent is engaged to assist with the process further costs in the order of $1,800 to $5,500 per application could be incurred.