On 1 March 2026, the Australian Government increased the application fee for the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa. This article details how the new update will affect the financial planning for thousands of international students completing their higher education at Australian institutions. It provides a breakdown of new costs and implications for those seeking to work in Australia post-graduation.
What Is the 485 Visa Fee?
The subclass 485 visa fee is the visa application charge that the Department of Home Affairs requires to process a Temporary Graduate visa application. It covers the administrative costs associated with determining whether a person meets the minimum eligibility requirements for inclusion in this program. The fee ensures that only those with the financial capacity to support themselves and manage their expenses during their stay apply for the program.
Current 485 Visa Application Charges
The application charges follow a tiered structure, which means the costs increase based on how many members of a family unit are included during the lodgement phase. Currently, the charges for anyone who applies for their first Temporary Graduate visa are:
- Main Applicant - AUD $4,600
- Secondary Applicant - AUD $2,300
- Secondary Applicant (Below 18) - AUD $1,160
485 Visa Fee Increase in 2026 – What Changed?
The fee hike is not the only change; the age and English test requirements have also been updated.
- Earlier, the maximum eligible age for an applicant was 49, but now, applicants must be 35 years of age or under at the time of application submission. The age limit of under 49 is now an exception for specific cohorts, including Master's by research graduates, PhD graduates, and Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders.
- The bar on the English tests has been raised; the required minimum score is now IELTS 6.5 overall (or PTE equivalent), with at least 5.5 in each part. The test must be taken in-centre and in one sitting. Its validity has been reduced from three years to one.
Stream names have also been modified: Post-Study Work stream is now Post-Higher Education Work stream and Graduate Work stream is now Post-Vocational Education Work stream. A new stream, Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, has been added for students who studied in regional Australia.
Previous vs. New 485 Visa Fees
Prior to the March update, the base application charge for the main applicant was AUD 2,300. This was already considered a hefty investment by many. Secondary applicants aged 18 or above paid AUD 1,150, and this has doubled to AUD 2,300.
The fee for a child under 18 was AUD 560, which has now risen to AUD 1,160. Students who graduated in late 2025 and had been planning to apply for the 485 visa in March found that they needed to save twice as much because the change occurred without due notice.
Why Did the Subclass 485 Visa Application Fee Increase?
The primary reason cited is the restructuring of the migration system and the recovery of administrative costs associated with processing a massive number of applications. Officials also stated that higher fees help them identify genuine graduates who are committed to contributing to the local workforce.
There is also an intent to reduce reliance on temporary visas as a pathway to permanent residency. By increasing the cost, the government hopes to ensure that graduates are certain of their career prospects before applying. The revenue generated contributes to the national budget and supports the digitisation of visa processing services.
Full Cost Breakdown of Subclass 485 Visa
The AUD 4,600 is only the starting point for a graduate. Total expenditure includes various other fees for other requirements that are necessary to satisfy the conditions of the visa grant.
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Government Visa Fees
The base charge (AUD 4,600) is the most apparent cost. However, there are regional variations. While standard applications are submitted with the new price, those from specific Pacific nations continue to pay the lower rate of AUD 2,300. While the hike occurred in March, another small adjustment might be made in July to account for inflation. Therefore, applicants must verify the exact amount on the day of their lodgement.
Additional Costs You Must Consider
Beyond the government fees, there are several other costs to factor into the visa application charge:
- English tests - Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English. An IELTS or PTE Academic test costs roughly AUD 150 to AUD 400.
- Australian Federal Police checks - A National Police Check (NPC) is mandatory for every applicant over the age of 18. This costs AUD 56 per person. If fingerprints are also requested, the total cost will be AUD 113.
- Health examinations - Medical assessments are also required, which may include medical examinations and pathology tests. A standard exam for a single person costs approximately AUD 350-500.
- Health insurance - Maintaining Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is a strict visa condition. A one-year policy for a single person ranges from AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,200. (Premiums have risen from April 2026 to 4.41%.)
- Skills assessments - These are mainly for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Assessment bodies such as TRA and CPA charge between AUD 500 and AUD 1,500 to verify qualifications.
Total Estimated Cost of 485 Visa
For a single applicant, the total expense for a 485 visa can often be AUD 7,000. This figure includes the visa fee, medical assessments, police checks, insurance, English tests, and Skills assessment.
A couple without children should budget at least AUD 1,100 for all components combined. A family of three that includes the main applicant, a secondary applicant, and a dependent child should have a total budget of roughly AUD 12,000.
Note: These estimates are exclusive of professional migration assistance fees. If you enlist the aid of registered migration agents (RMAs), your total expense will be higher.
485 Visa Fees for Different Streams
The visa is divided into three streams, each with its own set of financial expectations. While the base fee is the same for all, the overall cost of preparing the application varies between these categories.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream Fees
Formerly the Post-Study Work Stream, this stream is for graduates of Australian bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees. It carries the standard AUD 4,600 fee. The duration of this visa was recently shortened for many. Bachelor's and Master's graduates now typically receive a two-year stay, whereas PhD graduates receive three years.
Despite the shorter duration compared to previous years, the fee remains at the doubled rate. This means the cost per year of residency has increased significantly for the average student.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream Fees
This stream, which was the Graduate Work stream until March this year, is for students with qualifications relevant to specific occupations on the Skilled Occupation List. The application fee is also AUD 4,600.
However, this stream is often more expensive to prepare and often requires a formal skills assessment from an authorised body. This requirement adds an extra layer of cost and time to the process. Many trade students, such as chefs or carpenters, apply under this category.
Subsequent 485 Visa Fees (If Applicable)
Graduates who lived and studied in regional Australia may be eligible to apply for a second temporary graduate visa via the “Second Post-Study Work Stream”.This allows for an extension of one or two years.
The fee for this second visa is lower than the fee for the first. Currently, it is set at AUD 1,810 for the main applicant. If a secondary applicant (a partner or an adult dependent) is added to an application, an additional charge will apply.
Who Needs to Pay the New Fee?
Except for students who lodged their applications before 1 March, all applicants must pay the new fee. There is no policy allowing those who began their programs before the announcement to continue paying the old fee.
Anyone who applies for the 485 visa now will be charged a flat fee of AUD 4,600. The date of payment will be the only consideration of the Department of Home Affairs in determining eligibility status for each applicant.
Are There Any Exemptions or Fee Waivers?
The government rarely provides concessions for the 485 visa. The only exemption is for 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
These individuals continue to pay AUD 2,300. This is a diplomatic arrangement intended to support development in the Pacific region. For everyone else, there are no waivers. Even if an applicant is a high-achieving student with a perfect GPA, the new fee applies. The government does not offer payment plans. The total amount must be paid in one transaction during the online lodgement process.
Impact of Subclass 485 Visa Fee Increase on Students
The Australian government’s decision to double the application fee for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa has sent ripples through the international education sector. It changes the way students view Australia as a long-term destination.
Financial Burden on International Students
Many international students and graduates down under work in casual hospitality or retail roles while finishing their studies. Saving AUD 4,600 while on a student visa is a difficult task. This fee increase could easily consume a student’s entire savings. This leaves them with very little capital to support themselves while they look for professional work.
In some cases, students must borrow money from their parents or take out private loans. This creates a cycle of debt that begins the moment they graduate.
Effect on Study Abroad Decisions
While the government emphasises that the fee increase is a strategic shift that helps manage the influx of thousands of foreign students, prospective students see Australia as a high-cost place to live. They now look at the total cost of stay rather than just tuition fees. Australia was already an expensive country for education, but now doubling the post-study visa cost may make the overall investment seem high-risk.
The rising cost of entering Australia may lead students to reconsider their options. Education agents may even be influenced by this and recommend other low-cost countries like Canada and the United Kingdom, where families may not hesitate to send their children.
Comparison With Other Countries
Australia had long been a top choice for international students seeking higher education, thanks to its post-study work opportunities. But after the new fee implementation, the nation has emerged as the costliest education hub because the 100% hike makes the 485 visa the most expensive post-study work visa in the world.
- The AUD 4,600 is more than ten times the amount of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (CAD 255) in Canada.
- New Zealand charges around NZD 1,670 for its equivalent Post-Study Work visa.
- The United Kingdom offers the Graduate Route visa at a fraction (£822 to £880 per applicant) of the new Australian fee.
- In the United States, the cost of a post-study work visa is USD 410–520, which is much lower than the Australian price.
This big discrepancy makes Australia an outlier in the global education sector and may eventually attract the most talented graduates away from the local job market.
Is the 485 Visa Worth It in 2026?
While the entry price is high, the value of the visa depends on the individual's career goals (as the potential rewards are also substantial).
Benefits of the 485 Visa
Despite the cost, the visa provides the following benefits:
- Full work rights in one of the world's strongest economies. The ability to work for any employer without sponsorship gives a graduate total freedom in the Australian labour market
- The ability to earn a full Australian salary, which is among the highest in the world
- The two-to-three-year stay allows graduates to notch up work experience while improving English skills and building a professional network that improves their career prospects both in Australia and globally
Cost vs. Long-Term Value
Most graduates use the 485 visa as a bridge to securing employment and permanent residency, so the high fee is a one-time investment that pays for itself within the first four months of working. During this time, they can gain the points needed for a Subclass 189 or 190 visa. They can also find an employer for a Subclass 186 or 482 sponsorship. If the goal is to live in Australia permanently, the initial fee is not a deterrent.
Common Mistakes That Can Cost You More
As the fee is non-refundable, an error on a 485 application can cost the applicant their entire investment. Here are the three most common mistakes:
- Applying after the six-month window from course completion
- Failing to have the correct health insurance on the day of lodgement
- Providing expired English test results (Since the Department of Home Affairs does not ask for more information in many 485 cases, they will simply refuse the visa)
How Australian Migration Agents Can Help
Guidance from registered migration agents helps applicants avoid losing the visa fee due to technical errors, as they can have their documents professionally reviewed to ensure they meet current legislative requirements.
The Australian Migration Agents team assesses applicant eligibility and provides thorough reviews of visa documentation, offering protection for graduates making a significant financial investment in their futures. If you need assistance in preparing a decision-ready 485 application, contact us today.
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FAQs on Subclass 485 Visa Fee
Why Did the 485 Visa Fee Double?
The Australian government increased the 485 visa fee by 100% to manage migration volumes and ensure only students genuinely committed to contributing to Australia’s welfare apply.
How Much Does the Subclass 485 Visa Cost?
The visa now costs AUD 4,600. Additional costs for health checks, insurance, and character certificates can further increase this cost.
When Do You Pay the 485 Visa Fee?
The fee must be paid at the time of online application lodgement through ImmiAccount.
Can You Avoid or Reduce the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Fee?
No, there is no way applicants can avoid the new fee. Additionally, there are no reductions based on academic performance or financial needs.
Does a 485 Visa Lead to PR?
The visa itself is temporary. However, it provides the time and work rights necessary to qualify for permanent residency pathways.
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