IMPORTANT NOTICE 
Australian visa charges have recently undergone changes, and you ought to know about them, should you wish to study, work, migrate or even join your family in Australia. On 1 July 2026, the Australian Government raised Visa Application Charges (VACs) on the majority of visa categories.
Significant changes in Australian Visa fees.
The change in charges on applications is now applicable in various classes of visa sub-categories of the Department of Home Affairs. Though there has been modest growth in some of the categories, others have grown by approximately 25%.
Here are some of the major updates:
| Visa | Visa Type | Before 1 Jul 2026 | From 1 Jul 2026 | Increase |
| 500 | Student Visa | $2,000 | $2,500 | $500 |
| 485 | Temporary Graduate | $4,600 | $5,750 | $1,150 |
| 482 | Skills in Demand | $3,210 | $4,015 | $805 |
| 186 | ENS | $4,910 | $6,140 | $1,230 |
| 189 | Skilled Independent | $4,910 | $6,135 | $1,225 |
| 190 | Skilled Nominated | $4,910 | $6,135 | $1,225 |
| 491 | Regional Skilled | $4,910 | $6,135 | $1,225 |
| 494 | Regional Employer Sponsored | $4,910 | $6,140 | $1,230 |
| 820/801 | Partner Onshore | $9,365 | $11,710 | $2,345 |
| 309/100 | Partner Offshore | $9,365 | $11,710 | $2,345 |
| 300 | Prospective Marriage | $9,365 | $11,710 | $2,345 |
| 600 Offshore | Visitor | $200 | $250 | $50 |
| 600 Onshore | Visitor | $500 | $500 | No Change |
| 417 | Working Holiday | $670 | $840 | $170 |
| 462 | Work and Holiday | $670 | $840 | $170 |
| 155 | Resident Return Visa | $490 | $1,475 | $985 |
| 020 | Bridging Visa B | $190 | $575 | $385 |
What does this imply for the Applicants?
Given that the charges on visas have been increased in Australia, anyone applying for a visa must consult the current government fees before submitting their visa application.
The higher costs may impact:
- International students
- Skilled professionals
- Employer-sponsored workers
- Families that are seeking a partner visa.
Remember that the visa application fee is not the only cost of migration.
You may also have to pay:
- Health examinations
- Police clearance certificates
- English language tests
- Skills assessments
- Migration agent services
Why Have the Visa Fees Increased?
Visa application charges are reviewed periodically by the Australian Government to help cover the administrative costs and migration policy goals.
The 2026 update of fees is among the highest in the last few years, with a significant rise in student, partner, and skilled migration visa fees. One should thus ensure that they confirm the current fees before embarking on an application.
Prepare Your Application In Advance.
These are some easy steps that can be followed in case you are about to apply for an Australian visa:
- Browse the recent visa application fee.
- Prepare all necessary documents and apply.
- Include extra expenses other than the visa fee in the budget.
- Consult a professional in case you are not sure which visa is applicable to you.
- Proper planning may help to minimize delays and make the process of application much easier.
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Final Thoughts
The Australian Visa Application Charge rise to take place on 1 July 2026 is a key piece of knowledge for any potential migrant to Australia. Regardless of whether you are a student, skilled, graduate or partner visa applicant, when revised fees are known in advance, you are able to make sure that you can better budget and prevent surprises.
Always verify the current visa fees and requirements before submitting your application; you can make wise decisions and prepare your Australian migration process with certainty.
Source: Department of Home Affairs – Current Visa Pricing (effective 1 July 2026).
