To: Australian Government – Minister for Home Affairs and the Department of Home Affairs
Review of Subclass 155 Resident Return Visa Fee Increase
I want the Australian Government to review the recent increase in the Subclass 155 Resident Return Visa application fee. Many permanent residents have worked extremely hard over many years to obtain Australian permanent residency and have contributed to Australia through taxes, work, and community participation.
It is concerning that the cost of maintaining permanent residency through the Subclass 155 visa has increased to a level higher than some visitor visa categories, despite the fact that many applications are straightforward and often processed automatically.
We respectfully ask the Government to consider whether this fee is fair and proportionate, taking into account the lived experiences and financial burden of long-term permanent residents who are committed to Australia and its future.
Why is this important?
This issue is important because it affects a large number of long-term permanent residents who rely on the Subclass 155 Resident Return Visa to maintain their lawful status in Australia.
Many of these individuals have lived, worked, and contributed to Australia for many years, paying taxes and participating in the community. Despite this, the recent significant increase in application fees places an additional financial burden on people who are already established members of Australian society.
The Subclass 155 visa is often a straightforward application with minimal processing requirements, yet the cost has increased to a level that may not reflect the administrative effort involved.
If left unaddressed, this may discourage long-term residents from maintaining their residency status, creating unnecessary stress and uncertainty for families and individuals who have built their lives in Australia.
For these reasons, it is important that this issue is reviewed to ensure visa fees remain fair, reasonable, and proportionate.
