485 Graduate Visa Fees in Australia: Full 2025–2026 Guide

#What is the total increase in Australia 485 visa fee from March 2026?

This increase was announced as part of the Australian Government's broader visa fee reform agenda, which has progressively raised fees across most temporary visa categories since 2023. For a primary applicant plus one secondary adult and one child, the total family cost now exceeds AUD $5,500 depending on family composition. At VJ Consulting and Education, we have been tracking these increases closely to ensure our clients budget accurately before lodging.

#Why did Australia 485 temporary graduate visa fee increase so much?

Since the early 2020s, DOHA has been moving toward a cost-recovery model for visa processing. The 485 visa in particular had been significantly underpriced relative to the administrative cost of processing, compliance, and integrity checking. In addition, the dramatic surge in international student numbers post-COVID created processing backlogs that required additional resourcing. The fee increase is designed to partially fund that resourcing.

There is also a deliberate policy signal embedded in the fee structure: by making post-study work rights more expensive, the government aims to reduce applications from graduates who may not have strong intentions to transition to skilled migration. This aligns with the broader migration system reforms recommended in the 2023 Migration Review.

#Why did Australia increase 485 visa fees again in 2026?

The 2026 increase follows earlier hikes in July 2023 and July 2024. Each increase has been framed around two objectives: funding a better-resourced and faster visa processing system, and discouraging low-quality or speculative applications. The government has signalled that future annual CPI-linked adjustments are also possible, meaning applicants should not assume the current fee is the final one.

#How much does the 485 temporary graduate visa cost in 2026?

This is the base visa application charge (VAC). It does not include any ancillary costs such as health examinations (approximately AUD $300–$450 per person), police clearances (variable by country), or migration agent fees. When budgeting for your 485 application, you should allow for all of these components.

#How much did subclass 485 graduate visa fees increase in 2026?

For a couple both aged 18 or over applying together, the combined increase is AUD $950. If a family includes two adults and two minor children, the total additional cost compared to lodging before March 2026 is approximately AUD $1,190. This is why VJ Consulting and Education consistently advises clients to lodge as soon as they are eligible rather than waiting unnecessarily.

#Will the 485 graduate visa fee increase again in 2025 or 2026?

The Australian Government reviews visa application charges annually, typically aligning adjustments with budget cycles (May) or financial year starts (July 1). The March 2026 increase was unusually timed outside the standard July cycle, suggesting the government may align future increases back to 1 July. Our strong advice is to lodge your 485 application as early as you are eligible rather than waiting to see whether fees will change.

#How many times has the 485 visa fee increased in 2025?

Looking at the full timeline, fees rose in July 2023, again in July 2024, and then in March 2026. The pace of increases — three in under three years — reflects the government's sustained commitment to cost-recovery pricing. Each increase has been at or above 25%, making the cumulative impact on international graduates substantial.

#Why did the 485 graduate visa fee increase by 25 percent?

DOHA conducts periodic cost-of-processing reviews. The 2025–26 review determined that inflation in staff costs, IT systems, and integrity-checking activities justified a step-change increase rather than a smaller annual adjustment. The 25% figure aligns with increases applied to other temporary skilled and graduate visa streams at the same time. It is not arbitrary — it reflects a formal cost-recovery calculation under the Migration (Visa Application) Charge Act 1997.

#How much does the subclass 485 temporary graduate visa cost now?

This is the visa application charge payable at the time of lodgement via ImmiAccount. Payment must be made in full at lodgement — no instalments are available, and the fee is non-refundable. Secondary applicants under 18 pay AUD $595.

#How much does it cost to apply for a graduate visa subclass 485 now?

Total out-of-pocket costs for a single applicant typically range from AUD $2,700 to AUD $2,900 when health examinations and police clearances are included. Families will pay proportionally more. If you are using a registered migration agent, professional fees are separate and additional.

#How much does a 485 graduate visa cost in Australia now?

This fee applies to both the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream of the subclass 485. The stream you apply under does not affect the fee — only the number of applicants on the application determines total cost.

#How much does a Temporary Graduate visa cost in Australia 2026?

This is the most up-to-date figure confirmed by DOHA. The fee must be paid at the time of lodgement through ImmiAccount. It is the same whether you are applying onshore or offshore.

#How much has the Temporary Graduate visa fee increased in the last 2 years in Australia?

This cumulative increase is one of the steepest applied to any single temporary visa category in recent history. For a couple applying together, the two-year cumulative cost increase is AUD $1,380. This underscores why early lodgement — as soon as you receive your course completion letter and meet eligibility requirements — is always in your financial interest.

If you are planning your post-study pathway, see our article on How to Get PR After a Temporary Visa: 482→186, 491→191, Student→PR for the full picture of what comes after your 485.

#What is the new Temporary Graduate visa fee from July 1 2026?

The March 2026 increase was the most recent change. DOHA has not published a schedule for a July 2026 adjustment to the 485 visa. However, DOHA's annual fee review cycle typically runs through the federal budget process in May, so any July 2026 change would be announced around that time. We recommend checking the DOHA website and subscribing to VJ Consulting updates ahead of the budget.

#What is the new visa application fee for the 485 graduate visa in Australia?

Secondary applicants aged 18 and over also pay AUD $2,370 each. Minor children (under 18) pay AUD $595 each. All fees are payable in Australian dollars via ImmiAccount at the time of lodgement.

#How much did Australia graduate visa 485 fees increase?

The single largest jump was the March 2026 increase of $475. Prior to that, the July 2023 increase added $215. Together, these two increases have added AUD $690 to the cost of a primary applicant's 485 visa over approximately 2.5 years.

#Australia 485 graduate visa fee 2024