Australia Increases Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Application Charge to AUD 4,600

Effective 1 March 2026, the Australian Government has increased the visa application charge for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). The base application fee for the primary applicant has risen from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600, representing a 100 percent increase. Associated charges for dependants have also increased in line with the primary application fee. The revised fee applies to all valid applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026.

The increase has been implemented through amendments under the Migration (Fees) framework and is reflected in the official visa pricing published by the Department of Home Affairs.

Home Affairs has confirmed:

• The updated charge applies from 1 March 2026.

• A reduced visa application charge continues to apply for eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste who lodge a valid Subclass 485 application.

• Applicants are subject to the visa application charge in effect at the time of lodgement.

No standalone public policy statement has been issued outlining detailed justification for the increase. The change has been introduced through standard regulatory mechanisms.

Government Context and Plausible Rationale

While no specific explanatory release accompanies the increase, visa application charges are periodically adjusted to:

• Reflect administrative and processing costs.

• Support compliance and program integrity measures.

• Align with broader migration program recalibration settings.

  
  

The Subclass 485 visa remains a key post-study work pathway for international graduates seeking to remain and gain skilled employment experience in Australia following completion of eligible qualifications.

• The cost of accessing the post-study work pathway has significantly increased.

• Financial planning is now a critical component of transition strategy from student visa to graduate visa.

• Lodgement timing directly determines the applicable visa charge.

The increase materially affects international graduates, education providers, migration advisors, and employers engaging post-study talent. The fee adjustment is regulatory, not discretionary and pricing reform is part of broader migration system recalibration. Greater scrutiny and cost alignment signals continued tightening of temporary visa settings.

Further updates should be monitored directly through official Home Affairs legislative and pricing instruments.

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