Australia remains one of the most popular destinations for international students, skilled professionals, and families looking to build a future overseas. Every year, thousands of applicants submit visa applications to study, work, reunite with family, or migrate permanently.
From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government increased visa application charges for several major visa subclasses. These changes affect students, skilled workers, employers, graduates, and partner visa applicants. Anyone planning to lodge a visa application should understand the updated fees before preparing their budget.
The Australia visa fee increase 2026 reflects the government's annual review of visa application charges. While the increase may raise the overall cost of migration, it does not change the eligibility requirements or visa conditions for most applicants.
This guide explains the latest Australian visa fee increases, which visa subclasses are affected, and how applicants can prepare for the updated costs.
Why Has Australia Increased Visa Fees?
The Australian Government reviews visa application charges regularly. These reviews usually take effect at the beginning of the new financial year.
The Australia visa fee increase 2026 updates government charges across different migration programs. Although applicants now need to budget for higher application fees, the purpose of each visa category remains the same.
Visa application charges are only one part of the overall migration cost. Applicants may also need to pay for medical examinations, English language tests, police clearance certificates, skills assessments and certified document translations.
Proper financial planning can help applicants avoid unexpected expenses during the visa process.
Australia Visa Fee Increase 2026: Updated Visa Charges
The following table compares the previous base visa application charges with the new charges effective from 1 July 2026.
| Visa Stream | Previous Fee | New Fee From 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (Subclass 500) | AUD 2,000 | AUD 2,500 |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) | AUD 4,600 | AUD 5,750 |
| Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) | AUD 3,210 | AUD 4,015 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) | AUD 4,910 | AUD 6,140 |
| Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | AUD 4,910 | AUD 6,135 |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | AUD 4,910 | AUD 6,140 |
| Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) | AUD 4,910 | AUD 6,140 |
| Partner Visa (820/801 and 309/100) | AUD 9,365 | AUD 11,710 |
| Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) | AUD 190 | AUD 575 |
These figures represent base visa application charges. Additional applicant charges may apply depending on the visa type and the number of family members included in the application.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
International students will see one of the most noticeable changes under the Australia visa fee increase 2026.
The Student Visa application charge has increased from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500.
Students should also budget for additional expenses such as:
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Medical examinations
- English language tests
- Biometrics where required
Planning these costs in advance can make the application process more manageable. Applicants can also review the Student Visa financial and English requirements before proceeding.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Graduates who want to remain in Australia after completing their studies will also pay higher application fees.
The Temporary Graduate Visa fee has increased from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750.
Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before lodging their application. Delays or refusals can result in additional costs.
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand Visa, part of Australia's employer-sponsored migration program, has also received a fee increase.
The application charge has increased from AUD 3,210 to AUD 4,015.
This visa remains an important pathway for skilled workers sponsored by Australian employers. Applicants should discuss application costs with their sponsoring employer before beginning the process.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme provides permanent residency for eligible skilled workers. From 1 July 2026, the application fee has increased from AUD 4,910 to AUD 6,140.
Applicants should also consider additional costs that may include:
- Skills assessment
- Medical examinations
- Police certificates
- Document preparation
Preparing a complete application can help reduce unnecessary delays.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa remains one of Australia's most popular permanent residency pathways.
Under the Australia visa fee increase 2026, the application fee has increased from AUD 4,910 to AUD 6,135.
Applicants should continue to monitor invitation rounds, occupation lists and points requirements before submitting an Expression of Interest.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa has also experienced a fee increase. The application charge has increased from AUD 4,910 to AUD 6,140.
Although the application fee is higher, the Subclass 190 Visa continues to offer several advantages:
- Permanent residency
- State nomination
- Medicare eligibility after visa grant
- A future pathway to Australian citizenship
State nomination requirements vary across Australian states and territories.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
Applicants planning regional migration will also pay higher application charges.
The Skilled Work Regional Visa fee has increased from AUD 4,910 to AUD 6,140.
Regional migration continues to provide opportunities for skilled workers whose occupations are in demand outside Australia's major cities.
Partner Visa Australia
The Partner Visa has experienced one of the largest fee increases. The application charge has increased from AUD 9,365 to AUD 11,710.
This change affects both:
- Subclass 820 and 801 — Onshore Partner Visa
- Subclass 309 and 100 — Offshore Partner Visa
Strong relationship evidence remains just as important as before. Higher fees do not change the assessment process.
Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020)
Applicants who need to travel temporarily while holding a Bridging Visa will also notice a significant fee increase.
The Bridging Visa B application charge has increased from AUD 190 to AUD 575.
Applicants should check whether a Bridging Visa B is necessary before making international travel plans.
Additional Costs Applicants Should Consider
The Australia visa fee increase 2026 only covers government application charges.
Applicants may also need to budget for:
- Medical examinations
- Police clearance certificates
- English language tests
- Skills assessments
- Certified document translations
- Biometrics
- Migration agent fees, if professional assistance is used
These costs vary depending on the visa category and the applicant's circumstances.
How Can Applicants Prepare?
Higher application charges mean budgeting is more important than ever.
Applicants can prepare by:
- Checking the latest visa charges before applying
- Gathering documents early
- Completing English language tests in advance
- Preparing for medical examinations
- Reviewing eligibility requirements carefully
Planning ahead can reduce delays and help applicants avoid unexpected costs.
Conclusion
The Australia visa fee increase 2026 introduces higher application charges for several popular visa categories. These changes affect students, skilled workers, employers, graduates, regional migrants and families applying for partner visas.
Although application costs have increased, the purpose of these visa programs remains unchanged. Applicants who understand the updated charges and prepare their budgets early can avoid unnecessary financial stress during the migration process.
Before submitting any application, confirm the latest fee through the official Department of Home Affairs pricing table or use our Australia Visa Fee Estimator.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Australia visa fee increase take effect?
The updated visa application charges became effective from 1 July 2026.
Does the Australia visa fee increase affect all visa types?
The Department of Home Affairs states that visa application charges changed on 1 July 2026. The amount and structure vary between visa subclasses, streams and applicant circumstances.
Are these the total costs of applying for an Australian visa?
No. These are base government application charges only. Applicants may also need to pay for medical examinations, police certificates, English language tests and other required services.
Has the Partner Visa fee increased?
Yes. The supplied fee comparison lists the Partner Visa application charge as increasing from AUD 9,365 to AUD 11,710.
Has the Student Visa application fee increased?
Yes. The Student Visa (Subclass 500) application charge increased from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500.
Where can I check the latest Australian visa fees?
Always verify the current amount through the official Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator or current visa pricing table before lodging an application.
