Quick Summary
- Previous fee: AUD $2,300 (primary applicant)
- New fee: AUD $4,600 (primary applicant) – a 100% increase
- Effective date: 1 March 2026 (applies to all new applications lodged on or after this date)
- Who is affected: Most international graduates applying for the main streams of the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Higher Education Work and Post-Vocational Education Work streams). Lower fees apply to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders.
- Key takeaway: • The fee doubling makes Australia the most expensive post-study work destination among major English-speaking countries. • Total first-year cost (visa + living + insurance) now exceeds $35,000–$45,000 depending on the city. • The change impacts affordability for the student visa to PR pathway but the 485 visa remains a valuable bridge for work experience and skilled migration points. • Act quickly if your student visa is nearing expiry – processing times average 7–60 days for 75% of applications.
Overview of the Subclass 485 Visa Fee Update
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs doubled the visa application charge for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) from 1 March 2026. This Australia 485 visa fee increase directly affects thousands of international students planning to stay and work after graduation.
The Subclass 485 visa, also known as the post-study visa Australia, lets eligible graduates live, work, and study temporarily while building Australian work experience. The sudden hike forms part of wider Australian immigration policy updates aimed at strengthening program integrity and aligning costs with processing demands.
485 Visa Cost from $2300 to $4600 – What Changed?
The base application charge for primary applicants in the Post-Higher Education Work stream and Post-Vocational Education Work stream jumped from AUD $2,300 to AUD $4,600 overnight.
Additional applicants now pay:
- Adult (18+): $2,300 (doubled from ~$1,150)
- Child under 18: $1,160 (doubled from ~$580)
The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (regional extension) carries a lower charge of AUD $1,810.
This 485 visa new fee $4600 applies strictly to applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026. Applications submitted before this date retain the old rate with no top-up required.
Why Australia Increased 485 Visa Fees in 2026
The Department of Home Affairs introduced the rise through the Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026. Officials describe it as part of broader efforts to strengthen the integrity of the post-study work route and ensure the program remains sustainable.
Previous smaller increases occurred in February and July 2025 (from $1,945 → $2,235 → $2,300). The 2026 doubling continues this trend alongside the student visa charge rising to $2,000 in 2025.
Analysts point to managing net overseas migration, recovering higher processing costs, and discouraging low-quality or speculative applications as key drivers behind the Australian immigration policy update.
Impact of 485 Visa Fee Increase on International Students
The impact of the 485 visa fee increase on international students is significant. Many graduates now face an extra $2,300 barrier at a time when living expenses are already high.
Students in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide report feeling the pinch. Some are reconsidering whether to apply, exploring early departure, or seeking employer-sponsored options instead.
The change has sparked widespread discussion about visa affordability concerns and whether Australia risks losing its competitive edge as a study destination. International education peak bodies have highlighted potential flow-on effects to future enrolments.
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Cost of Staying in Australia After Study in 2026
Beyond the visa fee, graduates must budget for real living expenses. Average weekly costs for international students in 2026 range from $450–$750, but city-specific figures are higher in major hubs.
Estimated monthly living costs (single person, moderate lifestyle, 2026 data):
- Sydney: $2,200–$4,000
- Melbourne: $1,900–$3,800
- Brisbane: $1,600–$2,400
- Perth: $1,600–$2,500
- Adelaide: $1,400–$2,100
Add private health insurance (required for 485 holders, as Medicare access is limited) at approximately $150–$250 per month, plus one-off costs such as police checks and medicals ($500–$1,000).
The cost of staying in Australia after study for a typical 2-year 485 stay can easily reach $70,000–$100,000+ when including rent, food, transport, and utilities in Sydney or Melbourne.
Comparison Table: Old vs New 485 Visa Fees
Note: Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens pay reduced rates on first applications. Always confirm the exact amount via the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator at lodgement.
Additional Costs Students Should Consider
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) replacement – private health insurance for the full visa duration (~$1,800–$3,000 per year).
- Police clearance and medical examination – $300–$800.
- Biometrics and document translation – $100–$300.
- Flight and initial settlement – $1,500–$3,000.
- Potential skills assessment or English test renewal – $300–$500 if required for later PR.
These migration cost increase elements push the real entry cost well above the headline visa fee.
How This Affects Post-Study Work & PR Pathways
The 485 visa remains a critical student visa to the PR pathway because it delivers valuable Australian work experience, which adds points in the skilled migration system.
However, the higher 485 visa cost may delay applications or force some graduates to leave earlier, reducing time to gain experience or secure employer sponsorship. Regional graduates still benefit from the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream extension (1–2 extra years), but the upfront cost for the first 485 is now higher for everyone.
Overall, the Temporary Graduate visa continues to offer unlimited work rights and a direct route toward permanent residency for those who meet skilled occupation and points-test criteria.
What Students Can Do Now
- Check your student visa expiry date immediately – you have 6 months from course completion to lodge.
- Gather documents early to avoid rushed errors at the higher fee.
- Consider applying before any further policy shifts (though the current increase is already active).
- Explore regional study options for potential extensions.
- Budget realistically using the Department of Home Affairs Cost of Living Calculator.
- Speak with a registered migration agent for personalised eligibility assessment.
Expert Guidance for Managing the New 485 Visa Cost
Navigating these changes requires accurate, up-to-date advice. Edvise Hub provides professional guidance to international students navigating visa changes, helping them prepare strong applications and understand cost implications in advance. Our team stays current with Department of Home Affairs updates and supports graduates across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide with practical strategies to maximise their post-study opportunities.
FAQs
Q1: What is the new 485 visa fee in 2026?
A: The new Subclass 485 visa fee is $4,600 for primary applicants in the main streams from 1 March 2026.
Q2: When did the 485 visa fee increase?
A: The increase took effect on 1 March 2026 for all new applications lodged on or after that date.
Q3: Why did Australia double the 485 visa fee?
A: The government cites strengthening program integrity, cost recovery, and managing migration pressures as the main reasons.
Q4: Is the 485 visa still worth it in 2026?
A: Yes, for most graduates it remains a valuable pathway for work experience and PR points despite the higher cost.
Q5: Can I apply before the fee increase?
A: No – the new $4,600 fee already applies to any application lodged on or after 1 March 2026.
Q6: Does the fee apply to all streams?
A: It applies to Post-Higher Education Work and Post-Vocational Education Work streams at $4,600; the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream is $1,810.
Q7: How much does it cost in total to stay after study?
A: Expect $35,000–$50,000+ for the first year (visa + living + insurance) depending on the city and lifestyle.
The Australia 485 visa fee increase marks a major shift in the international student pathway, but careful planning and professional advice can still make the post-study experience rewarding. Stay informed via the official Department of Home Affairs website and prepare your application with the latest requirements to protect your investment in Australian education.
