Australia 485 Visa Fee Increase (2026 Update): New Charges & Cost Breakdown

The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) has been a prime post-study visa option for foreign students, which allows them to temporarily live, study, and work in Australia. In addition, it frees up ample time for students to build up strong resumes with Australian work experience and pursue pathways to permanent residency after completing their graduation. But 2026 has turned out to be different.

The Subclass 485 visa application fee has nearly doubled. Australian immigration authorities have made the 485 visa one of the most expensive graduate visa pathways globally.

Certainly, this has presented a major hurdle for international students who are planning to apply after finishing their studies. If you were also planning to apply for this visa, this guide will help you understand the updated 485 visa charges and overall financial implications.

Overview of Australia 485 Visa Fee Increase 2026

From March 2026, the Australian Government has implemented a major change in the fee for Subclass 485 by increasing it 100%.

Previously, the Australia 485 Visa application fee, which was AUD 2,300, has been raised to AUD 4,600.

By far, this has been one of the most notable visa fee hikes not only in Australia but worldwide. Now, no matter your stream, whether it’s Post-Higher Education Work (previously Post-Study), Graduate Work (Post-Vocational), or the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, this hike applies to all the primary applicants.

But there is something more! This price hike under the 485 Visa is not just for primary applicants but also for secondary applicants. If you apply with family members, you have to pay the following:

• AUD 2,300 for Partner or Dependant (18 Years and Above)
• AUD 1,160 for Child (Under 18 Years)

These costs have increased from $1,115 to $2,300 for partners or dependents aged 18 and up and from $560 to $1,160 for children under the age of 18.

Full Cost Breakdown: Total Cost of Applying for a 485 Visa in 2026

Indeed, the visa application fee has been increased, which you must consider when applying for the Subclass 485 Visa. However, you must also budget for additional costs such as medical examinations, police clearance certificates, English language test fees, and so on. Here is the full cost breakdown of the charges:

Visa Application Fee

The primary fee for a 485 visa is AUD 4,600, which you must pay when submitting your application.

Medical Examination Costs

You will likely need to get health exams conducted by an approved medical provider. This may cost more depending on your medical history or immigration requirements. 

English Language Test Fees

Common tests such as IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL are used to prove English proficiency. The test provider charges a fee for administering these exams.

Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) Costs

You must maintain valid health insurance on the 485 visa, which has an annual cost that varies depending on the visa duration, coverage level, insurance provider, and other factors.

Police Clearance Certificates

You may require police certificates, whose cost varies depending on the issuing authority.

Biometrics Fees (If Required)

You may be required to provide biometric data (not all nationalities), which will incur a high cost.

Skills assessment

The Skills assessment is primarily required for applicants in the Post-Vocational Education Work stream to verify their credentials and occupation. There are also associated fees for this.

How Does This Fee Increase Impact International Students?

If you submit your application under any 485 visa stream after March 2026, you will need to bear the additional financial burden due to these updated charges. Thus, you have to gather more money to continue your Australian dream after graduation. It will need strong financial planning and saving more.

Moreover, since visa fees are generally non-refundable, there is no space for errors. Make sure you do your best on the first attempt by attaching the necessary documents and meeting the eligibility requirements. Even minor mistakes can result in visa refusal and financial loss.

Why Did Australia Increase the 485 Visa Fee?

This off-cycle timing for the cost spike might feel sudden. Still, it was a well-thought-out decision by the Australian government necessary to strengthen migration integrity and reduce misuse of visa pathways.

There has been a great increase in visa applications, and the higher cost is aimed at limiting the number of temporary migrants entering the workforce and supporting only serious applicants. Besides, higher fees directly provide more funds for the Department of Home Affairs to improve the visa verification systems and enhance compliance and monitoring.

Is the 485 Visa Still Worth It After the Fee Increase?

Of course it is. The fee spike can certainly feel discouraging, yet the Temporary Graduate Visa is still the best option for many international graduates. The benefits are still on the table, whether it’s access to Australian work opportunities, strengthening professional experience, or gaining eligibility for skilled migration programs. As a result, while it may appear to be an expensive endeavour, the major long-term benefits make it worthwhile.

Tips to Manage the Higher 485 Visa Cost

So, how can you manage these increased expenses? Here are some of the tips that can help you with that:

• Begin saving at least 6–12 months before graduation.
• Avoid mistakes like choosing the wrong stream (post-study work vs graduate work).
• Pick the occupation that actually aligns with PR pathways
• Lodging complete and accurate documentation
• Arrange the right health insurance correctly.
• Understanding and staying current on visa condition changes

Wrapping Up

The Australia 485 Visa Fee Increase (2026) from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600 is clearly a sign for international students that they need careful preparation and smart planning.

Despite the fee increase, the 485 visa remains a stepping stone for graduates seeking skilled migration or permanent residency. You can avoid costly mistakes in the future by planning ahead of time, filing accurate documentation, and working with an experienced MARA agent. At Ozee Migration, we assist individuals with every step of the process, from selecting the appropriate visa stream to completing their application completely and correctly. Contact us for expert advice on how to easily secure your visa and avoid costly mistakes down the road.

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