Temporary Graduate 485 Visa Fee 2026
International graduates planning to remain in Australia after completing their studies will need to prepare for higher visa costs in 2026.
The new visa charges came into effect on 1 March 2026, raising the cost for primary applicants and dependents. The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 application fee has increased significantly, affecting thousands of international students who rely on this visa to gain work experience in Australia.
New 485 Fees in Australia From March 2026
According to updates from the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the government has increased the visa application charges for most Temporary Graduate visa applicants.
The new government application charges are:
Main applicant: AUD $4,600
Partner or secondary applicant aged 18 or older: AUD $2,300
Dependent child under 18: AUD $1,160
These charges apply to all applications submitted on or after 1 March 2026.
The increase represents a major change compared with previous visa fees and has a direct impact on international graduates planning their post-study work options.
Which 485 Visa Streams Are Affected
New 485 Fees apply across all streams of the Temporary Graduate Visa, including:
- Post-Study Work stream
- Graduate Work stream
- Subsequent Temporary Graduate visa applications (where eligible)
Applicants must pay the full government charge at the time of visa lodgement.
Subclass 485 visa cost Australia
The government application fee is only one part of the overall cost of applying for a graduate visa in Australia. International students should also consider additional expenses such as:
- English language exams such as PTE Academic or IELTS
- Health examinations
- Overseas health insurance
- Police clearance certificates
- Skills assessments for certain occupations
- Document preparation and translations
Because of these additional requirements, the total cost of a 485 visa application can be significantly higher than the base visa fee.
For example:
A single applicant may spend several thousand dollars beyond the government charge.
Applicants, including family members, should expect a much higher total cost.
Countries not included in the Fee Increase
Certain passport holders from Pacific nations continue to receive concessional visa charges. These exemptions recognise Australia’s regional partnerships.
Eligible passport holders from countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu may still pay the previous application fees.
Applicants should confirm their eligibility before lodging an application.
Is the 485 Visa Still Worth It for International Students
Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 continues to offer important benefits for international graduates.
Visa holders can:
- Live and work in Australia after graduation
- Get valuable Australian work experience
- Improve their English language proficiency
- Strengthen their eligibility for skilled migration
Many graduates also use this visa as a stepping stone toward permanent residency pathways such as Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190, or Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491.
For many applicants, the opportunity to build a career in Australia still outweighs the higher visa application charge.
Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for the TR 485 visa fee
With visa fees now significantly higher, mistakes during the application process can be costly.
Applicants should avoid:
Choosing the wrong visa stream
Submitting incomplete documentation
Missing English language validity requirements
Failing to meet health insurance requirements
Applying without meeting the Australian study requirement
Planning Your Next Step After Graduation
The Temporary Graduate visa often plays an important role in long-term migration planning. Many international students use their time on the visa to gain skilled employment and improve their eligibility for permanent visas.
Strategic decisions such as choosing the right occupation, improving English scores, and gaining relevant work experience can influence future visa outcomes.
Understanding your migration options early can help you make better decisions after graduation.
Need Help With Your 485 Visa Application
If you are applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, it can be complicated, especially with the recent fee increase and strict eligibility requirements.
If you want professional guidance with your application, we can assist you with eligibility checks, document preparation, and visa lodgement support.
Book an appointment with us today for expert advice on your 485 visa application and personalised guidance on planning your migration pathway in Australia.
