From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government introduced updated visa application charges across a range of visa categories. Notably, several visas commonly used by international students and overseas workers have seen significant fee increases, resulting in higher upfront costs for visa applicants.
This round of adjustments reflects an average increase of approximately 20% to 25% across many popular visa categories. Staying informed and planning ahead financially will help applicants better prepare for their study, work and migration plans in Australia.
1. Updated Australian Visa Fees Effective from 1 July 2026
The table below outlines the updated application fees for some of the most commonly used Australian visas among international students and overseas workers.
| Visa Category | Visa Subclass | Before 1 July 2026 | From 1 July 2026 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | Subclass 500 | AUD 2,000 | AUD 2,500 | +AUD 500 |
| Temporary Graduate Visa | Subclass 485 | AUD 4,600 | AUD 5,750 | +AUD 1,150 |
| Work and Holiday Visa | Subclass 462 | AUD 670 | AUD 840 – AUD 1,000 | +AUD 170 – +AUD 300 |
| Skilled Independent Visa | Subclass 189 | AUD 4,910 | AUD 6,135 | +AUD 1,225 |
| Skilled Visas | Subclass 190 / 491 / 186 | AUD 4,910 | AUD 6,140 | +AUD 1,230 |
| Employer-Sponsored Visa | Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) | AUD 3,210 | AUD 4,015 | +AUD 805 |
| Visitor Visa | Subclass 600 (Offshore) | AUD 200 | AUD 250 | +AUD 50 |
| Partner Visas | Subclass 820/801, 309/100 | AUD 9,365 | AUD 11,710 | +AUD 2,345 |
Key Updates for International Students and Overseas Workers
From 1 July 2026, the standard application fee for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) is AUD 2,500. However, the Australian Government continues to offer concessional visa application charges for eligible applicants. Under current arrangements, citizens of ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam, may be eligible for a reduced application fee of AUD 2,050 in certain circumstances.
Applicants are therefore encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements to determine the applicable visa fee before lodging their application.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has experienced one of the most significant fee increases in 2026, with two separate adjustments introduced within just a few months:
- Before 1 March 2026: AUD 2,300
- From 1 March 2026: AUD 4,600
- From 1 July 2026: AUD 5,750
While visa application charges have increased across a number of popular visa categories, the Australian Government continues to maintain concessional arrangements for eligible applicants under current policies.
These changes affect not only international students but also overseas workers and individuals planning to study, work or build a long-term future in Australia. As visa costs continue to rise in recent years, applicants should consider both the eligibility requirements and the financial commitments associated with their chosen visa pathway.
2. Do Higher Visa Fees Make It More Difficult to Obtain a Visa?
The short answer is no.
An increase in visa application charges does not mean that Australia’s visa assessment criteria have become more stringent or that applicants are less likely to be granted a visa. Each application will continue to be assessed against the relevant legislative and policy requirements for that particular visa subclass.
Depending on the visa category, applicants may still need to satisfy requirements relating to:
- Academic qualifications;
- Work experience;
- Financial capacity;
- Health examinations;
- Character requirements;
- English language proficiency; and
- Other visa-specific criteria where applicable.
In other words, higher visa fees are not what determine whether a visa application is successful. Meeting all eligibility requirements remains the most important factor in the visa assessment process.
3. What Should International Students and Overseas Workers Prepare?
With the visa fee changes taking effect from 1 July 2026, international students and overseas workers should take a proactive approach when planning their study and career pathways in Australia. Here are several important considerations to keep in mind.
Plan Your Finances Early
Visa Application Charges (VACs) are only one component of the overall cost of preparing a visa application. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to budget for:
- Tuition fees and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students;
- Health examinations and biometric collection fees (where required);
- English language tests such as IELTS or PTE;
- Translation, certification or skills assessment costs for certain visa categories; and
- Estimated living expenses during your initial period in Australia.
Planning ahead financially will help you manage changing costs more effectively and minimise unexpected expenses throughout the application process.
Prepare Your Documents Carefully Before Lodging Your Application
As visa application fees continue to increase, lodging an application represents a greater investment of both time and money. It is therefore important to ensure that all required documents are accurate, complete and meet the relevant visa requirements before submission.
A well-prepared application can help streamline the assessment process and reduce the likelihood of delays or additional costs arising from requests for further information or document updates.
Consider Your Long-Term Study and Career Pathway
If you are planning to study, work or settle in Australia over the longer term, it is important to look beyond the cost of a single visa and consider your broader goals and future visa options.
For example, some international students may become eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) after completing their studies before progressing to other employment or skilled migration pathways that align with their qualifications and experience.
Understanding the requirements and costs associated with different visa pathways early on can help you make more informed decisions and better prepare for future opportunities.
Stay Up to Date with Policy Changes
Australian visa policies and application charges may be reviewed and updated each financial year. Keeping informed through official government announcements and reliable sources will help you plan more effectively.
If you intend to apply for a visa in the near future, it is advisable to regularly check for updates relating to your chosen visa subclass so that you are not caught off guard by policy or fee changes.
4. What Do These Changes Mean?
The visa fee increases introduced on 1 July 2026 reflect Australia’s ongoing approach to reviewing and refining its policies relating to international education, employment and migration.
For prospective applicants, this highlights the importance of staying informed about changing visa requirements, associated costs and government policies throughout the planning process.
Although visa application fees have increased, opportunities to study and work in Australia remain available to applicants who meet the relevant eligibility requirements. Careful preparation—both financially and administratively—will continue to play an important role in achieving your long-term goals.
Whether you are planning to begin your studies, gain professional experience or build a future in Australia, developing a clear and well-informed pathway from the outset can help you navigate policy changes with greater confidence.
If you are considering applying for an Australian visa in the near future, take the time to carefully review the current requirements and associated costs for your chosen visa category before making any decisions.
>> Stay connected with Next Gem for the latest updates on Australian student visas, international education policies and employment opportunities in Australia.
