485 Visa Fee Increased to AUD 5,750 from 1 July 2026 – Complete Guide
Introduction
The Australian Government has increased the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) application fee from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750, effective from 1 July 2026.
This represents a significant increase for international graduates planning to remain in Australia after completing their studies. The higher visa application charge means applicants should carefully budget for all associated expenses, including 485 Visa health insurance, English language tests, police checks and medical examinations.
If you are planning to apply for a 485 visa, this guide explains the new visa charges, how much families may need to pay, other costs involved, and what you should consider before lodging your application.
New 485 Visa Fees from 1 July 2026
The following visa application charges apply from 1 July 2026.
Applicant
Visa Application Charge
Primary Applicant
AUD 5,750
Additional Applicant (18 years and over)
AUD 2,875
Additional Applicant (Under 18 years)
AUD 1,450
Non-Internet Application Charge
AUD 80
Applicants lodging online will generally pay only the applicable visa application charges for each family member included in the application.
Previous vs New 485 Visa Fees
The cost of the Temporary Graduate Visa has increased substantially over recent years.
Date
Primary Applicant Fee
After 1 March 2026
AUD 4,600
From 1 July 2026
AUD 5,750
This represents an increase of AUD 1,150 for the primary applicant alone.
For couples and families, the total increase may be considerably higher because additional applicant charges have also increased.
Example: 485 Visa Application Costs
The following examples show the government visa application charges only.
Example 1 – Single Applicant
Applicant
Fee
Primary Applicant
AUD 5,750
Total Government Charge: AUD 5,750
Example 2 – Couple
Applicant
Fee
Primary Applicant
AUD 5,750
Partner (18+)
AUD 2,875
Total Government Charge: AUD 8,625
Example 3 – Family
Applicant
Fee
Primary Applicant
AUD 5,750
Partner (18+)
AUD 2,875
Child (Under 18)
AUD 1,450
Total Government Charge: AUD 10,075
For larger families, the total government visa application charge can be significantly higher.
Why Has the 485 Visa Fee Increased?
The Australian Government reviews visa application charges periodically and may increase fees as part of the Federal Budget and annual indexation process.
The increase from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750 makes the Temporary Graduate Visa one of the more expensive temporary visa applications in Australia.
Applicants should check the latest visa application charges before lodging because fees may change over time.
Other Costs You Should Budget For
The government visa application charge is only one part of the total cost of applying for a 485 visa.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to pay for:
-
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
-
English language test (if required)
-
Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check
-
Medical examinations
-
Biometrics (if requested)
-
Certified translations of documents
-
Professional migration advice (if using a registered migration agent)
Many applicants underestimate these additional expenses when planning their application.
Health Insurance Is Still Required
Most Temporary Graduate visa holders are required to maintain adequate health insurance while they remain in Australia.
Many applicants purchase 485 Visa Health Insurance (Overseas Visitor Health Cover) to help satisfy visa condition 8501.
Because the government visa fee has increased significantly, comparing health insurance providers has become even more important.
If affordability is your priority, you may also wish to explore the cheapest 485 visa health insurance options currently available.
How the 485 Visa Fee Increase Affects International Graduates
The increase in the Temporary Graduate visa application fee means that international graduates should carefully plan their finances before lodging their application.
For many applicants, the government visa application charge is only one part of the total cost. When health insurance, English language testing, police checks, medical examinations and other expenses are added, the overall cost of applying for a 485 visa can be substantial.
Planning ahead and preparing all required documents before lodging your application may help avoid unnecessary delays and additional expenses.
Choosing the Right 485 Visa Health Insurance
After paying the government visa application charge, choosing the right health insurance is another important decision for Temporary Graduate visa holders.
Most applicants are required to maintain adequate health insurance during their stay in Australia to comply with visa condition 8501.
When comparing policies, consider factors such as:
-
Hospital cover
-
Medical benefits
-
Ambulance cover
-
Waiting periods
-
Policy flexibility
-
Premium costs
-
Customer support
-
Claims process
Different insurers offer different levels of cover, so comparing policies before purchasing can help you find the most suitable option.
Compare Leading 485 Visa Health Insurance Providers
Several Australian health insurers offer Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) suitable for Temporary Graduate visa holders.
You can learn more about each provider below:
-
Allianz 485 Visa Health Insurance
-
Bupa 485 Visa Health Insurance
-
NIB 485 Visa Health Insurance
-
Medibank 485 Visa Health Insurance
-
AIA 485 Visa Health Insurance
Each insurer offers different premiums, policy benefits, waiting periods and additional services. Comparing these features before purchasing a policy may help you select the option that best suits your circumstances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a 485 Visa
Many applicants focus only on the visa application charge and overlook other important requirements.
Some common mistakes include:
-
Applying with incomplete documents.
-
Delaying English language testing.
-
Waiting until the last minute to arrange health insurance.
-
Not checking passport validity.
-
Including incorrect information in the visa application.
-
Assuming all health insurance policies provide the same level of cover.
Taking the time to prepare your application carefully can reduce the risk of delays or requests for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new 485 visa application fee?
From 1 July 2026, the primary applicant fee for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is AUD 5,750.
How much does a partner pay?
An additional applicant aged 18 years or over pays AUD 2,875.
How much is the fee for a child?
An additional applicant under 18 years of age pays AUD 1,450.
Is the visa application fee refundable?
In most circumstances, the visa application charge is not refundable once the application has been lodged, even if the visa is refused or withdrawn. Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
Do I need health insurance for a 485 visa?
Most Temporary Graduate visa holders are required to maintain adequate health insurance while living in Australia. Many applicants purchase Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) to help satisfy visa condition 8501.
Where can I compare 485 visa health insurance?
Applicants can compare health insurance policies from leading Australian insurers before purchasing a policy to ensure it suits their visa requirements and budget.
Final Thoughts
The increase in the Temporary Graduate visa application fee to AUD 5,750 represents a significant additional cost for international graduates planning to remain in Australia after completing their studies.
Before lodging your application, it is important to understand not only the government visa application charge but also the additional costs involved, including health insurance, English language testing, police checks and medical examinations.
By preparing your application carefully and comparing your health insurance options, you can make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses during your stay in Australia.
Introduction
The Australian Government has increased the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) application fee from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750, effective from 1 July 2026.
This represents a significant increase for international graduates planning to remain in Australia after completing their studies. The higher visa application charge means applicants should carefully budget for all associated expenses, including 485 Visa health insurance, English language tests, police checks and medical examinations.
If you are planning to apply for a 485 visa, this guide explains the new visa charges, how much families may need to pay, other costs involved, and what you should consider before lodging your application.
New 485 Visa Fees from 1 July 2026
The following visa application charges apply from 1 July 2026.
|
Applicant |
Visa Application Charge |
|---|---|
|
Primary Applicant |
AUD 5,750 |
|
Additional Applicant (18 years and over) |
AUD 2,875 |
|
Additional Applicant (Under 18 years) |
AUD 1,450 |
|
Non-Internet Application Charge |
AUD 80 |
Applicants lodging online will generally pay only the applicable visa application charges for each family member included in the application.
Previous vs New 485 Visa Fees
The cost of the Temporary Graduate Visa has increased substantially over recent years.
|
Date |
Primary Applicant Fee |
|---|---|
|
After 1 March 2026 |
AUD 4,600 |
|
From 1 July 2026 |
AUD 5,750 |
This represents an increase of AUD 1,150 for the primary applicant alone.
For couples and families, the total increase may be considerably higher because additional applicant charges have also increased.
Example: 485 Visa Application Costs
The following examples show the government visa application charges only.
Example 1 – Single Applicant
|
Applicant |
Fee |
|---|---|
|
Primary Applicant |
AUD 5,750 |
Total Government Charge: AUD 5,750
Example 2 – Couple
|
Applicant |
Fee |
|---|---|
|
Primary Applicant |
AUD 5,750 |
|
Partner (18+) |
AUD 2,875 |
Total Government Charge: AUD 8,625
Example 3 – Family
|
Applicant |
Fee |
|---|---|
|
Primary Applicant |
AUD 5,750 |
|
Partner (18+) |
AUD 2,875 |
|
Child (Under 18) |
AUD 1,450 |
Total Government Charge: AUD 10,075
For larger families, the total government visa application charge can be significantly higher.
Why Has the 485 Visa Fee Increased?
The Australian Government reviews visa application charges periodically and may increase fees as part of the Federal Budget and annual indexation process.
The increase from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750 makes the Temporary Graduate Visa one of the more expensive temporary visa applications in Australia.
Applicants should check the latest visa application charges before lodging because fees may change over time.
Other Costs You Should Budget For
The government visa application charge is only one part of the total cost of applying for a 485 visa.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to pay for:
- Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
- English language test (if required)
- Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check
- Medical examinations
- Biometrics (if requested)
- Certified translations of documents
- Professional migration advice (if using a registered migration agent)
Many applicants underestimate these additional expenses when planning their application.
Health Insurance Is Still Required
Most Temporary Graduate visa holders are required to maintain adequate health insurance while they remain in Australia.
Many applicants purchase 485 Visa Health Insurance (Overseas Visitor Health Cover) to help satisfy visa condition 8501.
Because the government visa fee has increased significantly, comparing health insurance providers has become even more important.
If affordability is your priority, you may also wish to explore the cheapest 485 visa health insurance options currently available.
How the 485 Visa Fee Increase Affects International Graduates
The increase in the Temporary Graduate visa application fee means that international graduates should carefully plan their finances before lodging their application.
For many applicants, the government visa application charge is only one part of the total cost. When health insurance, English language testing, police checks, medical examinations and other expenses are added, the overall cost of applying for a 485 visa can be substantial.
Planning ahead and preparing all required documents before lodging your application may help avoid unnecessary delays and additional expenses.
Choosing the Right 485 Visa Health Insurance
After paying the government visa application charge, choosing the right health insurance is another important decision for Temporary Graduate visa holders.
Most applicants are required to maintain adequate health insurance during their stay in Australia to comply with visa condition 8501.
When comparing policies, consider factors such as:
- Hospital cover
- Medical benefits
- Ambulance cover
- Waiting periods
- Policy flexibility
- Premium costs
- Customer support
- Claims process
Different insurers offer different levels of cover, so comparing policies before purchasing can help you find the most suitable option.
Compare Leading 485 Visa Health Insurance Providers
Several Australian health insurers offer Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) suitable for Temporary Graduate visa holders.
You can learn more about each provider below:
- Allianz 485 Visa Health Insurance
- Bupa 485 Visa Health Insurance
- NIB 485 Visa Health Insurance
- Medibank 485 Visa Health Insurance
- AIA 485 Visa Health Insurance
Each insurer offers different premiums, policy benefits, waiting periods and additional services. Comparing these features before purchasing a policy may help you select the option that best suits your circumstances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a 485 Visa
Many applicants focus only on the visa application charge and overlook other important requirements.
Some common mistakes include:
- Applying with incomplete documents.
- Delaying English language testing.
- Waiting until the last minute to arrange health insurance.
- Not checking passport validity.
- Including incorrect information in the visa application.
- Assuming all health insurance policies provide the same level of cover.
Taking the time to prepare your application carefully can reduce the risk of delays or requests for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new 485 visa application fee?
From 1 July 2026, the primary applicant fee for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is AUD 5,750.
How much does a partner pay?
An additional applicant aged 18 years or over pays AUD 2,875.
How much is the fee for a child?
An additional applicant under 18 years of age pays AUD 1,450.
Is the visa application fee refundable?
In most circumstances, the visa application charge is not refundable once the application has been lodged, even if the visa is refused or withdrawn. Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
Do I need health insurance for a 485 visa?
Most Temporary Graduate visa holders are required to maintain adequate health insurance while living in Australia. Many applicants purchase Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) to help satisfy visa condition 8501.
Where can I compare 485 visa health insurance?
Applicants can compare health insurance policies from leading Australian insurers before purchasing a policy to ensure it suits their visa requirements and budget.
Final Thoughts
The increase in the Temporary Graduate visa application fee to AUD 5,750 represents a significant additional cost for international graduates planning to remain in Australia after completing their studies.
Before lodging your application, it is important to understand not only the government visa application charge but also the additional costs involved, including health insurance, English language testing, police checks and medical examinations.
By preparing your application carefully and comparing your health insurance options, you can make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses during your stay in Australia.