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On 1 July 2026, the Department of Home Affairs raised Australian visa fees by approximately 25% across most visa categories about eight times the usual annual adjustment. For students already managing tuition and living costs, for skilled workers navigating an increasingly competitive migration system, and for families separated across countries while waiting for a partner visa, this is not a routine update. It is a meaningful, immediate increase in the cost of moving to Australia.
This guide sets out exactly what changed, for which visas, by how much, and what it means in practical terms for each group of applicants. Every figure comes from the official Department of Home Affairs fee schedule effective 1 July 2026.
The fees have already changed
Unlike previous years where there was a window to lodge before 1 July, the new charges took effect at the start of the 2026-27 financial year. Applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026 are subject to the new fees. There is no way to access the old pricing for new applications.
Why Did Australia Raise Visa Fees by 25% in 2026?
Visa fees in Australia are adjusted on 1 July each year. In most years, the adjustment follows Consumer Price Index indexation typically 2 to 5 percent, adding a few hundred dollars at most to the more expensive visas. The 2026-27 increase broke that pattern entirely.
The 2026-27 Federal Budget, handed down on 12 May 2026, set a clear direction: Net Overseas Migration is forecast to fall to 245,000 in 2026-27 and 225,000 in 2027-28, down roughly 45 percent from the 2022-23 peak of approximately 518,000. Higher fees are one of the tools the government is using to achieve that target making Australia’s migration system more selective through price as well as eligibility requirements.
There is a second reason: revenue. The government projected that the 485 Temporary Graduate visa fee doubling in March 2026 alone would raise approximately AUD 1.2 billion over five years. The broader 25 percent July increase extends that revenue logic across every visa category.
The practical result is that Australia, which was already at the top of the global visa cost table for student and partner visas, has widened that lead further. The partner visa at AUD 11,710 is now roughly three to five times the equivalent cost in the United Kingdom and United States, and nearly ten times the cost in Canada.
Student Visa Fees 2026: How Much Has the Cost Gone Up?
International students have been the most consistently affected group across the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fee cycles. The increases have come in three separate rounds within roughly twelve months.
Subclass 500 Student Visa
The main student visa covering higher education, vocational training, and school enrolment rose by 25 percent on 1 July 2026.
| Visa type | Fee before 1 July 2026 | Fee from 1 July 2026 | Change |
| Subclass 500 Primary applicant (standard) | $2,000 | $2,500 | + $500 |
| Student Guardian Subclass 590 Primary | $2,000 | $2,500 | + $500 |
| ELICOS and non-award courses | $2,000 | $2,050 | + $50 (only 2.5% increase) |
For Indian students planning the July 2026 intake or beyond, the student visa fee now sits at AUD 2,500 before medical examinations, English tests, police clearances, or any migration agent fees. The cost of getting the application wrong, and being refused, is also now higher: the fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa – Two Hikes in One Year
The 485 Temporary Graduate visa has been subject to more fee movement in the past twelve months than in the previous decade combined. Students finishing their degree in Australia and planning to apply for the 485 are now looking at a visa that has increased more than 150 percent in cost since early 2025.
| Point in time | Primary applicant fee | What changed |
| 485 Before March 2026 | $2,300 | Original fee |
| 485 After 1 March 2026 | $4,600 | Doubled without prior notice |
| 485 After 1 July 2026 | $5,750 | Third increase 25% on top of March figure |
| Total increase since early 2025 | + $3,450 | +150% in one year |
Students following the standard pathway of Student Visa to 485 to skilled migration now pay AUD 2,500 then AUD 5,750 at the two government-fee steps before they even reach the skilled visa stage which itself now costs AUD 6,135 or more. The cumulative government fee burden across this three-step pathway has grown significantly in a single financial year.
Important note on 485 streams
The $5,750 figure applies to the standard primary applicant charge. Certain stream-specific categories, including some Post-Higher Education Work stream applications, have separate fee settings that may differ. Always confirm your exact charge using the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging, since fees are set by stream, passport type, and applicant circumstances.
Skilled Visa Fees 2026: What Has Changed for 189, 190, 491 and 482 Applicants?
All of Australia’s main skilled migration pathways have had their visa application charges increased by approximately 25 percent from 1 July 2026. For a family applying under a points-tested skilled visa with a partner and children included, the total government-fee component can now regularly exceed AUD 13,000 before any migration agent, skills assessment, or English testing costs.
| Visa subclass | Fee before 1 July 2026 | Fee from 1 July 2026 | Change |
| Subclass 189 Skilled Independent | $4,910 | $6,135 | + $1,225 |
| Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated | $4,910 | $6,140 | + $1,230 |
| Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional | $4,910 | $6,140 | + $1,230 |
| Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (employer-sponsored) | $3,210 | $4,015 | + $805 |
| Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme | $4,910 | $6,140 | + $1,230 |
| Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional | $4,910 | $6,140 | + $1,230 |
| Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate | $4,600 | $5,750 | + $1,150 |
| Additional applicant 18+ (skilled visas) | $2,455 | $3,070 | + $615 |
| Additional applicant under 18 (skilled visas) | $1,230 | $1,535 | + $305 |
For employer-sponsored applicants, the fee increase compounds with the simultaneous salary threshold increase. The Core Skills Income Threshold rose from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,423 on 1 July 2026. This means employers preparing a nomination now need to check both the higher application charge and the higher salary floor – failing either one stops the application.
Partner and Family Visa Fees 2026: The Increase That Affects Families Most
Partner visas carry a single non-refundable fee at lodgement that covers both the temporary and permanent stages of the visa. The fee increase on 1 July 2026 means that couples who have been preparing their application during the first half of 2026 are now dealing with a significantly higher upfront cost.
| Visa type | Fee before 1 July 2026 | Fee from 1 July 2026 | Change |
| Partner visa Subclass 820/801 (onshore) | $9,365 | $11,710 | + $2,345 |
| Partner visa Subclass 309/100 (offshore) | $9,365 | $11,710 | + $2,345 |
| Prospective Marriage visa Subclass 300 | $9,365 | $11,710 | + $2,345 |
| Student Guardian Subclass 590 | $2,000 | $2,500 | + $500 |
At AUD 11,710, the Australian partner visa is now among the most expensive partner visas in the developed world. Adding a card payment surcharge of approximately 1.4 percent through ImmiAccount brings the effective cost to approximately AUD 11,874 before health examinations, police clearances, translations, and professional fees.
For Indian families where one partner is in Australia and one is in India, this fee is entirely non-refundable regardless of outcome. A refused application does not entitle you to any portion of that fee back and the new application would again attract the full AUD 11,710 charge.
Bridging Visa A and the partner visa
Onshore partner visa applicants (820/801) receive a Bridging Visa A with full work rights from the day of lodgement. With the higher fee, the importance of lodging a complete, decision-ready application from the start has increased significantly – both because the fee is non-refundable and because a well-prepared file reduces the risk of Requests for Further Information that extend processing time.
Full Visa Fee Comparison Table: Before and After 1 July 2026
The table below covers the key visa subclasses relevant to Indian students, skilled workers, and families planning their Australian migration pathway. All figures are for the primary applicant at the standard base charge.
| Visa Subclass | Fee Before 1 July 2026 | Fee From 1 July 2026 |
| Subclass 500 Student (standard) | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Subclass 500 ELICOS / Non-award | $2,000 | $2,050 |
| Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate | $4,600* | $5,750 |
| Subclass 189 Skilled Independent | $4,910 | $6,135 |
| Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Subclass 482 Skills in Demand | $3,210 | $4,015 |
| Subclass 186 Employer Nomination | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Subclass 820/801 or 309/100 Partner Visa | $9,365 | $11,710 |
| Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage | $9,365 | $11,710 |
| Subclass 191 Permanent Residence Skilled Regional (standard stream) | – | $630 |
| Additional applicant 18+ (skilled/partner) | $2,455 | $3,070 |
| Additional applicant under 18 (skilled/partner) | $1,230 | $1,535 |
What Do the New Salary Thresholds Mean for Employer-Sponsored Visa Holders?
The 1 July 2026 changes were not limited to visa application charges. Two important salary thresholds that directly affect employer-sponsored visa applicants also increased on the same date.
| Threshold | Before 1 July 2026 | From 1 July 2026 |
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT / TSMIT) Minimum salary for Subclass 482 nominations (Core Skills stream) | $76,515 | $79,423 |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) Minimum salary for Subclass 482 nominations (Specialist Skills stream) | $141,210 | $146,576 |
| Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) Relevant for the 186 age exemption | $183,100 | $190,100 |
For any employer preparing a Subclass 482 nomination lodged on or after 1 July 2026, the position must be paid at or above AUD 79,423 per year. This applies in addition to the higher visa application charge. Employers who had prepared nominations using the previous threshold figure need to review their employment contracts before lodgement.
For applicants using the age exemption under the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, the Fair Work High Income Threshold has increased to AUD 190,100. Applicants relying on this exemption must demonstrate that their earnings exceeded the threshold applicable during their qualifying period.
What Should You Do Now That the Fees Have Already Gone Up?
The window to lodge at the pre-July fees has closed. The most useful question now is not how to avoid the new charges it is how to make sure you do not pay them twice.
Because all Australian visa application charges are non-refundable, a refused application means paying the full fee again on reapplication. With charges now 25 percent higher, the cost of getting an application wrong has increased by the same proportion. A refused partner visa now means losing AUD 11,710 with no refund.
Here is what every applicant group should focus on right now:
For students applying for the student visa:
- Confirm your Genuine Student statement is specific, honest, and consistent with your supporting documents before you pay AUD 2,500
- Ensure your financial evidence shows a clean 3 to 6 month history a large last-minute deposit is a red flag at any fee level, but especially at the new rates
- Verify your IELTS result meets the 6.0 overall minimum and that each band reaches 5.5
- Under India’s Assessment Level 3 classification, every element of your application carries higher scrutiny get it reviewed by a MARA registered agent before lodgement
For graduates applying for the 485 visa:
- Confirm which stream you are eligible for and verify the exact fee for that stream using the DHA Visa Pricing Estimator
- Check that your 16 months of eligible Australian study is properly documented and that your course was at a CRICOS-registered provider
- If your study involved course changes, check whether those changes affect your 485 eligibility before you pay AUD 5,750
For skilled visa applicants (189/190/491):
- Verify every points claim in your SkillSelect EOI is accurate and documentable before accepting an invitation the fee is non-refundable if the application fails
- Check your skills assessment is still valid and your English test results have not expired
- For state nomination applications, confirm your occupation is on the current state list and you meet all nomination-specific requirements
For partner visa applicants:
- With AUD 11,710 non-refundable at lodgement, relationship evidence needs to be complete across all four categories financial, social, household, and correspondence
- A relationship timeline document and well-written statutory declarations are more important than ever at this fee level
- For onshore applicants: confirm your current visa status before lodging a Schedule 3 situation adds complexity that must be addressed before you pay
- Do not apply to beat a perceived future fee increase – lodge well and lodge correctly
For employer sponsored applicants and their employers:
- Review the employment contract to confirm the salary meets the new AUD 79,423 CSIT/TSMIT threshold before lodging the nomination
- Note that both the higher application charge and the higher salary floor apply simultaneously from 1 July 2026
- Factor in the Skilling Australians Fund levy (AUD 1,200 per visa year for small business, AUD 1,800 for large business) in addition to the new visa application charges
Frequently Asked Questions About Australia’s 2026 Visa Fee Increase
How much did Australian visa fees increase in 2026?
Most Australian visa fees increased by approximately 25 percent on 1 July 2026. This is about eight times the usual annual Consumer Price Index adjustment. The partner visa rose from AUD 9,365 to AUD 11,710, the standard student visa from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500, and the 485 Temporary Graduate visa from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750. This follows an earlier 485 fee increase in March 2026, when that visa doubled from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600.
What is the student visa fee in Australia in 2026?
The Subclass 500 student visa fee for the primary applicant is AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026, up from AUD 2,000. ELICOS and non-award course visas rose by only 2.5 percent to AUD 2,050. Applicants from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste may be eligible for concessional charges check your eligibility before assuming the standard fee applies.
What is the 485 visa fee in Australia in 2026?
The 485 Temporary Graduate visa standard base application charge is AUD 5,750 from 1 July 2026. This followed an earlier increase from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600 in March 2026. The fee is non-refundable. Certain categories and streams have different fee settings, so confirm your exact charge using the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging.
How much does a partner visa cost in Australia in 2026?
The partner visa whether Subclass 820/801 (onshore) or Subclass 309/100 (offshore) costs AUD 11,710 from 1 July 2026, up from AUD 9,365. This single fee covers both the temporary and permanent stages of the visa. The Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300) is also AUD 11,710. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Are Australian visa fees refundable if my visa is refused?
No. All Australian visa application charges are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. A refused application, a withdrawn application, and an incorrectly lodged application all result in the fee being lost. The only exception is where the Department of Home Affairs made a processing error such as a double charge. This makes proper preparation and a review by a MARA registered migration agent before lodgement more important than ever at the new fee levels.
What is the new salary threshold for employer-sponsored visas in 2026?
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), also known as the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), increased to AUD 79,423 per year from 1 July 2026. This is the minimum annual salary at which an employer can nominate a worker for a Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa under the Core Skills stream. The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) increased to AUD 146,576 for Specialist Skills stream nominations.
Can a migration agent in Perth help me navigate the new visa fees?
Yes. A MARA registered migration agent in Perth can review your specific application before you lodge helping you confirm the exact fee for your visa subclass and circumstances, identify any red flags that could lead to a refusal, and ensure your application is decision-ready before you pay the non-refundable charge. With fees 25 percent higher across most visa categories, getting a professional review before lodgement is a more worthwhile investment than it has ever been.
How Red Earth Education and Migration Can Help You Navigate the New Fees
Red Earth Education and Migration is a MARA registered migration agency based in Perth, Western Australia, with offices in India. We work specifically with Indian students, skilled professionals, and families navigating the Australian visa system.
Our team speaks Hindi, Punjabi, and Gujarati. Every consultation is with a MARA registered agent not an unregistered education agent or general advisor. We can advise you in your language about your specific situation, not just general information.
With visa fees now 25 percent higher across most categories, the value of getting an application right the first time has never been clearer. Here is what we do for each group:
| Who we help | What we do |
| Students applying for a student visa | We review your Genuine Student statement, financial documentation, course alignment, and English test result before you pay AUD 2,500. Under India’s Assessment Level 3, this preparation directly affects your approval chances. |
| Graduates applying for the 485 visa | We check your 16-month study requirement, confirm your stream and exact fee, and review your complete application before you pay AUD 5,750. |
| Skilled visa applicants (189/190/491) | We verify every points claim in your EOI is documentable, match your occupation to current state nomination lists, and advise on your realistic invitation prospects before you pay AUD 6,135 or more. |
| Partner visa applicants | We help you build a complete, well-organised evidence file across all four relationship categories before you pay AUD 11,710 reducing the risk of Requests for Further Information and a poorly prepared application. |
| Employer-sponsored applicants and employers | We review nomination salary against the new AUD 79,423 threshold, prepare the nomination documentation, and guide both employer and applicant through the Skills in Demand visa process. |
Conclusion
Australia’s 2026 visa fee increase is not a temporary adjustment or a modest CPI update. It is a deliberate policy shift — one that uses price as a tool to manage migration numbers and raise government revenue simultaneously. For students, graduates, skilled workers, employer-sponsored applicants, and families, it means the cost of pursuing an Australian visa is now materially higher than it was six months ago.
The fees have already changed. The practical response is straightforward: prepare more carefully, lodge more confidently, and get professional advice before you pay fees that are non-refundable regardless of outcome.
If you are planning a visa application and want to understand exactly what the new fees mean for your specific pathway, our MARA registered team at Red Earth Education and Migration is available for a free consultation.
