Australia has introduced a significant increase to the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). The change was implemented through the
Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026 and took effect on
1 March 2026.
Under the new regulation, the application fee for many Subclass 485 applicants has increased by
100%. However, passport holders from several Pacific nations are exempt from the increase and will continue paying the previous visa charges.
This article explains who is affected, who is exempt, and the new visa application charges for Subclass 485 applicants from March 2026.
When Did the New Visa Fees Start?
The new fees apply to
Subclass 485 visa applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026.
Although the regulation was dated 19 February 2026, it was officially registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on
28 February 2026. Applications submitted before 1 March 2026 remain subject to the previous visa fees.
Who Is Exempt From the 485 Visa Fee Increase?
The fee increase does not apply to primary Subclass 485 applicants who hold passports from 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
- Vanuatu
Applicants from these countries will continue to pay the previous visa application charges.
New Subclass 485 Visa Fees (From 1 March 2026)
The visa fees are now divided into four categories depending on whether the applicant holds an eligible passport and whether the application is for a subsequent Subclass 485 visa.
1. Subsequent Subclass 485 – Eligible Passport Holders
No increase applies for this group.
| Applicant |
Visa Fee |
| Primary applicant |
$905 |
| Additional applicant (18+) |
$455 |
| Additional applicant (under 18) |
$230 |
2. Subsequent Subclass 485 – Non-Eligible Passport Holders
| Applicant |
New Fee |
Previous Fee |
| Primary applicant |
$1,810 |
$905 |
| Additional applicant (18+) |
$910 |
$455 |
| Additional applicant (under 18) |
$460 |
$230 |
3. Other Subclass 485 Applicants – Eligible Passport Holders
No increase applies for this group.
| Applicant |
Visa Fee |
| Primary applicant |
$2,300 |
| Additional applicant (18+) |
$1,150 |
| Additional applicant (under 18) |
$580 |
4. Other Subclass 485 Applicants – Non-Eligible Passport Holders
| Applicant |
New Fee |
Previous Fee |
| Primary applicant |
$4,600 |
$2,300 |
| Additional applicant (18+) |
$2,300 |
$1,150 |
| Additional applicant (under 18) |
$1,160 |
$580 |
Other Amendments
The amendment also confirms that the
second instalment of the visa application charge remains zero, consistent with paragraph 1229(2)(b) of Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations.
In addition, minor technical amendments were made to ensure that the wording in Schedule 1 remains consistent with other provisions within the Migration Regulations.
What This Means for International Graduates
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is one of the most commonly used visas for international students who want to remain in Australia after completing their studies.
With the visa application charge now reaching
$4,600 for many applicants, the cost of applying for this visa has increased significantly. International graduates should carefully consider their visa strategy and the total cost of including family members in their application.
Need Help With Your 485 Visa Application?
If you are planning to apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) or want advice on your post-study migration options in Australia, professional guidance can help ensure your application is prepared correctly.
Journey Across Regions assists clients with:
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) applications
- Skilled migration pathways
- Employer-sponsored visas
- Permanent residency strategies
If you would like personalised advice about your visa options, consider speaking with our registered migration professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new Subclass 485 visa fees start?
The new fees apply to applications lodged on or after
1 March 2026.
Has the Subclass 485 visa fee increased?
Yes. For many applicants, the visa application charge increased from
$2,300 to $4,600.
Who is exempt from the visa fee increase?
Passport holders from several Pacific countries continue to pay the previous visa fees.
Is there a second visa instalment?
No. The second instalment remains
nil under the current Migration Regulations.
