Australian visa fees increased from 1 July 2026. Explore the latest Student, Temporary Graduate, Skilled, Partner, Visitor and Working Holiday visa charges, understand additional application costs and learn how to check the correct fee before lodging your Australian visa application.
If you are planning to study, work, visit, migrate or join family in Australia, it is important to factor the latest Australian visa application charges into your budget.
From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government increased Visa Application Charges (VACs) across a wide range of visa and citizenship applications. The changes were made through the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026, which commenced on 1 July 2026.
The amount you pay depends on your visa subclass, applicant circumstances and, in some cases, whether you are applying inside or outside Australia. Home Affairs also notes that visa costs can change and that the applicable charge depends on when the Department receives your application.
For many applicants, the increases are significant. For example:
- Student visa (subclass 500): AUD 2,500 for most applicants
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485): AUD 5,750
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): AUD 6,135
- Skilled Nominated and Skilled Work Regional visas (subclasses 190 and 491): AUD 6,140
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): AUD 4,015
- Partner visas: AUD 11,710 for the primary applicant
- Visitor visa (subclass 600), offshore: AUD 250
- Working Holiday and Work and Holiday visas: AUD 840 for first applications in the standard category.
These are generally base application charges. Additional applicant charges, subsequent temporary application charges, payment surcharges and other costs may apply depending on the visa and your circumstances.
What Changed on 1 July 2026?
The Australian Government reviews and adjusts visa application charges periodically. The 2026 changes include increases across student, graduate, skilled, employer-sponsored, partner, visitor, working holiday and other visa categories.
The new charges apply to applications made under the updated fee arrangements from 1 July 2026.
The Federal Register confirms that the 2026 Home Affairs regulations commenced on 1 July 2026 and amended migration and citizenship-related charges.
One important point is that visa application charges are separate from the overall cost of a visa application. Depending on your pathway, you may also need to budget for English testing, skills assessments, health examinations, police certificates, translations, biometrics, professional fees and other applicable charges.
Australian Visa Fees 2026–27: At a Glance
The following table highlights some of the most commonly searched Australian visa application charges.
| Visa | Subclass | Previous charge | From 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student | 500 | AUD 2,000 | AUD 2,500 |
| Temporary Graduate | 485 | AUD 4,600 | AUD 5,750 |
| Skilled Independent | 189 | AUD 4,910 | AUD 6,135 |
| Skilled Nominated | 190 | AUD 4,910 | AUD 6,140 |
| Skilled Work Regional | 491 | AUD 4,910 | AUD 6,140 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme | 186 | AUD 4,910 | AUD 6,140 |
| Skills in Demand | 482 | AUD 3,210 | AUD 4,015 |
| Partner | 820/801 or 309/100 | AUD 9,365 | AUD 11,710 |
| Prospective Marriage | 300 | AUD 9,365 | AUD 11,710 |
| Visitor | 600 | AUD 200* | AUD 250* |
| Working Holiday | 417 | AUD 670 | AUD 840 |
| Work and Holiday | 462 | AUD 670 | AUD 840 |
| Bridging Visa B | 020 | AUD 190 | AUD 575 |
| Resident Return | 155/157 | AUD 490 | AUD 1,475 |
*Visitor visa charges can vary depending on the stream and whether the application is made in or outside Australia.
These figures are intended as a guide to common primary applicant/base charges, not a universal calculation for every applicant. Always check the current Department of Home Affairs pricing information and Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging.
Student Visa Fees from 1 July 2026
One of the most significant changes affects international students.
The standard Student visa subclass 500 application charge increased from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026. Study Australia confirms the increase and also notes that certain applicants continue to benefit from specific concessions.
Standard Student visa
Subclass 500
Previous charge: AUD 2,000
New charge: AUD 2,500
However, the Student visa fee is not identical for every applicant.
Study Australia confirms that some students, including eligible primary applicants holding passports from certain ASEAN countries and specified Pacific countries and Timor-Leste, continue under concession arrangements. Independent ELICOS and Non-Award applicants are also subject to different arrangements.
This is important for applicants because simply reading the standard AUD 2,500 figure may not give the correct amount for every Student visa application.
What students should budget for
The visa application charge is only one part of the overall cost of studying in Australia.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to consider:
- Tuition fees
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- English language testing
- Health examinations
- Police certificates
- Biometrics, where applicable
- Financial capacity requirements
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Education or migration professional fees
Global Consult can help students understand the education and visa costs that may apply to their individual circumstances.
Temporary Graduate Visa Fees Increased
The Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 application charge increased from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750 from 1 July 2026. Study Australia confirms this increase.
This is an important cost consideration for international students planning their post-study options in Australia.
The Temporary Graduate visa has different streams and eligibility requirements, so applicants should not assume that paying the application charge means they are eligible for the visa.
Before applying, check:
- Your qualification
- Your study history
- Your age
- Your previous visa history
- English requirements
- Relevant stream requirements
- Current Temporary Graduate visa rules
- The applicable application charge
Partner Visa Fees Increased
Partner visa applicants face one of the largest increases in dollar terms.
From 1 July 2026, the standard primary applicant charge for the combined Partner visa pathways increased from AUD 9,365 to AUD 11,710.
This applies to the main:
- Partner visa subclass 820/801
- Partner visa subclass 309/100
- Prospective Marriage visa subclass 300
The current primary applicant charge is AUD 11,710, with additional applicant charges applying where eligible family members are included.
Important
The AUD 11,710 figure should not be interpreted as the total cost of a Partner visa.
Applicants may also need to budget for:
- Health examinations
- Police certificates
- Biometrics, where applicable
- Translation costs
- Professional assistance
- Other government-related charges that may apply
The Department’s current pricing information should always be checked for your exact circumstances.
Skilled Migration Visa Fees 2026–27
The cost of several major skilled migration visas has also increased.
Skilled Independent visa subclass 189
Previous: AUD 4,910
From 1 July 2026: AUD 6,135
Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190
Previous: AUD 4,910
From 1 July 2026: AUD 6,140
Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491
Previous: AUD 4,910
From 1 July 2026: AUD 6,140
Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186
Previous: AUD 4,910
From 1 July 2026: AUD 6,140
Skills in Demand visa subclass 482
Previous: AUD 3,210
From 1 July 2026: AUD 4,015
For skilled migration applicants, the government visa fee is only one component of the total migration budget.
Depending on the pathway, applicants may also need to consider:
- Skills assessment fees
- English language test fees
- State or territory nomination costs, where applicable
- Health examinations
- Police certificates
- Document translation
- Professional migration assistance
- Employer sponsorship or nomination-related costs, where applicable
Visitor Visa Fees
Visitor visa charges have also increased.
For the standard Visitor visa subclass 600, the offshore base charge increased from AUD 200 to AUD 250.
Different Visitor visa streams and onshore applications can have different charges. For example, current 2026 information shows an onshore subclass 600 charge of AUD 630 in the relevant circumstances.
Therefore, visitors should check their specific stream rather than assuming that every subclass 600 application costs AUD 250.
Working Holiday Visa Fees
Working Holiday and Work and Holiday applicants also face higher charges.
For the standard first Working Holiday or Work and Holiday application:
Previous: AUD 670
From 1 July 2026: AUD 840
For eligible second and third applications, the charge can be different.
Applicants should confirm the current charge for their particular subclass and application stage before submitting.
Bridging Visa B and Resident Return Visa Fees
Some less frequently discussed visa charges have also increased.
Bridging Visa B subclass 020
Previous: AUD 190
New: AUD 575
Resident Return visa subclasses 155/157
Previous: AUD 490
New: AUD 1,475
These increases demonstrate why applicants should check the current Department of Home Affairs pricing information before making an application.
Australian Citizenship Application Fees
The 1 July 2026 changes also included annual indexation of Australian citizenship application fees.
The Federal Register confirms that citizenship application fees were adjusted from 1 July 2026 through the 2026 Home Affairs regulations.
For example, the citizenship by conferral application for an adult increased from AUD 370 to AUD 380.
Other citizenship application categories also received indexed changes.
Because citizenship fees differ according to the application type, applicants should check the current Department of Home Affairs citizenship fee information before submitting their application.
Does the New Fee Apply If I Started My Application Before 1 July?
The important distinction is between preparing an application and lodging an application.
Simply starting your application, collecting documents or creating an ImmiAccount before 1 July does not lock in the old charge.
Home Affairs states that visa costs depend on the date the Department receives the application.
Therefore, if you lodge under the new pricing arrangements after 1 July 2026, the applicable 2026–27 charge generally applies.
Example
If you started preparing a Student visa application in June 2026 but lodged it after 1 July 2026, you should budget according to the applicable charge at the time the Department receives the application.
What Happens If You Pay the Wrong Visa Fee?
This is an important point that applicants should not overlook.
Home Affairs states that an application is not valid until the required first instalment has been received in full. If the amount paid is insufficient, processing cannot commence until the correct amount is received. A delay in correcting the payment can potentially affect the application.
This is why applicants should verify the exact amount before making payment.
Additional Applicant Charges
The headline visa fee is not necessarily the total fee for a family application.
Where a visa allows additional applicants, an additional applicant charge can apply.
The amount can depend on:
- Visa subclass
- Applicant age
- Whether the applicant is inside or outside Australia
- Whether the visa permits additional applicants
- Other applicable circumstances
Home Affairs explains that the additional applicant charge is separate from the base application charge and applies to eligible people included in a combined application.
This is particularly important for Student, Partner and family-related applications.
Are There Other Charges Besides the Visa Application Fee?
Yes.
The Visa Application Charge is only one part of the potential cost of an Australian visa application.
Depending on your visa pathway, you may need to budget for:
English language testing
Examples include approved English language tests where required for your visa or migration pathway.
Skills assessment
Skilled migration applicants may need an assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Health examinations
Applicants may be required to undergo health examinations depending on the visa and individual circumstances.
Police certificates
Police clearance requirements can apply depending on your visa and personal history.
Biometrics
Biometric collection may be required in certain circumstances.
Translations
Documents that are not in English may need appropriate translations.
Professional fees
If you engage a migration agent, lawyer, education consultant or other professional, their service fees are separate from government visa charges.
Payment surcharge
Home Affairs states that a surcharge may apply when visa application charges, sponsorship fees or nomination fees are paid using certain credit cards or PayPal. Current listed surcharge rates include 1.40% for Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB, 1.90% for UnionPay and 1.01% for PayPal.
How to Check the Exact Australian Visa Fee
Because visa charges can depend on your individual circumstances, the safest approach is to use the official Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator and current Visa Pricing Table before lodging.
Home Affairs specifically recommends using its Visa Pricing Estimator to help determine the applicable charge. It also warns that the estimator provides only a basic estimate in some situations and that applicants should refer to the detailed Visa Pricing Table where necessary.
Official Home Affairs visa fees and charges:
Department of Home Affairs: Visa Fees and Charges
How to Prepare for the Higher Australian Visa Costs
If you are planning to lodge an Australian visa application, consider the following steps.
1. Confirm the Correct Visa Subclass
Don’t calculate your budget based only on the name of the visa.
Different streams can have different charges.
2. Check the Current Government Fee
Use the Department of Home Affairs pricing information immediately before lodgement.
3. Calculate Additional Applicants
If family members are included, check whether additional applicant charges apply.
4. Budget for Related Costs
Allow for English tests, health checks, police certificates, skills assessments, translations and other applicable expenses.
5. Check Your Documents
An incomplete application can cause delays and, depending on the issue, may create additional complications.
6. Understand Your Visa Requirements
Meeting the visa fee does not mean you meet the eligibility requirements.
Your qualifications, English, health, character, financial capacity, sponsorship, nomination and other requirements may also need to be satisfied.
7. Get Professional Advice When Your Case Is Complex
If your circumstances involve previous visa refusals, complicated visa history, family members, employer sponsorship, health or character issues, or another complex factor, consider obtaining advice from an appropriately qualified Australian migration professional.
Common Questions About Australian Visa Fees 2026
Did Australian visa fees increase on 1 July 2026?
Yes. The Australian Government increased Visa Application Charges across a range of visa categories from 1 July 2026. The changes were implemented through legislation commencing on that date.
How much is the Australian Student visa in 2026?
The standard Student visa subclass 500 base charge increased from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026. Certain concession arrangements apply to eligible applicants.
How much is the Temporary Graduate visa in 2026?
The Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 application charge increased from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750 from 1 July 2026.
How much does an Australian Partner visa cost in 2026?
The standard primary applicant charge for the main Partner visa pathways increased to AUD 11,710 from 1 July 2026. Additional applicant charges may apply.
How much does a Skilled Independent visa cost in 2026?
The base application charge for the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 increased from AUD 4,910 to AUD 6,135 from 1 July 2026.
How much is the Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190?
The base application charge increased to AUD 6,140 from 1 July 2026.
How much is the Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491?
The base application charge increased to AUD 6,140 from 1 July 2026.
How much is the Visitor visa subclass 600?
The standard offshore Visitor visa subclass 600 charge increased to AUD 250 from 1 July 2026. However, charges can differ according to the stream and whether the application is made inside or outside Australia.
Do visa fees include health examinations and English tests?
No. The Visa Application Charge is separate from other costs that may apply to your application.
Are Australian visa application fees refundable if my visa is refused?
Visa application charges are generally not refunded simply because an application is unsuccessful. Applicants should check the Department’s refund rules for their specific circumstances.
Can visa fees change again?
Yes. Australian visa charges can change. Home Affairs states that visa costs change from time to time, so applicants should verify the current fee before lodging.
Final Thoughts
The 1 July 2026 Australian visa fee increase is an important consideration for anyone planning to study, work, visit, migrate or join family in Australia.
The increases are particularly noticeable for:
- Student visas
- Temporary Graduate visas
- Skilled migration visas
- Employer-sponsored visas
- Partner visas
- Working Holiday visas
However, the visa application charge is only one part of the total cost of an Australian visa application.
The most important step is to identify the correct visa pathway, confirm the eligibility requirements and check the applicable government charges before lodging.
At Global Consult, we help students, skilled professionals, families and other applicants understand Australian education, visa and migration pathways. Whether you are planning to apply for a Student visa, Skilled visa, Partner visa, Temporary Graduate visa or another Australian visa, our team can help you understand the relevant process and prepare for the next step.
Planning an Australian visa application? Check your eligibility, understand the costs and prepare before you lodge.
