Latest news with #VisaApplication
GMA Network
07-08-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
US Embassy in PH closed on Aug. 25 for National Heroes Day
The US Embassy in the Philippines announced on Thursday that its Visa Application Center will be closed on Monday, August 25 in observance of the National Heroes Day. "Visa and routine American Citizens Services appointments will not be scheduled on this date," the advisory read. "Appointments on other dates will continue as scheduled, unless otherwise announced on this page and through emails to the individuals concerned." However, emergency consular assistance for US citizens will remain available via: — VDV, GMA Integrated News
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Business Standard
03-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Australia hikes student visa fee to ₹1 lakh, costliest in English world
From July 1, 2025, international students applying to Australia now pay AUD 2,000 (about ₹1.12 lakh) for a student visa, up from the earlier AUD 1,600. The decision makes Australia the most expensive destination for student visa applications among major English-speaking countries. Australia's Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher confirmed the increase, who also said that the change is expected to generate AUD 760 million over four years. 'For those applying from July 1, the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for primary student visa applicants has increased from $1,600 to $2,000,' the Australian government portal says. UK student visa: GBP 490 (₹57,133) Australia student visa (from July 2025): AUD 2,000 (₹1.12 lakh) In Indian rupees, Australia now tops the chart, with the new fee translating to approximately ₹1.12 lakh, depending on exchange rates. The visa fee exemption for primary applicants from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste will remain unchanged. More restrictions and a cap on student numbers The visa fee hike is one of several steps Australia has taken recently to rein in international student numbers. Other changes include: • A national cap of 2,70,000 international student commencements in 2025 • Stricter English language requirements • Powers to suspend non-compliant education providers The federal opposition has proposed an even tighter cap of 2,40,000. In February 2025 alone, 200,000 international students arrived in the country, up 12.1 per cent from the same month in 2024. Impact on Indian students and ELICOS providers Indian students continue to lead in visa numbers, overtaking China in early 2025. February 2025: 2,734 visas granted Over 5,000 approvals in just two months But higher fees are raising concerns. 'These changes will prompt international students to explore unconventional study destinations beyond the traditional four—US, UK, Canada and Australia,' said Saurabh Arora, founder and CEO of University Living, speaking to Business Standard. English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) have already taken a hit. In 2024, a previous fee hike was followed by a 50 per cent drop in English language course admissions. Several providers, including Perth International College of English, IH Sydney, and The Language Academy, have since shut down. Graduate visa and tuition fees also increase In February 2025, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) also became costlier: Base fee: from AUD 1,945 to AUD 2,235 Additional applicant over 18: AUD 1,115 Additional applicant under 18: AUD 560 Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: AUD 880 for primary applicant; AUD 440 or AUD 225 for dependants Major universities have raised tuition fees too: University of Melbourne: Engineering: AUD 56,480 per year Clinical medicine: AUD 112,832 per year University of New South Wales: Up to 7 per cent increase What Indian students can expect to spend Saurabh Goel, CEO and Co-Founder of Amber, said: 'Undergraduate degrees cost between AUD 20,000 and AUD 45,000 per year. Postgraduate courses are priced between AUD 22,000 and AUD 50,000 annually. Doctoral programmes range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 42,000.' At the Australian National University (ANU), international undergraduates pay between AUD 42,560 and AUD 47,940 per year depending on the course. Saurabh Arora estimates that annual living costs, including tuition and accommodation, average around ₹11.63 lakh. Additional living expenses, he said, are also considerable: Food: AUD 80 to 150 per week Transport: AUD 30 to 70 per week Books and supplies: AUD 500 to 1,000 per year Personal expenses: AUD 50 to 150 per week Minister for Education Jason Clare said the revenue raised through higher visa fees would support initiatives like lowering graduate debt and boosting apprenticeship programmes. 'International education is an incredibly important national asset and we need to ensure its integrity and quality,' he said.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai becomes home to world's largest visa application centre
DUBAI - VFS Global, the leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure global mobility for governments and citizens, has announced the launch of its flagship Visa Application Centre in Dubai's Wafi City, marking the opening of the largest visa application facility in the world. The centre was inaugurated by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism; Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai; and Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VFS Global Group. Helal Saeed Almarri said, 'This milestone is more than an infrastructure achievement — it reflects the strategic direction Dubai is taking to enhance global mobility, unlock access to opportunity, and accelerate growth across our visitor and business economy. As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, strengthening seamless access to and from Dubai remains a priority. "Visa facilitation is a key enabler of talent attraction, tourism development, and international partnerships — all essential levers of our strategy to position Dubai as the world's most connected and future-ready city.' Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri said, 'Today, we witnessed the inauguration of a new milestone in the journey of excellence pursued by the UAE in general and Dubai in particular, with the opening of the world's largest Visa Application Centre, located in the heart of Dubai, a city that continuously redefines innovation. "This achievement embodies a true reflection of the directives of our wise leadership towards strengthening the nation's position as a global hub for smart services and establishing a unique model for delivering government services with high efficiency and quality.' Zubin Karkaria, in turn, said, 'Operating in the UAE since 2004, our journey has been defined by our unwavering commitment and a deep-rooted connection with this dynamic nation and its visionary leadership. In these two decades, we have witnessed the spectacular growth and development of the UAE to become a preeminent global hub of business, thought leadership, technology development and innovation. In line with the rapid development of Dubai, today we are pleased to launch the world's largest Visa Application Centre, serving over 200 nationalities.' At nearly 150,000 square feet, the centre is equipped to handle up to 10,000 visa applications daily – a capacity that stands as the highest for any single location – and is supported by a skilled and diverse team of over 400 trained professionals from more than 25 nationalities.
