Temporary Graduate Visa Fees Increased Without Notice

The Australian Government has implemented a substantial increase to the visa application charge (VAC) for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), effective 1 March 2026, without a transition period.

Under the updated schedule, the new visa application charges are:

• Primary applicant: $4,600
• Additional applicant (18 and over): $2,300
• Additional applicant (under 18): $1,160

The change was formalised through legislative instrument F2026L00163, accessible via the Federal Register of Legislation.

The adjustment represents a significant escalation in cost for international graduates seeking to remain in Australia temporarily following completion of their studies.

Immediate Effect, No Grace Period

Unlike prior fee revisions that allowed transitional arrangements for applicants preparing to lodge, this increase took effect immediately. Graduates who had planned applications under the previous fee framework are now required to meet the revised charge.

The Temporary Graduate visa is commonly used by international students to gain post-study work experience in Australia. For many, it serves as a bridge between academic study and potential longer-term migration pathways.

With the updated pricing structure, a graduate applicant lodging with a partner may now face visa application costs exceeding $6,900, excluding associated expenses such as health checks, police clearances, English tests, and other compliance requirements.

Broader Implications for International Education

Australia’s international education sector remains one of the country’s largest export industries. Over recent years, policy changes in migration and post-study pathways have attracted close scrutiny from institutions, students, and industry stakeholders.

The scale and timing of the Subclass 485 fee increase has prompted discussion within the sector regarding cost pressures faced by international students, many of whom have already invested heavily in tuition and living expenses.

Fee increases form part of broader migration management settings, but their impact is particularly significant for graduates nearing eligibility deadlines, including those:

• Approaching course completion
• Within strict post-study lodgement timeframes
• Including dependent family members

Continued Concessions

Lower visa application charges remain available for eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste under specific arrangements, depending on stream eligibility.

Ongoing Policy Adjustments

The increase to the Subclass 485 visa fee follows a series of migration system reforms introduced over the past two years, including changes to English requirements, age caps, and stream eligibility criteria.

As Australia continues to recalibrate its migration settings, the Temporary Graduate visa, historically viewed as a key retention mechanism for international talent, is experiencing notable financial adjustments.

Graduates and education stakeholders are expected to closely monitor how this policy shift may influence application patterns and international student sentiment in the coming months.