Australia has announced an increase in citizenship application fees, effective from 1 July 2025. The adjustment is designed to align with the rising costs associated with processing applications and delivering the Australian citizenship program.

Why Are Fees Increasing?

The Australian Citizenship Amendment (Indexation of Fees) Regulations 2025 introduces these changes as part of a standard indexation process. According to the explanatory statement, Section 54 of the Citizenship Act empowers the Governor-General to make necessary regulations, including those related to fees.

Under Paragraph 46(1)(d) of the Citizenship Act, every citizenship application must be accompanied by a prescribed fee. These fees are outlined in Schedule 3 of the Australian Citizenship Regulation 2016. The 2025 amendments apply the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to citizenship application fees to ensure they keep pace with inflation.

Fee Adjustments

The last fee update took place on 1 July 2024. The latest changes will see slight increases across various application types. Here’s a breakdown of the updated fees:

Notably, items in Schedule 3 that provide for a nil fee remain unchanged, and some smaller fees have remained the same due to rounding.

Pathways to Australian Citizenship

There are multiple ways to obtain Australian citizenship, including by descent, adoption, and resumption. However, the most common pathway for migrants is through conferral, which applies to individuals who have met residency and character requirements.

What This Means for Applicants

If you’re planning to apply for Australian citizenship, be prepared for these updated fees from 1 July 2025. To avoid any unexpected costs, ensure you check the official government website for the most up-to-date information before lodging your application. For vital information on your immigration needs, contact Growmore Immigration.