The Australian Government has officially revised its Visa Application Charges (VACs), with the new fees taking effect from 1 July 2026. The updated pricing affects several popular visa categories, including Student Visa (Subclass 500), Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), Skilled Migration Visas, Partner Visas, and Training Visas.
If you are planning to study, work, visit, or migrate to Australia, understanding these revised fees is essential for budgeting your application.
Updated Australian Visa Fees (Effective 1 July 2026)
| Visa Subclass | Previous Fee | New Fee | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Offshore | AUD $200 | AUD $250 | AUD $50 |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) | AUD $4,600 | AUD $5,750 | AUD $1,150 |
| Student Visa (Subclass 500) | AUD $2,000 | AUD $2,500 | AUD $500 |
| Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) | AUD $3,210 | AUD $4,015 | AUD $805 |
| Training Visa (Subclass 407) | AUD $430 | AUD $540 | AUD $110 |
| Partner Visa (Subclass 309/820) | AUD $9,365 | AUD $11,710 | AUD $2,345 |
| Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | AUD $4,910 | AUD $6,135 | AUD $1,225 |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | AUD $4,910 | AUD $6,140 | AUD $1,230 |
| Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) | AUD $4,910 | AUD $6,140 | AUD $1,230 |
Key Highlights of the 2026 Fee Changes for Australian Visa
The latest revision introduces increases across nearly every major visa category.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
International students will now pay AUD $2,500, representing a 25% increase from the previous application charge of AUD $2,000.
Students should also remember that the visa fee is only one part of the total cost. Applicants may also need to budget for:
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Medical examinations
- English language tests (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
- Biometrics (where applicable)
- Document translation and certification
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Graduates wishing to remain in Australia after completing their studies will experience one of the largest increases.
- Previous fee: AUD $4,600
- New fee: AUD $5,750
This increase means graduates should prepare for significantly higher post-study visa costs.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
For tourists, family visitors, and business travelers applying from outside Australia:
- Previous fee: AUD $200
- New fee: AUD $250
Although the increase is relatively modest, travelers should still account for additional expenses such as travel insurance and biometrics if required.
Skilled Migration Visas
Australia continues to attract skilled professionals worldwide, but migration costs have also risen.
| Visa | New Fee |
|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189) | AUD $6,135 |
| Skilled Nominated (190) | AUD $6,140 |
| Skilled Work Regional (491) | AUD $6,140 |
| Skills in Demand (482) | AUD $4,015 |
Applicants should also consider skills assessments, English language tests, police clearances, and medical examinations when calculating their total migration budget.
Partner Visa
The Partner Visa remains Australia’s most expensive major visa category.
The application charge has increased from:
- AUD $9,365
- to AUD $11,710
This represents an increase of AUD $2,345, making careful financial planning more important than ever for couples applying for Australian permanent residency through family sponsorship.
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
Applicants participating in occupational training programs will now pay:
- Previous: AUD $430
- New: AUD $540
Why Has Australia Increased Visa Fees?
Visa Application Charges are periodically reviewed to:
- Support Australia’s migration program administration
- Recover processing and operational costs
- Reflect inflation and government policy changes
- Improve immigration system resources and services
Annual fee adjustments commonly take effect on 1 July, aligning with Australia’s financial year.
What Applicants Should Do
If you plan to apply for an Australian visa in 2026 or beyond, consider the following:
- Review the latest visa application charges before submitting your application.
- Prepare a realistic budget that includes both government fees and supporting costs.
- Ensure all required documents are complete to avoid delays or additional expenses.
- Apply only when you meet all eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these the total costs of applying?
No. These are the government Visa Application Charges (VACs) only. Additional expenses such as health examinations, English language tests, police certificates, biometrics, and document translations may also apply.
When do the new Australian visa fees start?
The revised fees became effective on 1 July 2026.
Which visa had the largest increase?
Among the major visa categories listed:
- Partner Visa (309/820) increased by AUD $2,345.
- Temporary Graduate Visa (485) increased by AUD $1,150.
Will visa processing times change?
The fee increase itself does not automatically affect visa processing times. Processing depends on the visa category, application completeness, and current demand.
Final Thoughts
The Australian Visa Application Charges effective from 1 July 2026 represent a notable increase across most visa categories. Whether you are planning to study, visit, work, or settle in Australia, understanding these updated costs is an essential part of your application planning.
Applicants are encouraged to budget carefully, prepare complete documentation, and stay informed about any further changes to Australia’s immigration policies.
