The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has updated its official Migration Regulations Schedule 1 visa application charges (VAC) effective 1 July 2026. These are the mandatory government fees paid directly to DHA — separate from any professional migration agent fees.
If you are planning to apply for an Australian visa in 2026, this guide — reviewed by registered migration agent Umar Ashraf (MARN 2619222) — sets out exactly what you will now need to budget for, visa by visa.
Table of Contents
- Key Fee Increases — At a Glance
- Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
- Subclass 500 Student Visa
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (TSS) Visa
- Permanent Skilled Visas (189, 190, 491, 186)
- Partner Visas (309/100, 820/801, 300)
- Subclass 103 Parent Visa
- Subclass 600 Visitor Visa
- Subclass 407 Training Visa
- Other Fee Changes
- Fees That Have NOT Changed
- Important Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Fee Increases — At a Glance
Several visa categories have seen significant DHA visa application charge increases this financial year. Below are the most impactful changes for typical applicants.
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
This is one of the largest increases in the 2026 fee schedule — the subclass 485 fee for a primary applicant has more than doubled.
| Applicant | Previous Fee | New Fee (from 1 July 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary applicant | $2,300 | $5,750 |
| Secondary applicant (18+) | $1,150 | $2,875 |
| Secondary applicant (<18) | $580 | $1,450 |
The fees shown above apply to the Post-Study Work stream and Graduate Work stream (non-Pacific applicants), which covers the vast majority of international graduates in Australia. See our guide to the Subclass 485 visa for eligibility requirements.
Subclass 500 Student Visa
The student visa fee in Australia for 2026 has risen by 25% for the primary applicant.
| Applicant | Previous Fee | New Fee (from 1 July 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary applicant | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Secondary applicant (18+) | $1,225 | $1,530 |
| Secondary applicant (<18) | $400 | $500 |
For help preparing a strong application, see our guide to the genuine student requirement for Subclass 500.
Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (TSS) Visa
| Applicant | Previous Fee | New Fee (from 1 July 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary applicant | $3,210 | $4,015 |
| Secondary applicant (18+) | $3,210 | $4,015 |
| Secondary applicant (<18) | $805 | $1,005 |
Note: The SC 482 Nomination fee ($330) and Standard Business Sponsorship fee ($420) remain unchanged. See our complete guide to the Subclass 482 visa for eligibility, occupations and sponsorship requirements.
Permanent Skilled Visas
| Visa | Applicant | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 Skilled Independent | Primary | $4,910 | $6,135 |
| Subclass 189 Skilled Independent | Secondary 18+ | $2,455 | $3,070 |
| Subclass 189 Skilled Independent | Secondary <18 | $1,230 | $1,540 |
| Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated | Primary | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated | Secondary 18+ | $2,455 | $3,070 |
| Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated | Secondary <18 | $1,230 | $1,535 |
| Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional | Primary | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional | Secondary 18+ | $2,455 | $3,070 |
| Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional | Secondary <18 | $1,230 | $1,535 |
| Subclass 186 ENS | Primary | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Subclass 186 ENS | Secondary 18+ | $2,455 | $3,070 |
| Subclass 186 ENS | Secondary <18 | $1,230 | $1,535 |
Comparing your points and pathway options? See our guide to 189 vs 190 vs 491 and how to transition from a 482 to permanent residency via the 186.
Partner Visas
Partner visa cost in 2026 has increased substantially from 1 July 2026.
| Visa | Applicant | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 309/100 (offshore partner) | Primary | $9,365 | $11,710 |
| Subclass 309/100 (offshore partner) | Secondary 18+ | $4,685 | $5,860 |
| Subclass 309/100 (offshore partner) | Secondary <18 | $2,345 | $2,935 |
| Subclass 820/801 (onshore partner) | Primary | $9,365 | $11,710 |
| Subclass 820/801 (onshore partner) | Secondary 18+ | $4,685 | $5,860 |
| Subclass 820/801 (onshore partner) | Secondary <18 | $2,345 | $2,935 |
| Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage | Primary | $9,365 | $11,710 |
| Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage | Secondary 18+ | $4,685 | $5,860 |
| Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage | Secondary <18 | $2,345 | $2,935 |
The single VAC covers both the temporary and permanent stages of the partner visa — no additional fee is payable at the permanent grant stage. See our complete guide to the Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa and current partner visa processing times.
Subclass 103 Parent Visa
| Applicant | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Primary applicant | $5,280 | $6,600 |
| Secondary 18+ | $2,640 | $3,300 |
| Secondary <18 | $1,320 | $1,655 |
Note: The second instalment (payable before grant) also applies to this visa class.
Subclass 600 Visitor Visa
The Subclass 600 now has a clear offshore/onshore split for non-Pacific applicants:
| Application Location | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Offshore (outside Australia) | $200 | $250 |
| Onshore (inside Australia) | $200 | $630 |
Subclass 407 Training Visa
| Applicant | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Primary applicant | $320 | $535 |
| Secondary 18+ | $160 | $535 |
| Secondary <18 | $85 | $135 |
Note: the secondary 18+ applicant charge is now equal to the primary applicant charge for this visa class. See our complete guide to the Subclass 407 Training Visa.
Other Fee Changes
| Item | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Citizenship (adult, standard) | $490 | $575 |
| Bridging Visa B (travel authorisation) | $190 | $575 |
| ART (Migration) Appeal Fee | $3,580 | $3,727 |
If you are considering an appeal, see our guide to ART appeal timelines.
Fees That Have NOT Changed
The following employer-paid fees under the Migration Regulations remain unchanged for 2026:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Subclass 482 Nomination | $330 |
| Subclass 482 Standard Business Sponsorship | $420 |
| Subclass 407 Training Nomination | $170 |
Important Notes
- All fees on this page are DHA government charges only and do not include Magpie Consultants’ professional service fees.
- Fees are in Australian dollars (AUD) and are non-refundable once a visa application has been lodged with DHA.
- Partner visa fees (SC 309/100 and SC 820/801) cover both stages of the visa — no second government fee is charged at the permanent grant stage.
- Secondary applicant charges apply to family members included in the same application.
- Pacific-regional country applicants may be eligible for reduced fee rates — ask your migration agent.
For the official government fee reference, see the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator and the Migration Regulations 1994 — Schedule 1.
Get a Personalised Visa Cost Estimate — Book with Umar Ashraf
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 485 visa cost in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa primary applicant charge is $5,750, up from $2,300 — the largest fee increase in this year’s schedule. Secondary applicants aged 18+ pay $2,875, and secondary applicants under 18 pay $1,450. This applies to the Post-Study Work and Graduate Work streams.
How much does a partner visa cost in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the Subclass 820/801 and 309/100 partner visa primary applicant charge is $11,710, up from $9,365. Secondary applicants 18+ pay $5,860, and under 18 pay $2,935. This single fee covers both the temporary and permanent stages — no second government charge applies at grant.
How much does a student visa cost in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the Subclass 500 Student visa primary applicant charge is $2,500, up from $2,000. Secondary applicants aged 18+ pay $1,530, and secondary applicants under 18 pay $500. This is the base Visa Application Charge and does not include OSHC, tuition, or agent fees.
How much does a 482 visa cost in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa primary applicant charge is $4,015, up from $3,210. Secondary applicants 18+ also pay $4,015, and under 18 pay $1,005. The separate nomination fee ($330) and Standard Business Sponsorship fee ($420) have not changed.
Did Australian visa fees increase on 1 July 2026?
Yes. The Department of Home Affairs increased almost all Migration Regulations Schedule 1 visa application charges effective 1 July 2026, as part of its annual indexation. Increases ranged from roughly 25% (student visas) to over 150% (Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa), which saw the largest single increase in the schedule.
Are Australian visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
No. The Visa Application Charge is non-refundable once your application has been validly lodged with the Department of Home Affairs, regardless of the outcome. This makes it essential to have your application reviewed by a registered migration agent before lodgement to minimise the risk of refusal.
Does the visa fee cover my whole family?
No. Each family member included in your application is charged separately as a secondary applicant. Secondary applicants aged 18 and over pay a higher rate than those under 18. You must add the primary applicant charge plus each secondary applicant charge to calculate your total household visa cost.
What is the difference between the visa application charge and a migration agent’s fee?
The Visa Application Charge (VAC) is a mandatory government fee paid directly to the Department of Home Affairs — it is the same regardless of who lodges your application. A migration agent’s professional fee is separate and covers advice, document preparation, and lodgement support, and varies by agent and case complexity.
Reviewed by Umar Ashraf, Registered Migration Agent — MARN 2619222, Magpie Consultants. Source: Australian Migration Regulations Schedule 1, effective 1 July 2026, Department of Home Affairs.
Umar Ashraf
MARA Registered Migration Agent & Education Consultant | MARA #2619222 | Epping, Melbourne VIC
Umar Ashraf is a MARA-registered migration agent specialising in complex cases, visa cancellations, ART tribunal appeals, and employer sponsorship. He provides consultations in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.
