Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa Fee Doubles to AUD $4,600 from 1 March 2026

From 1 March 2026, the Australian Government has officially doubled the application charge for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485).

According to the updated fee schedule released by the Department of Home Affairs on 1 March 2026, the government application charge for the primary applicant is now:

AUD $4,600

This new fee applies to all Subclass 485 applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026.

For international graduates planning to stay and work in Australia, this change significantly increases the financial commitment required to apply.

What Is the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa?

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a post-study work visa that allows eligible international students to remain in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.

It provides:

• Full work rights
• Opportunity to gain skilled employment experience
• A pathway to build migration eligibility

The visa applies across:

• Post-Study Work stream
• Graduate Work stream
• Eligible subsequent 485 applications

For many graduates, this visa represents a one-time opportunity to gain Australian work experience.

485 Visa Fee History – How We Got Here

This latest increase follows multiple fee rises over the past year:

• 1 February 2025 – Increased from $1,945 to $2,235
• 1 July 2025 – Increased from $2,235 to $2,300
• 1 March 2026 – Increased to $4,600

In addition, the student visa application charge increased to $2,000 on 1 July last year, placing further financial pressure on international students.

The doubling of the 485 visa fee is expected to impact Australia's international education competitiveness, especially as providers already face:

• Visa processing delays
• Shifting migration policies
• Reduced demand from key student markets

Updated 485 Visa Fees (From 1 March 2026)

Primary Applicant

AUD $4,600

Dependants

If you include family members in your application, additional government charges apply:

• Partner or secondary applicant (18 years and over): AUD $2,300
• Child (under 18 years): AUD $1,160

All fees must be paid at the time of lodgement.

Including dependants significantly increases the total application cost, so financial planning is essential.

Example Total Government Cost

To understand the financial impact:

• Single applicant: $4,600
• Applicant + partner: $6,900
• Applicant + partner + one child: $8,060

These figures include government charges only and do not include professional fees, health checks, English tests, or insurance.

Who Must Pay the New 485 Visa Fees?

You must pay the updated charges if you:

• Lodge your 485 visa application on or after 1 March 2026
• Include a partner or dependent child
• Apply for a subsequent 485 visa (if eligible)

The increase does not apply to eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.

Why This Fee Increase Matters

The 485 visa usually provides graduates with only one opportunity to apply.

With the government charge now at $4,600:

• A refusal creates significant financial loss
• Errors in documentation can become costly
• Future migration pathways may be affected

This makes accurate eligibility assessment and proper documentation more important than ever.

Before You Lodge Your 485 Application

Before applying, confirm that you:

• Meet the Australian study requirement
• Select the correct 485 stream
• Meet English language requirements
• Hold valid Overseas Visitor Health Cover
• Prepare complete and accurate supporting documents

If your student visa is expiring soon, review your timeline immediately to avoid complications.

You can verify official charges directly on the Department of Home Affairs website under the Subclass 485 visa page.

You can contact AKS Immigration Consultants on +61 449 970 270 for lodging your TR Visa subclass 485.