The Australian Government has increased application charges across several major visa categories, effective from 1 July 2026. If you are planning to study, work or settle in Australia, these changes affect how much you need to budget before you apply. Here is a clear breakdown of what has changed and what it means for your plans.
Why the Fees Have Increased
Visa application charges in Australia are reviewed periodically to reflect processing costs and immigration policy priorities. The update effective 1 July 2026 covers Student, Graduate, Partner and Skilled Migration pathways, with increases ranging from a few hundred dollars to well over two thousand dollars depending on the visa type.
New Visa Fees at a Glance
What This Means for Student Visa Applicants
The Student Visa fee has risen from $2,000 to $2,500, an increase of $500. If you are planning to study in Australia, this is worth factoring into your budget early, alongside tuition and living costs. The earlier you apply, the sooner you lock in your place, so delaying your application will not help you avoid the new fee.
What This Means for Graduates and Skilled Workers
The Temporary Graduate Visa (485) has increased by $1,150, moving from $4,600 to $5,750. This is a significant jump for international students planning to stay and work in Australia after finishing their studies.
Skilled migration pathways have also increased. The Skilled Independent Visa (189) is up by $1,225, and the broader Skilled Visa category covering subclasses 186, 190 and 491 has increased by $1,230. If you are applying under the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482), you will now pay $4,015, an increase of $805.
What This Means for Partners and Family Visas
The Partner Visa has seen the largest increase on this list, up $2,345 to a new total of $11,710. Couples planning to apply should factor this higher cost into their timeline and savings plan well in advance.
Bridging Visa B Costs More Too
The Bridging Visa B fee has increased from $190 to $575, an increase of $385. While this is a smaller visa category, the percentage increase is one of the steepest on the list, so it is worth checking if this applies to your situation.
How to Prepare for These Changes
With fees rising across the board, getting your application right the first time matters more than ever. Mistakes or missing documents can lead to delays or rejections, and reapplying means paying the higher fee all over again.
