Australia’s Visa Application Charges (VACs) have jumped again from 1 July 2026 and this round is bigger than usual. Instead of the standard yearly CPI-linked bump of around 3%, most visa categories have gone up by roughly 25%. If you’re planning to study, work or reunite with a partner in Australia, it’s important to know exactly what you’ll be paying before you lodge your application.
At Ozmate Migration, we break down the numbers so you can plan your budget with confidence — no surprises at the payment screen.
Why Have Visa Fees Gone Up So Much?
The Australian Government reviews visa pricing every financial year, but 2026 has brought sharper increases than usual. Two forces are driving this:
- Budget repair — visa charges on non-resident applicants are an easy revenue lever and the government has leaned on them heavily this year.
- Migration management — higher fees are also being used as a tool to bring Net Overseas Migration down, with the government targeting a drop to around 245,000 in 2026–27.
Student and partner visas have been hit hardest, with Australia now charging among the highest visa fees of any major migration destination in the world.
Updated Visa Application Charges (VACs) — Effective 1 July 2026
Here’s the full breakdown of primary applicant charges under the new fee schedule:
| Visa Category | Subclass | New Fee (AUD) |
| Student Visa | 500 | $2,500 |
| Temporary Graduate Visa | 485 | $5,750 |
| Skills in Demand Visa | 482 | $4,015 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme | 186 | $6,140 |
| Skilled Independent Visa | 189 | $6,135 |
| Skilled Nominated Visa | 190 | $6,140 |
| Skilled Work Regional Visa | 491 | $6,140 |
| Partner Visa | 820/801 & 309/100 | $11,710 |
| Bridging Visa B | BVB | $575 |
Visa fees are accurate at the time of posting but may change regularly. Please confirm with our consultants for the latest visa fee information.
What This Means for Each Applicant Type
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The main student visa fee has risen the full 25%, taking it to $2,500. This follows an earlier increase in 2025 and comes on top of tuition costs, making Australia one of the priciest study destinations globally. Students should factor this into their overall budget alongside tuition, OSHC and living costs.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
This is one of the steepest climbs on the list. The 485 fee has effectively doubled earlier in 2026 and has now risen again to $5,750. For students who’ve already paid thousands in tuition and a student visa fee, this is a significant additional cost to factor into post-study plans.
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
Employer-sponsored applicants under the Skills in Demand visa will now pay $4,015. Costs are often split with sponsoring employers, so it’s worth clarifying with your employer upfront who covers what.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) & Skilled Visas (189, 190, 491)
Permanent skilled migration pathways have all moved to a similar band, sitting between $6,135 and $6,140. These visas remain a strong long-term investment given they lead to permanent residency, but applicants should budget for skills assessments, English tests and medicals on top of the VAC.
Partner Visa (820/801 & 309/100)
The partner visa now costs $11,710 — up sharply from the previous fee — making it the most expensive standard visa category in Australia and among the costliest partner visa pathways in the developed world.
Bridging Visa B (BVB)
At $575, the BVB has also increased, relevant to applicants who need to travel while their substantive visa application is being processed.
Key Takeaways
- Fees increased by ~25% across most subclasses on 1 July 2026, well above the usual annual adjustment.
- Partner and graduate visas saw the sharpest rises, reflecting government policy priorities around migration numbers and revenue.
- Skilled visa fees remain broadly aligned across the 189, 190, 491 and 186 pathways at just over $6,100.
- Budget beyond the VAC — skills assessments, English tests, medicals, police checks and migration agent fees are all separate from the government charge.
Plan Ahead with Ozmate Migration
Visa fees are only one part of the puzzle — eligibility, documentation and timing all matter just as much as the cost. If you’re planning to apply for a student, skilled, graduate or partner visa, getting the right guidance early can save you both time and money. As a trusted provider of Migration Services in Melbourne, Ozmate Migration helps applicants navigate every step of the process with confidence.
Get in touch with Ozmate Migration today for a personalised assessment of your visa pathway and an accurate breakdown of your total application costs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why did Australian visa fees increase in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, most visa fees rose by around 25%, well above the usual annual CPI adjustment. The rise is linked to the 2026-27 federal budget, aiming to boost government revenue and help bring Net Overseas Migration numbers down.
Q2. How much does a Student Visa (Subclass 500) cost now?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) fee rose to $2,500 AUD for the primary applicant from 1 July 2026, a 25% increase. This is separate from tuition fees, OSHC and other study-related costs you’ll need to budget for.
Q3. What is the new fee for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) now costs $5,750 AUD. This follows an earlier doubling of the fee in March 2026, making it one of the steepest fee increases across all visa subclasses this year.
Q4. How much do skilled visas like 189, 190 and 491 cost?
Skilled visas are now closely priced together: Skilled Independent (189) is $6,135, while Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491) are $6,140 each, plus extra costs for skills assessments and English tests.
Q5. Why is the Partner Visa fee so high?
The Partner Visa (820/801 & 309/100) now costs $11,710 AUD, making it Australia’s most expensive standard visa category — significantly higher than partner visa fees in the UK, US and Canada.
Q6. Do I need to pay extra costs besides the Visa Application Charge?
Yes. Beyond the VAC, applicants often pay for skills assessments, English tests, medical exams, police checks and translations. These can add $500-$2,000+ depending on visa type, so budget beyond the headline fee.
