The 485 visa fee increase has become a major concern for international graduates planning for further study or work in Australia. From 1st March 2026, the cost of a temporary graduate visa has been significantly increased. A clear insight into the visa fee increase is essential for you to understand where and to whom it is applicable and what you should do.
On that basis, we’ll break down for you the previous and current costs, as well as why the 485 visa has been increased. We’ll also suggest a few ways in which you can manage your expenses amid this visa price increase.
What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The temporary graduate visa subclass 485 is made for international students who have recently graduated with an associated qualification to an occupation that can fulfil Australia’s workforce needs. This temporary graduate visa subclass 485 comes in three streams, which include:
| Streams | Duration of Stay in Australia |
| Post-Vocational Education Work Stream | Up to 18 months, for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders, the period may be extended up to 5 years, respectively. |
| Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Up to 3 years, Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay up to 5 years. |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Up to 2 years |
Each of them has its own significance in fulfilling the job market of Australia. To select the most appropriate one for you, you can take assistance from immigration experts like an immigration agent Perth WA.
Besides, the 485 visa allows recent graduates with the following benefits:
- The visa allows you to live, study and work in Australia till its validity.
- You can bring your family members with you.
- You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you till your 485 visa’s validity.
When Did The 485 Visa Fee Increase Come Into Effect?
The new 485 visa fee update has officially come into effect on 1st March 2026. The visa fee increase shows a doubling in price from the previous ones. The updated 485 visa costs are as follows:
| Applicant Type | Previous Fee | New Fee (2026) |
| Main Applicant | AUD 2,300 | AUD 4,600 |
| Secondary Applicant (18+) | AUD 1,115 | AUD 2,300 |
| Secondary Applicant (<18) | AUD 560 | AUD 1,160 |
The above Temporary Graduate Australia visa cost increase is applicable across all streams of the Temporary Graduate Visa. This increase is considered one of the most significant visa fee revisions in recent years. It may directly impact the affordability of the post-study migration pathways in Australia.
Why Has the Government Increased the 485 Visa Fee?
The increase in the 485 visa fee in 2026 is part of broader migration policy changes. The government has introduced this increase to manage both cost and the quality of visa applications. Some of the main reasons for the 485 Graduate Working visa Australia cost increase include:
Higher Demand For Post-Study Work Visas
The demand for the Temporary Graduate visa has grown alongside the number of international students. As per the Department of Education, about 846,321 international students were studying in Australia in 2025. It reflects a larger pool of graduates eligible for a post-study work visa.
Restructuring Of Australia’s Migration System
The migration settings are being updated to manage overall population flow in the nation in a more effective way. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, net overseas migration reached 306,000 in 2024–25, this migration volume is followed by a peak of 556,000 in 2023.
Temporary migrants, including students, make up a large share of arrivals. For example, 157,000 migrant arrivals in 2024–25 were temporary students.
To Support Better Visa Processing Systems
Managing a large pool of visa applications requires strong systems, skilled staff and updated technology. The revised 485 visa application charges contribute to improving processing infrastructure and support enhanced compliance measures.485 visa application charges.
Also Read: Top Pathways to Secure Australian Permanent Residency in 2026
Who Is Affected by the increase of the Postgraduate Visa 485 Cost?
The Australia 485 visa latest news regarding the 485 graduate visa fee increase affects a wide range of applicants. Here’s the group that might directly get impacted due to visa cost changes:
- New applicants submitting applications after 1 March 2026
- Graduates applying under any 485 visa stream
- Applicants, including dependent family members
However, there are a few exemptions for a certain group of graduates. Some of them include eligible citizens of the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste.
Impact on International Students and Graduates
The 485 visa cost increase has created both financial pressure and strategic challenges for international students. Some of the primary impacts among graduates are as follows:
- Applications that include family members
- Preparation for PR pathways
- Financial planning after graduation
- Timing strategy for visa applications
How to Manage the Higher Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Costs?
Although the cost of the 485 visa has increased, you may still take a few steps to manage your finances in an organized way. Some of the practical ways to manage your fund amid the increase in the 485 graduate visa fees are as follows:
- Plan your finances early and set aside funds in advance.
- Apply as soon as you meet eligibility requirements.
- Double-check all documents to reduce the chances of potential delays.
- Carefully understand the visa stream requirements.
- Consider professional guidance if something is unclear to you.
How an Education Consultant Perth Can Help You?
Regional experts, like an educational consultant in Perth, can help you choose the right course based on your academic background, career goals and budget. They can also help you with the following aspects:
- Which courses are in demand?
- Under which skilled occupation list (SOL) are your skills listed?
- How is your qualification linked with career options in Australia?
- Can assist you in budget planning amid the 485 visa fee changes.
- Suitable institutions for further studies.
- Help you to lodge your application.
Also Read: How 2026 Changes Affect Your Graduate Visa 485 Plans in Australia
Final Thoughts
The rise of the Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485 fee is a broader immigration system change that aims to manage visa applications in a more effective way. Although the prices are doubled for the main applicant and subsequent applicants over 18 years of age, organizing your finances in the right way can help you get an appropriate outcome of the visa. Moreover, taking assistance from a registered migration agent Perth can help you with lodging your application as well as choosing the right stream as per your qualifications.
