AustraliaCost Changes

Australia Visa Fee & Cost Updates

4 stories · updated July 8, 2026

Australia recently raised the student visa savings floor to 29,710 AUD and proposed a 50 million AUD threshold for foreign resident capital gains tax. New legal rulings allow dual-resident nomads to use tax treaty tie-breakers, while travelers now receive automatic 150 AUD payouts for flight delays exceeding two hours. Additionally, updated rental protections in Victoria and Tasmania have reduced upfront costs for expats seeking long-term housing.

July 8, 2026

Automatic 40 AUD payouts for 2 hour flight delays begin in Australia

Southern Cross Travel Insurance introduced a parametric benefit that automatically pays 150 AUD to travelers if their flight is delayed by more than 2 hours. The system uses real-time flight data to trigger payments without requiring a manual claims process, easing the financial burden of airport disruptions.

June 20, 2026

Australia tribunal rules dual resident nomads can use treaty tie-breaker

A landmark Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal ruling clarifies how expats can use tax treaty tie-breaker rules to determine residency. This precedent helps dual-resident nomads and expats prevent being taxed on the same income by two different countries.

June 6, 2026

Australia raises student visa savings floor to AUD 29,710

International students must now prove significantly higher financial reserves to qualify for an Australian visa. The new threshold requires applicants to show at least AUD 29,710 in savings to cover living expenses during their stay.

May 23, 2026

Australia's new tax draft targets foreign residents with AUD 50 million threshold

Proposed changes to Australia's capital gains tax rules could create massive liabilities for foreign residents on assets held for decades. The retrospective nature of the policy means expats may face unexpected tax bills on Australian property and business assets dating back to the early 2000s.

March 19, 2026

Australia Updates Rental Protections in Victoria and Tasmania

Expats in Victoria and Tasmania benefit from reduced upfront rental costs and increased housing rights regarding pets, facilitating easier long-term settling.

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