For international students looking to build a career in Australia, the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is a primary visa pathway. The Australian Government has revised the visa application fee, effective from 1 March 2026, which is double the previous fee. This guide breaks down the new fee structure, including fees for dependents, how it affects different visa streams, and shares some helpful tips to help new applicants manage their costs.
What Is the 485 Visa Fee in Australia?
The 485 visa fee is the payment made to the Australian Government at the time of lodging a Temporary Graduate visa application. This charge covers administrative processing by the Department of Home Affairs. It is a non-refundable fee regardless of the outcome. Every primary applicant is required to pay this amount, as migration officials will not consider any application without it.
The fee applies to those who have completed a degree or trade qualification at an Australian educational institution, applying via the visa’s three pathways:
- Post-Study Work stream (now Post-Higher Education Work stream)
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (regional)
- Graduate Work stream (now Post-Vocational Education Work stream)
Total costs can vary based on whether the applicant includes family members in the lodgement or not. Before submitting the final application, applicants should verify the latest rates on the Department of Home Affairs’ website.
Subclass 485 Visa Fee 2026 (Latest Update)
The latest fee adjustments reflect the federal government’s broader updates to economic and migration policies. Figures for the new 2026 fee structure follow below. Every graduate who plans to apply for this visa must budget for these expenses well in advance of their visa expiry.
New 485 Visa Fee (From March 2026)
The new fees are much higher than previous fees, which were in place from July 2025 until 1 March of this year. The main applicant fee rose to AUD 4,600. The amount for secondary applicants aged 18 or older will now be AUD 2,300. Dependent children under the age of 18 will require a payment of AUD 1,160.
These revised fees apply to all new applications submitted on or after 1st March. The government has implemented the new fee structure without a grace period, so graduates must secure the funds immediately.
Old Fee (Before 2026)
Before the March 2026 update, the application fee was substantially lower for all graduates. In early 2025, the charge for a primary applicant sat at AUD 1,945. This figure saw a modest increase to AUD 2,300 by July 2025 during the standard annual indexation. During this period, secondary applicants over eighteen years old paid approximately AUD 1,150.
Those under eighteen required a fee of AUD 560. These costs provided a more accessible pathway for students entering the local workforce. Many graduates based their financial plans on these older rates before the sudden doubling of the fees occurred in March.
Percentage Increase
The new amount represents a 100% increase and was an unexpected change just prior to the commencement of a new fiscal year. Although most annual adjustments follow the Consumer Price Index as a guide and result in small percentage adjustments, this dramatic rise is unusual.
Doubling the cost in a single update makes the cost of staying in the country for work experience a challenge for many new graduates now. It reflects a shift in policy aimed at making the graduate visa a more selective, high-cost post-higher-education visa option.
Full 485 Visa Cost Breakdown (Total Expenses)
Applying for a graduate visa involves more than just the base government fee. Applicants must also consider several secondary costs associated with health, character, and administrative requirements. The following is a list of different types of costs associated with applying for a 485 visa:
Government Fees
These are the visa application charges that go directly to the Department of Home Affairs. For a single applicant this year, the amount stands at AUD 4,600. However, if a partner is included (a secondary applicant), the total charge increases to AUD 6,900.
If a child is included in the application, it will add another AUD 1,160. Government fees are paid when an application is lodged using the ImmiAccount portal. Accepted payment modes are credit cards and PayPal. Surcharges apply when making payments, which add a small percentage to the final cost.
Additional Costs
When applying for this student visa, graduate students must also account for additional fees for the following components:
- Health assessments - A standard medical examination for a visa costs between AUD 350 and AUD 500.
- Police clearance certificates (Australian Federal Police check) - For each person included in an application, this cost will be AUD 56.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Adequate graduate health cover can be roughly between AUD 1,200 and AUD 1,800 per year; premiums are to rise by 4.41% from April.
- Skills assessment (applicable under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream) - This cost varies by the assessing authority and occupation, but it is generally between AUD 500 and AUD 1500.
- Biometrics (if required) - These charges apply only when the applicant is applying from overseas, particularly from countries such as India, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, or when the Department of Home Affairs requests this step be completed at an authorised VFS Global Centre.
Applicants may also need to pay for the new English language tests (such as IELTS and PTE Academic) if their old results are no longer valid. The estimate for these is AUD 150 - 400.
Estimated Total Cost
A single applicant can expect the total cost for a 485 visa to reach approximately AUD 7,000. This estimate factors in the visa application fee, medical checks, police clearances, health insurance, English tests, and Skills assessment. For a family of three (primary applicant, second applicant, and a dependent child), the total cost can exceed AUD 12,000.
Note: These estimates do not include the charges for professional migration assistance that many graduates seek when applying for the visa. If you choose to get legal help, you must budget with extreme precision to avoid calculation mistakes.
Why Did Australia Increase the 485 Visa Application Fee?
The decision to double the visa fee was not an isolated event but part of a national migration strategy. Policymakers have offered several justifications for this shift in pricing during parliamentary sessions and public announcements. The following points examine the logic behind the increase.
Government’s Official Reason
The Australian government stated that the fee hike aims to improve the integrity of the migration system. Revenue generated from these charges supports the processing of a record number of visa applications. Officials also argued that the higher price helps offset the costs of providing public services to temporary residents.
By increasing the fee, the government hopes to ensure that only those fully committed to the local workforce apply. Part of the additional funds is reportedly earmarked for investments in the vocational education sector. This move aligns the 485 visa cost with other high-demand professional visas.
Criticism and Student Reaction
Student advocacy groups have expressed strong opposition to the doubling of the application fee. Many argue that international students are already struggling with the high cost of living in major Australian cities. They believe that the increase is a punitive measure that treats students as a source of revenue.
There are concerns that the high price will make Australia less competitive compared to Canada or the United Kingdom. The lack of a long notice period has been a particular point of frustration for many.
Who Will Be Affected by the Subclass 485 Visa Fee Increase?
The increase in visa application fee will have an immediate impact on the finances of new applicants for a subclass 485 visa and is particularly applicable to new international students who have applied for employer-sponsored visas (for example, the Skills in Demand Visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)).
International Students
This fee increase primarily affects international students finishing their degrees at Australian universities and colleges. It affects those graduating from bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across all fields of study. Students in vocational training who are moving into trade occupations also face these higher costs.
The price hike applies to both primary applicants and any family members they wish to include in their stay. Many of these individuals may be in a vulnerable financial position as they transition from study to work. The requirement to find AUD 4,600 immediately after graduation may present financial challenges for some applicants.
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Different 485 Visa Streams and Their Fees
The subclass 485 visa has three categories or streams that are targeted at different groups of graduates. The base application charge has been set to the same amount, but each stream has its own criteria and visa length (the visa validity is different).
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is available to students who have recently completed a higher education degree in Australia. This stream allows graduates to:
- Remain and work in the country for 2-3 years after completing a degree in a CRICOS-registered course
- Bring their families to Australia to live with them
It is the most common pathway for university graduates seeking professional experience in the local market. However, the new high cost of the visa means applicants must be certain of their eligibility. Applicants for this stream must pay the updated fee of AUD 4,600.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This stream is designed for international students with qualifications that relate to occupations in high demand. Like the stream above, the application fee for this pathway is AUD 4,600. This stream is generally for those with vocational qualifications or diplomas from Australian colleges. Applicants can:
- Live, study, and work in Australia for up to 18 months
- Bring their families to stay with them
Before lodging their visa application, applicants must undergo a skills assessment. Therefore, this may add to the overall cost of their application.
Subsequent 485 Visa Fees
Graduates who have lived and worked in regional areas may be eligible for a second Temporary Graduate visa. The applicants can:
- Remain and work in regional Australia after completing a degree from a regional Australian institution
- Bring their families to stay with them
The fee for this second visa is generally lower than the application charge for the first 485 visa. The main applicant fee for a second Post-Higher Education Work Stream visa is AUD 1,810. This lower fee encourages graduates to continue living in and contributing to regional communities.
Note: This new cost does not apply to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who submit a valid Temporary Graduate visa application via any of these streams.
When Do You Need to Pay the Fee for a 485 visa?
The fee for a 485 visa must be paid at the time of lodgement. This means that when you submit your application online via ImmiAccount, you must also pay at the same time. Applications will not be processed unless the applicable fee is paid.
Can You Avoid the New Fee?
For most applicants, this is unavoidable. Those who lodged their application before 1st March will not be affected by the new higher fee. The fee applies to all applications submitted after this date and to any new applications lodged.
The increase in visa application fee will have no impact on the applicants who have a valid passport from these countries:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help
In Australia, the Department of Home Affairs allows only certified professionals like registered migration agents and legal practitioners to provide migration assistance. Australian Migration Lawyers is a team of legal practitioners who assist individuals navigating the complexities of the visa process.
- Our team offers professional advice on meeting the latest requirements and managing all costs involved in a visa application.
- We prepare documents and lodge applications on behalf of applicants to minimise the risk of refusal.
This service may be more relevant for the Temporary Graduate visa applicants now that application fees have been increased. One mistake in the application can result in financial loss, as visa application fees are non-refundable. If you are planning to submit an application for this visa, legal support can provide clarity to prepare the application carefully in accordance with the new regulatory change. Contact our team to schedule your initial consultation.
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.
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FAQs – 485 Visa Fee Australia
How Much Is a 485 Visa Fee?
The fee for a subclass 485 visa is now AUD 4,600. Additional costs apply for partners and children. There are also small surcharges for payments made using credit cards and PayPal through ImmiAccount.
What Is the Updated 485 Visa Application Fee for 2026?
From March 2026, the updated fee for the main applicant is AUD 4,600. Partners or other adult dependents must pay AUD 2,300 each. Dependent children under eighteen are charged AUD 1,160. This reflects a 100% increase from the previous standard rates.
Is There Any Way to Avoid Paying the New 485 Visa Fee?
The fee applies to most applicants. The Australian government requires the full payment as part of a valid application lodgement. Only a few specific groups from the Pacific region may be exempt.
Does a 485 Visa Lead to PR?
The 485 visa is a temporary visa that does not subsequently lead to permanent residency. It provides graduates with the time needed to gain work experience and meet the criteria for other visas. Many people use this time to qualify for skilled independent or state-nominated permanent visas. Separate applications are required.
Will the Increase in Fee Impact Permanent Residency Visa Costs?
No, the fee increase is specifically for the Temporary Graduate visa. Permanent residency fees are reviewed and revised separately.
Will the Recent Fee Increase Affect the Approval Rates of 485 Visa Applications?
The fee increase is an administrative change that does not affect the requirements for visa approval. However, the highest cost makes the financial consequences of a small technical error much more severe for applicants.
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