If you’re planning a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) application, the price has moved twice in four months. What used to cost $2,300 is now $5,750 for the primary applicant. That’s not a typo, and it’s not the usual annual bump. Here’s exactly what changed, why, and what it means for your budget and timing.
How Much Does the 485 Visa Cost in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the standard base application charge for the subclass 485 visa is $5,750 for the primary applicant. This follows an earlier increase on 1 March 2026, when the fee doubled from $2,300 to $4,600. The 1 July adjustment added a further 25% on top of that, taking it to its current level. Certain categories, including some Post-Higher Education Work stream applications, have separate fee settings, so the exact figure depends on your stream. Always confirm your specific charge using the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging, since fees are set by stream and passport type.
Why Did the 485 Visa Fee Increase Twice in One Year?
Two different mechanisms were at play. The March 2026 change was a targeted, policy-driven doubling aimed specifically at the graduate visa pathway, separate from the usual indexation cycle. The July 2026 change was the standard annual 1 July adjustment, except this year it was roughly 25% instead of the usual 3-5% CPI-linked increase that applicants have seen in past years. Together, these two changes reflect a broader shift in how the government is managing net overseas migration, using visa costs as one of the levers available without new legislation.
For the complete picture across every affected subclass, read our full visa fee breakdown
Who Is Exempt From the Full 485 Visa Fee Increase?
Eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste are not subject to the same fee level as other applicants under current settings. If you hold a passport from one of these countries, confirm your exemption status directly with the Department of Home Affairs or through a registered migration agent before you lodge, since eligibility depends on your specific passport and circumstances.
Unsure where to start? Get a personalised, step-by-step walkthrough with our Registered Migration Agents.
Book a Migration Consultation
What Other Costs Should You Budget For Beyond the Visa Fee?
The $5,750 base charge is only the visa application fee. Your full budget should also account for:
- English test results (PTE, IELTS, or equivalent), if required for your stream
- Health insurance coverage for the visa period
- An AFP (Australian Federal Police) check
- Certified academic documents and qualification evidence
- Skills assessment evidence, where relevant to your stream
- Additional charges for any secondary applicants included in your application
Is the 485 Visa Application Fee Refundable If My Application Is Refused?
No. The visa application charge is non-refundable once paid, regardless of the outcome. If your application is refused or withdrawn, the fee is not returned. This makes application quality and completeness far more important now than when the fee was lower, since a refusal is now a $5,750 mistake rather than a $2,300 one.
Should You Apply Now or Wait?
There’s no indication of a near-term fee reduction, so waiting rarely helps on cost alone. The better question is whether your application is genuinely decision-ready. Given the fee is non-refundable, rushing an incomplete application to “lock in” a rate before a rumoured future change carries more financial risk than it saves. If your documents, English scores, and eligibility evidence are all in place, there’s no reason to delay. If they’re not, it’s worth getting them right first.
How Edvise Hub Can Help
Navigating a $5,750 non-refundable application on your own raises the stakes of any documentation gap or eligibility mistake. Our registered migration agents can help you:
- Confirm which 485 stream you qualify for and its exact current fee
- Review your documents before lodgement to reduce refusal risk
- Check your eligibility for any fee exemptions based on your passport
- Build a complete, decision-ready application from the start
Book a free consultation with our team to get a clear, personalised assessment before you pay the application charge.
FAQ Section
Q: How much is the 485 visa fee in 2026?
A: The 485 visa base application charge is $5,750 for the primary applicant, effective 1 July 2026.
Q: Did the 485 visa fee increase in March 2026 too?
A: Yes, it first doubled from $2,300 to $4,600 on 1 March 2026, then rose again to $5,750 on 1 July 2026.
Q: Is the 485 visa fee refundable if my application is refused?
A: No, the application charge is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Q: Who is exempt from the full 485 visa fee?
A: Eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste may qualify for a different fee under current settings.
Q: Where can I check the exact current 485 visa fee?
A: Use the official Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator, as fees vary by stream and passport type.
