The Australian government increased the application fees for most subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa holders on 1 March 2026, effectively doubling the cost for new applicants.
The change is set out in a legislative instrument that introduced a four‑tiered fee structure based on whether the applicant is applying for their first graduate visa or a subsequent one, and on the passport they hold. The Explanatory Memorandum links the increase to fiscal measures outlined in the 2025‑26 Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), although MYEFO itself only references a rise in student visa fees and does not specifically mention graduate visas.
New fee schedule (effective 1 March 2026)
| Applicant type | Previous fee | New fee |
|---|---|---|
| Primary applicant (first graduate visa) | $2,300 | $4,600 |
| Additional applicant ≥ 18 years | $1,150 | $2,300 |
| Additional applicant < 18 years | $580 | $1,160 |
Applicants holding an eligible passport from Pacific nations or Timor‑Leste continue to pay the pre‑increase rates.
Additional considerations
- Existing Post‑Higher Education Work stream visa holders who apply for another subclass 485 based on regional study also face higher charges, though eligible passport holders receive reduced rates.
- The fee rise coincides with many recent graduates whose current visas expire on 15 March 2026, leaving a narrow window to pay the higher fees.
- No extension of visa grant periods accompanied the fee increase, meaning applicants must absorb the additional cost without additional time benefits.
The timing and scope of the increase have prompted criticism that the measure serves primarily as a revenue boost rather than a policy adjustment aligned with broader immigration objectives.
Source article: www.peakmigration.com.au
