The Biggest Fee Jump in Graduate Visa History
From 1 March 2026, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) application fee has jumped from $2,300 to $4,600 for the primary applicant. That is a 100% increase overnight, and it has caught many international students off guard.
If you are studying in Australia right now or planning to apply for a post-study work visa, here is what you need to understand about the new fee structure and what it means for your plans.
New 485 Visa Fee Breakdown
The fee increase applies across the board, not just to the primary applicant. Here is the full breakdown:
- Primary applicant (18+): $4,600 (was $2,300)
- Dependent partner or adult family member: $2,300 (was $1,115)
- Dependent child under 18: $1,150 (was $560)
For a couple with one child, the total application cost has gone from roughly $3,975 to $8,050. That is a significant financial commitment on top of the tuition fees, living costs, and health insurance you have already paid throughout your studies.
Why Did the Government Double the Fee?
The Department of Home Affairs says the increase serves two purposes. First, it will deter non-genuine applicants who use the 485 visa as a way to stay in Australia without a real intention to build a career. Second, the additional revenue will fund stronger visa integrity measures across the migration system.
This fee hike is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at tightening the temporary visa system, including the visa hopping restrictions that came into effect on 2 February 2026.
Are There Any Exemptions?
Yes. The 100% fee increase does not apply to primary applicants holding a valid passport from specific Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste. These applicants pay a reduced rate as part of Australia’s Pacific engagement commitments.
There are no exemptions based on your field of study, university ranking, or where you studied within Australia, although applicants living in regional areas may pay slightly lower dependent fees.
What This Means for Your Post-Study Plans
The higher fee changes the maths for many graduates. If you are weighing up whether to apply for a 485 visa or explore other pathways, consider these points:
- Budget early. If you are still studying, start setting aside funds now. The $4,600 primary fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused.
- Check your eligibility first. Make sure you meet the Genuine Student requirements and have the right qualifications before spending on the application.
- Consider skilled visa pathways. If your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List, an employer sponsored visa or skilled visa might be a more cost-effective route to permanent residency.
- Factor in the full cost. Beyond the visa fee, you will need health insurance, potentially a skills assessment, and enough savings to support yourself while job hunting.
How Does Australia Compare to Other Countries?
This is where the fee increase raises real concerns. Post-study work permits in Canada cost under AU$500, and the UK Graduate Route visa is around AU$1,000. At $4,600, Australia now has one of the most expensive post-study work visas in the world.
Universities have warned that this could push talented graduates towards competitor countries, particularly in high-demand fields like allied health, engineering, and STEM where Australia is actively trying to attract skilled workers.
Should You Still Apply for a 485 Visa?
For most graduates in occupations that lead to permanent residency, the 485 visa is still worth it. The post-study work stream gives you between two and four years of full work rights, which is enough time to gain the experience needed for a skilled visa or find an employer willing to sponsor you.
The question is really about timing and preparation. If you are close to graduating, apply as soon as you are eligible. Processing times are currently sitting at around 8 weeks for straightforward applications, and the sooner you secure your work rights, the sooner you can start building your career in Australia.
Need Help Navigating the Changes?
The 485 visa fee increase is just one of several major changes hitting the migration system in early 2026. If you are unsure how these reforms affect your situation, or if you want to explore alternative visa pathways, our migration lawyers can help you map out the best strategy.
Book a consultation with our team to discuss your options before the next round of changes takes effect.
