Australia 485 Visa Fee Increase 2026 | New Post-Study Work Visa Fees Explained (Temporary Graduate)

The Australian Government has officially increased the application fee for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) from AUD $2,300 to AUD $4,600. The revised fee applies to all applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026, as published by the Department of Home Affairs.

This update represents a significant change for international students planning to remain in Australia after completing their studies.

Updated 485 Visa Application Fees (Effective 1 March 2026)

The new main applicant visa lodgement fees are as follows:

• Post-Vocational Education Visa – AUD $4,600
• Initial Post-Higher Education Visa – AUD $4,600
• Second Post-Higher Education Visa – AUD $1,810

Applicants should note that additional charges apply if family members, such as a spouse or dependent children, are included in the same application.

In addition to the visa application fee, applicants must also budget for other mandatory expenses, which may include:

• Health examinations
• Police clearance certificates
• Biometrics collection (if required)

Reduced Visa Fees for Eligible Countries

A lower visa application charge applies to eligible passport holders from certain Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste. To qualify for the reduced fee, the primary applicant must hold a valid passport issued by one of the following countries:

Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, or Vanuatu.

Applicants must meet the official eligibility requirements outlined by the Australian Government.

Why the 485 Visa Remains Important

Despite the increase in application fees, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) continues to play a critical role for international graduates in Australia.

The visa allows eligible graduates to:

• Work full-time in Australia
• Gain relevant professional experience
• Complete skills assessments
• Strengthen eligibility for skilled migration pathways such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491
• Transition to employer-sponsored visa options, where eligible

For many students, the 485 visa serves as a bridge between study and long-term migration opportunities in Australia.

Planning Ahead is Essential

With higher application costs, it is more important than ever for applicants to carefully assess their eligibility, prepare accurate documentation, and ensure timely submission. Understanding how the 485 visa fits into a long-term migration strategy is essential for making informed decisions.

As immigration policies and fees may change, applicants are advised to consult official sources or seek professional guidance before lodging their application.

For the latest updates and expert guidance on Australian visa options, visit ImmigrationExperts.pk.