The Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC) is an additional visa application fee imposed on certain visa applicants in Australia who are applying for their second or subsequent temporary visa while onshore.
Key Features
What is STAC?
STAC is a penalty charge designed to:
- Discourage “visa hopping” (repeatedly applying for temporary visas while in Australia)
- Encourage temporary visa holders to either commit to permanent residency pathways or return home
- Reduce the burden on Australia’s temporary visa system
- Promote genuine temporary intent
Current Amount (2025-2026)
STAC Fee: AUD $700
This is charged in addition to the standard visa application charge (VAC) for the visa being applied for.
Example:
- Student Visa (subclass 500) base fee: $710
- Plus STAC: $700
- Total cost: $1,410
Who Pays STAC?
STAC Applies When:
You are applying for a second or subsequent temporary visa while in Australia, specifically:
- Already held one temporary visa in Australia (excluding certain exempted visas)
- Applying for another temporary visa onshore
- The previous and current applications are both for temporary visas
Common Scenarios Where STAC Applies:
- Student visa holder applying for another student visa (course change/extension)
- Working Holiday visa holder applying for a student visa
- Graduate visa (485) holder applying for a student visa
- Visitor visa holder applying for a student visa
- Student visa holder applying for a Temporary Graduate visa (485)
- TSS visa (482) holder applying for another 482 visa with different employer
Exemptions from STAC
Visas That DON’T Trigger STAC
STAC does NOT apply if your previous visa was:
- Bridging visas (A, B, C, D, E)
- Enforcement visas
- Maritime Crew visas
- Special Category visas (subclass 444 – New Zealand citizens)
- Certain diplomatic and official visas
Applications Exempt from STAC
STAC does NOT apply when applying for:
- Permanent visas (e.g., Partner visa 820/801, Skilled visa 189/190)
- Protection visas (subclass 866)
- Your FIRST temporary visa in Australia
- Temporary visas while holding a bridging visa (if the bridging visa was your only visa)
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Special Exemptions
STAC may not apply in certain circumstances:
- Compelling reasons (limited discretion)
- Victims of human trafficking or slavery
- Certain family violence situations
- Ministerial intervention cases
How STAC is Calculated
The “Counting” Process:
First temporary visa in Australia → No STAC
Second temporary visa in Australia → STAC applies ($700)
Third temporary visa in Australia → STAC applies ($700)
And so on…
Important Notes:
- STAC is a flat fee ($700), not cumulative
- It doesn’t increase with multiple applications
- It applies each time you apply for a subsequent temporary visa
- It’s per application, not per person (family members each pay separately if applicable)
Practical Examples
Example 1: Student Visa Extension
Scenario: Li is on her first student visa studying a Bachelor’s degree. She wants to continue to a Master’s degree.
- First student visa: No STAC (first temporary visa)
- Second student visa (Master’s): STAC applies ($700 + $710 VAC = $1,410 total)
Example 2: Graduate to Student Visa
Scenario: Ahmed completed his degree and got a Graduate visa (485). Now he wants to study further.
- First visa: Student visa (Bachelor) – No STAC
- Second visa: Graduate visa (485) – STAC applies ($700)
- Third visa: Student visa (Master’s) – STAC applies ($700)
Example 3: Visitor to Student Visa
Scenario: Maria entered on a visitor visa and decided to study.
- First visa: Visitor visa – No STAC
- Second visa: Student visa – STAC applies ($700)
Example 4: Student to Partner Visa
Scenario: John is on a student visa and applies for a partner visa.
- Student visa – No STAC
- Partner visa (820/801) – No STAC (permanent visa exempt)
Example 5: Bridging Visa Situation
Scenario: Sarah’s student visa expired while her partner visa was being processed. She held a Bridging Visa A. She then decides to withdraw her partner application and apply for a student visa.
- First visa: Student visa – No STAC
- Bridging Visa A – Doesn’t count
- Second visa: Student visa – May not attract STAC (if bridging visa was only visa after first student visa)
Strategic Considerations for Migration Agents
Planning to Minimize STAC
Option 1: Offshore Applications
- Apply for subsequent temporary visas from outside Australia
- STAC only applies to onshore applications
- May not be practical for all clients
Option 2: Permanent Pathway Planning
- Consider permanent visa options to avoid STAC
- Partner visas, skilled visas exempt from STAC
Option 3: Initial Course Length
- Choose longer initial courses to avoid need for extensions
- Package courses where possible
Option 4: Timing Considerations
- Plan visa applications strategically
- Consider whether offshore application feasible
Client Advice Points
When advising clients about STAC:
- Explain Early: Inform clients of STAC implications when discussing study/visa plans
- Course Planning: Encourage comprehensive course planning to minimize visa applications
- Budget Considerations: Include STAC in cost estimates for subsequent visas
- Alternatives: Explore whether offshore application or permanent pathways available
- Exemptions: Check if client qualifies for any exemptions
Payment and Refunds
Payment
- STAC is paid at the same time as the visa application charge
- Both must be paid for application to be valid
- Payment is through ImmiAccount or other approved payment methods
Refunds
- If visa application is withdrawn before decision: VAC may be partially refundable, but STAC is NOT refundable
- If visa is refused: Neither VAC nor STAC is refundable
- If application is invalid: Both may be refundable depending on circumstances
Legislative Basis
STAC is prescribed under:
- Migration Act 1958 – Section 45A
- Migration Regulations 1994 – Regulation 2.12C and Schedule 1
- Amounts set in legislative instruments
Recent Changes and Trends
2023-2024 Updates:
- STAC increased from $680 to $700 (July 2023)
- Indexed annually with other visa charges
Policy Direction:
- Government focus on reducing visa hopping
- Encouraging genuine temporary entry
- Promoting permanent migration pathways for long-term stayers
Common Questions
Q: Can STAC be waived?
A: Generally no, except in very limited circumstances (trafficking victims, family violence, ministerial intervention)
Q: Does STAC apply to children?
A: Yes, if they are applicants for a subsequent temporary visa, STAC applies to each applicant
Q: What if I held a student visa years ago, left Australia, and now apply onshore again?
A: STAC applies based on visas held while in Australia, so if you’re applying for a second temporary visa onshore, STAC likely applies
Q: Does STAC apply to 485 visa applications?
A: Yes, if you previously held another temporary visa in Australia (typically a student visa)
