Subclass 485 Visa Fee Doubled to $4,600
Australia's Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) application fee doubled from $2,300 to $4,600 on 1 March 2026. Here's everything you need to know about the fee increase, who is affected, and how to plan ahead.
Last updated: March 2026
Fee Timeline: Key Changes
| Date | Application Fee | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Before July 2023 | $1,680 | — |
| 1 July 2023 | $1,895 | +$215 (CPI adjustment) |
| 1 July 2024 | $2,300 | +$405 (+21%) |
| 1 March 2026 | $4,600 | +$2,300 (+100% — DOUBLED) |
Who Is Affected?
The Subclass 485 visa is for international students who have recently completed at least 2 years of study in Australia. There are two main streams:
Graduate Work Stream
For students whose qualification is closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Requires skills assessment.
Duration: 18 months
Post-Study Work Stream
For students with a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree from an Australian institution. No skills assessment required.
Duration: 2–4 years (depending on qualification level)
Total Real Cost of a 485 Visa (2026)
The visa fee is just the start. Here's the full cost breakdown including mandatory requirements:
Estimated total
$6,000 – $7,700
Now the World's Most Expensive Post-Study Work Visa
Australia's Subclass 485 is now the most expensive post-study work visa globally. Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit costs CAD $255 (~AU$290), the UK Graduate Route is £822 (~AU$1,600), and New Zealand's Post-Study Work Visa is NZD $700 (~AU$640). Australia's fee is 3–16× more expensive than comparable countries.
Other Recent Policy Changes (2025–2026)
Age limit reduced from 50 to 35 years (PhD and Master's by research applicants are exempt from the age cap).
English language requirement raised to IELTS 6.5 overall (previously 6.0 for Post-Study Work stream).
Visa duration for Bachelor's degree holders reduced from 4 years to 2 years.
Concurrent ESOS reforms may reduce the number of eligible student visa holders, further shrinking the 485 applicant pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the fee increase take effect?
The Subclass 485 application fee doubled from $2,300 to $4,600 on 1 March 2026. Applications lodged before this date were processed at the old fee.
Does the fee include my dependants?
No. The $4,600 is the primary applicant fee only. Each additional applicant aged 18+ pays $2,300, and each child under 18 pays $1,150.
Can I get a refund if my application is refused?
No. The Department of Home Affairs does not refund visa application charges if your application is refused. Make sure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
Are there any exemptions from the new fee?
No fee exemptions have been announced. However, some students may be eligible for other visa pathways (e.g., Subclass 482 or 189) that may be more cost-effective depending on their circumstances.
Is it still worth applying for a 485 visa at $4,600?
It depends on your situation. The 485 visa gives you the right to work full-time in Australia for 2–4 years. At average Australian wages, the visa cost can be recovered in 1–2 weeks of full-time work. Consider your career goals and alternative visa options before deciding.
Plan Your Finances Before You Apply
Use NihonAustralia's free tools to estimate your costs, calculate your salary, and make informed decisions about your visa journey.
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