Australia has increased several immigration-related fees and financial requirements from 1 July 2026, affecting visa applicants, international workers, employers, and migrants planning their future in Australia.
The latest changes include higher Australian visa application charges (VACs), increased Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) fees, higher Federal Circuit Court migration application fees, and updated income thresholds for certain skilled migration pathways.
For anyone planning to apply for an Australian visa, understanding these changes is important to avoid unexpected costs and ensure applications are prepared correctly.
Australia Visa Application Charges Increase from 1 July 2026
The Department of Home Affairs reviews visa application charges annually, and the updated fees apply to applications lodged from 1 July 2026 onwards.
The increase affects multiple visa categories, including skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, graduate visas, partner visas, and temporary work visas.
Updated Australian Visa Fees 2026
| Visa Category | Previous Fee | New Fee from 1 July 2026 |
| Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – Primary Applicant | $3,210 | $4,015 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) – Primary Applicant | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) – Primary Applicant | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Primary Applicant | $4,600 | $5,750 |
| Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309) | $9,365 | $11,710 |
| Permanent Residence Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191) | $505 | $630 |
| Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) | $190 | $575 |
| Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 400) | $430 | $535 |
| Training Visa (Subclass 407) | $430 | $535 |
| Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) | $430 | $535 |
Visa fees may vary depending on visa type, applicant circumstances, and additional family members included in the application.
Why Did Australia Increase Visa Fees?
Australian visa application charges are generally adjusted each year based on economic factors, including inflation and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The latest increase means future migrants and international applicants will need to plan their budgets carefully before submitting their visa applications.
For many applicants, the increase adds thousands of dollars to the overall cost of moving to Australia.
Temporary Graduate Visa 485 Fee Increase
One of the major changes affecting international graduates is the increase in the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) application fee.
The fee has increased from:
- Previous fee: $4,600
- New fee from 1 July 2026: $5,750
This change impacts international students planning to stay in Australia after completing their studies.
Skilled Migration Income Thresholds Increase
Along with visa fees, Australia has also increased income requirements for skilled migration programs.
The updated thresholds are:
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
- Previous: $76,515
- New from 1 July 2026: $79,423
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
- Previous: $141,210
- New from 1 July 2026: $146,576
These thresholds are important for employers sponsoring skilled workers and applicants applying through employer-sponsored migration pathways.
Fair Work High Income Threshold Increased
The Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) has increased from:
$183,100 → $190,100 per year
This change is particularly relevant for certain Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) applicants using age exemptions.
Applicants relying on this exemption must meet the required income level during the qualifying period.
Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) Fees Increase
Applicants requesting a review of migration decisions through the Administrative Review Tribunal will also face higher fees.
Updated fees:
- Migration review application: $3,727 (previously $3,580)
- Protection visa review application: $2,293 (previously $2,203)
These fees apply when applicants challenge certain visa decisions.
Federal Circuit Court Migration Fees Increase
Applicants seeking judicial review of migration decisions through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia will also pay higher filing fees.
New fees:
- Full application fee: $4,180
- Reduced application fee (if approved): $2,090
What Do These Changes Mean for International Students and Migrants?
The increase in Australian visa fees means applicants need to carefully plan their migration journey.
Higher costs may affect:
- International students applying for graduate visas
- Skilled workers applying for employer-sponsored visas
- Families applying for partner visas
- Employers sponsoring overseas workers
- Applicants seeking visa reviews or appeals
A small mistake in a visa application can lead to delays, additional requests for documents, or even refusal.
Should You Apply Before Visa Fees Increase Again?
With Australian immigration costs continuing to rise, applicants considering studying, working, or settling in Australia should prepare their applications carefully and understand their available pathways.
Planning early can help reduce unnecessary expenses and improve the chances of a successful application.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Australian visa fee increases highlight the importance of preparing your migration pathway strategically.
Whether you are an international student, skilled worker, employer, or family applicant, understanding the latest visa costs and requirements is essential before applying.
Getting the right guidance and preparing your documents correctly can help avoid delays and costly mistakes during the Australian visa process.
