The temporary graduate visa subclass 485 fee increase has officially taken effect from 1 March 2026, significantly raising the government application charges for international graduates in Australia.
The base application charge has doubled from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600. The revised pricing structure also applies to additional applicants and subsequent entrants. This change materially impacts graduates who intend to include family members in their application.
If you are planning to apply for the Subclass 485 visa, understanding the updated fee framework is now essential for proper financial and migration planning.
What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485?
The Temporary Graduate visa Subclass 485 allows eligible international students who have completed an Australian qualification to remain in Australia temporarily.
This visa enables graduates to:
- Stay lawfully in Australia after completing their studies
- Work full-time
- Gain skilled work experience
- Strengthen eligibility for skilled migration pathways
For many graduates, this visa serves as a transitional pathway toward permanent residence.
New Government Charges After the Fee Increase
Following the temporary graduate visa subclass 485 fee increase, the updated Visa Application Charges are as follows:
Primary Applicant
The main Visa Application Charge is now AUD 4,600.
Additional Applicant Aged 18 and Over
Each additional applicant aged 18 or above is charged AUD 2,300.
Additional Applicant Under 18
Each applicant under 18 years of age is charged AUD 1,160.
Who Is Affected?
The new fees apply to:
- All Subclass 485 applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026
- Subsequent entrants added to an existing Subclass 485 visa
Applications submitted before 1 March 2026 remain subject to the previous fee structure.
Cost Impact for Applicants with Family Members
The temporary graduate visa subclass 485 fee increase has a compounded effect for applicants including dependants. For example, a graduate applying with a spouse and one child under 18 would now pay:
- AUD 4,600 for the primary applicant
- AUD 2,300 for the spouse
- AUD 1,160 for the child
- Total government charges: AUD 8,060
This represents a substantial rise compared to the previous pricing structure.
Strategic Planning After the Fee Increase
With the increased cost base, applicants should reassess their overall visa strategy.
Financial Preparation
Beyond government application charges, applicants must also budget for:
- Overseas Student Health Cover or relevant health insurance
- Medical examinations
- Police clearances
- English language testing if required
The total cost of applying may be significantly higher than the base Visa Application Charge alone.
Long-Term Migration Objectives
The Subclass 485 visa is commonly used to:
- Gain Australian work experience
- Improve points under skilled migration programs
- Secure employer sponsorship opportunities
Given the higher upfront cost, aligning the Subclass 485 application with a clear long-term migration plan is increasingly important.
Why the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Fee Increase Matters
A 100% increase in the primary Visa Application Charge represents a major policy adjustment. It raises the financial threshold for international graduates seeking post study work rights and may influence decisions regarding dependants and timing of application.
Applicants should always verify the latest visa charges through official government sources, as fees and policy settings can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new fee after the temporary graduate visa subclass 485 fee increase?
The primary applicant fee is AUD 4,600. Additional applicants aged 18 and over are charged AUD 2,300, while applicants under 18 are charged AUD 1,160.
Does the fee increase apply to subsequent entrants?
Yes. The updated charges apply to subsequent entrants added to a Subclass 485 visa.
When did the new fees take effect?
The revised fee structure applies to applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026.
Does this change affect all streams of Subclass 485?
The updated Visa Application Charge applies broadly to Subclass 485 applications. Applicants should confirm stream specific eligibility requirements separately.
Disclaimer: All information is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice. It is important to note that immigration policies and operational practices are subject to sudden and unexpected changes.
Final Thoughts
The temporary graduate visa subclass 485 fee increase marks one of the most significant cost adjustments in recent years for post-study visa pathways in Australia. While the visa remains a valuable opportunity for graduates to gain Australian work experience, careful financial planning and strategic migration alignment are now more critical than ever.
Before lodging your application, ensure your eligibility, documentation, and long term migration objectives are clearly assessed to make informed decisions under the updated fee structure.
Need Help with Your Subclass 485 Visa?
At eduaid, we offer personalized support for the Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485. Talk to our experts and apply for the subclass 485 visa with the right guidance.