Introduction
If you’re planning to lodge a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), make sure your budget is up to date. From 1 March 2026, the base application charge for an initial 485 application increased sharply, which can materially change the total cost for couples and families.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what has changed and what it means for you.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Fee Increase from 01 March 2026
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, a popular pathway for international students to remain in Australia after completing their studies, has seen a notable fee increase.
| Applicant Type | Previous Fee | New Fee (from 01 March 2026) |
| Primary applicant | AUD 2,300 | AUD 4,600 |
| Secondary applicant (18 +) | AUD1,150 | AUD 2,300 |
| Secondary applicant (under 18) | AUD 580 | AUD 1,160 |
| Subsequent visas (primary) | AUD 905 | AUD 1,810 |
| Subsequent visas (18 + dependent) | AUD 455 | AUD 910 |
| Subsequent visas (under 18) | AUD 230 | AUD 460 |
This represents a significant rise compared to previous years. For many graduates, this means factoring in an additional few hundred dollars when planning their post-study pathway.
Special Note: Lower Cost for Some Applicants (from 1 March 2026)
From 1 March 2026, eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste who lodge a valid Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) application will pay a reduced visa application charge (VAC) compared with the standard fee. This applies across the main 485 streams, including:
- Post-Vocational Education Work
- Post-Higher Education Work
- Second Post-Higher Education Work
| Applicant Type | Standard Fee (from 1 March 2026) | Pacific/Timor-Leste Reduced Fee | ||
| Primary Applicant | $4,600 | $2,300 | ||
| Additional (18+) | $2,300 | $1,150 | ||
| Additional (<18) | $1,160 | $580 |
Annual Indexation Across Visa Categories
Every year (typically from 1 July), the Australian Government adjusts many visa application charges in line with:
- Inflation
- Administrative processing costs
- Migration program settings
This means that most visa subclasses, including Student (Subclass 500), Visitor, Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190), Employer Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482 and 186) and Partner visas, may also see incremental increases.
Applicants planning to lodge in the coming months should always check the latest fee schedule before submission.
What This Means for Applicants
Budget More Carefully
Government fees alone can now exceed several thousand dollars, especially if including family members.
Plan Your Timing
If you are close to meeting eligibility requirements, lodging before future indexation dates (typically 1 July each year) may help avoid further increases.
Consider Total Costs
Visa application charges are only part of the overall expense. Other costs may include:
- Health examinations
- English tests
- Skills assessments
- Police clearances
- Professional migration advice
Contact SOL Migration today on 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com to have a professional advice.