Photo by Sam Balye on Unsplash
Australia has significantly increased the cost of its Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa, with application fees doubling from $2,300 to $4,600 for primary applicants from 1 March 2026.
The increase represents one of the largest single-day visa fee rises in recent Australian migration history and is expected to impact thousands of international graduates planning to remain in Australia after completing their studies.
What Has Changed?
The new fees apply to all Subclass 485 visa applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026.
Under the updated fee structure:
- Primary applicant fee increases from $2,300 to $4,600
- Additional applicants aged 18 and over increase from $1,160 to $2,320
- Additional applicants under 18 increase from $580 to $1,160
For couples and families, the overall cost of lodging a graduate visa application has increased substantially.
Why This Matters
The Temporary Graduate visa is one of Australia’s most popular post-study pathways.
It allows eligible international students who have completed Australian qualifications to remain in the country temporarily with full work rights after graduation.
Many graduates use the visa to:
- Gain Australian work experience
- Improve their skilled migration prospects
- Build points for permanent residency pathways
- Secure employer sponsorship opportunities
The higher application fee means graduates will now need to budget significantly more for their post-study plans.
Part of Broader Migration Changes
The fee increase follows a series of recent migration reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of Australia’s international education and migration systems.
Recent changes have included:
- Stricter Genuine Student assessment requirements
- Changes to post-study work arrangements
- Restrictions on certain visa switching pathways
- Increased scrutiny of student visa applications
The Government has indicated that these measures form part of a broader effort to manage migration levels while maintaining the quality and integrity of Australia’s migration program.
What Should Students Do?
Current international students approaching graduation should ensure they understand both the costs and eligibility requirements associated with the Subclass 485 visa.
Applicants should consider:
- Budgeting for the increased application fee
- Ensuring English language test results remain valid
- Gathering required documentation early
- Reviewing alternative migration pathways where appropriate
For some graduates with competitive points scores and positive skills assessments, direct skilled migration pathways such as the Subclass 189, 190 or 491 visas may also be worth exploring.
Existing Visa Holders Not Affected
The fee increase does not affect individuals who already hold a valid Temporary Graduate visa.
Similarly, applicants who lodged their Subclass 485 application before 1 March 2026 remain subject to the previous fee structure, regardless of when a decision is made on their application.
Looking Ahead
Australia remains one of the most popular destinations for international students, and the Temporary Graduate visa continues to provide an important bridge between study and employment.
However, the doubling of application fees is likely to increase financial pressure on many graduates and may influence how future students evaluate their migration and post-study work options.
Prospective applicants should monitor official Department of Home Affairs announcements and ensure they remain aware of further changes that may affect eligibility, costs, or processing requirements.
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