Australian Visa Fees 2026: Complete Updated Schedule
The 2026 Australian visa fee schedule reflects CPI-indexed increases across most subclasses, plus targeted above-CPI increases for specific visas. The most notable change is the subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) fee, which now starts at $5,750 for the Post-Higher Education Work stream — roughly triple its pre-2024 level. Other significant movements include continued high fees for partner visas ($11,710) and contributory parent visas ($49,440). Fees are adjusted on 1 July each year, with occasional mid-year changes for specific subclasses through legislative amendments.
2026 Fee Schedule by Category
Visitor Visas
| Subclass | Visa Name | 2025 Fee | 2026 Fee | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 601 | ETA | $20 | $20 | No change |
| 651 | eVisitor | Free | Free | No change |
| 600 | Visitor (tourist/business) | $190 | $250 | Increased |
| 600 | Visitor (frequent traveller) | $1,065 | $1,845 | Sharp increase |
| 771 | Transit | Free | Free | No change |
The ETA's $20 service charge hasn't increased, and the eVisitor continues to be free, reflecting Australia's interest in making tourism from eligible countries as frictionless as possible. The subclass 600 streams have moved, though: the tourist, business and sponsored family streams now start at $250, and the frequent traveller stream has jumped to $1,845.
Student and Graduate Visas
| Subclass | Visa Name | 2025 Fee | 2026 Fee | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | Student | $1,600 | $2,500 | Increased |
| 590 | Student Guardian | $630 | $640 | +$10 |
| 485 | Temporary Graduate (Post-Higher Education Work) | $3,350 | $5,750 | Increased again |
| 476 | Skilled Recognised Graduate | $425 | $430 | +$5 |
The subclass 485 fee increase is the standout change. This fee effectively doubled in the 2024-2025 period and has since risen again — the Post-Higher Education Work stream now starts at $5,750. For a graduate who has already paid $1,600 for a student visa and tens of thousands in tuition fees, an additional $5,750 for the post-study work visa is a significant financial burden.
The student visa fee has not been spared either: the base charge now starts at $2,500, despite international education being a competitive market where fee increases can push students to competitor countries.
Skilled Migration Visas
| Subclass | Visa Name | 2025 Fee | 2026 Fee | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | Skilled Independent | $4,640 | $6,135 | Increased |
| 190 | Skilled Nominated | $4,640 | $6,140 | Increased |
| 491 | Skilled Work Regional | $4,640 | $6,140 | Increased |
| 191 | Permanent Residence (Regional) | $415 | $420 | +$5 |
| 887 | Skilled Regional (legacy) | $415 | $420 | +$5 |
Skilled migration fees have moved again: the subclass 189 base fee now starts at $6,135. That represents a substantial investment, particularly when you factor in skills assessment fees ($500-$3,500), English language tests ($300-$400), and ancillary costs.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
| Subclass | Visa Name | 2025 Fee | 2026 Fee | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 482 | Skills in Demand (Core) | $1,895 | $1,895 | Stable |
| 482 | Skills in Demand (Specialist) | $3,035 | $3,035 | Stable |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme | $4,640 | $6,140 | Increased |
| 494 | Skilled Employer Regional | $4,640 | $4,640 | CPI adjusted |
| 400 | Temporary Work (Short Stay) | $310 | $315 | +$5 |
| 407 | Training | $310 | $315 | +$5 |
| 408 | Temporary Activity | $310 | $315 | +$5 |
Employer-side costs: In addition to the applicant's visa fee, employers pay nomination fees ($540) and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy:
- Small business (turnover under $10 million): $1,200 per year of the visa
- Other businesses: $1,800 per year of the visa
For a 4-year SID visa, a large employer pays $7,200 in SAF levy alone, plus the $540 nomination fee, before the applicant's visa fee.
Working Holiday Visas
| Subclass | Visa Name | 2025 Fee | 2026 Fee | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 417 | Working Holiday | $635 | $840 | Increased |
| 462 | Work and Holiday | $635 | $840 | Increased |
Working holiday fees remain affordable relative to other visa categories. Second and third year applications cost $1,000 — slightly more than the initial application.
Partner and Family Visas
| Subclass | Visa Name | 2025 Fee | 2026 Fee | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 820/801 | Partner (onshore) | $9,095 | $11,710 | Increased |
| 309/100 | Partner (offshore) | $9,095 | $11,710 | Increased |
| 300 | Prospective Marriage | $9,095 | $11,710 | Increased |
| 143 | Contributory Parent | $49,440 | $49,440 | CPI adjusted |
| 173 | Contributory Parent (temp) | $32,385 | $32,385 | CPI adjusted |
| 103 | Parent | $6,990 | $7,060 | +$70 |
| 870 | Sponsored Parent (3 year) | $5,735 | $5,810 | +$75 |
| 870 | Sponsored Parent (5 year) | $11,470 | $11,610 | +$140 |
| 101/802 | Child | $3,390 | $3,435 | +$45 |
Partner visa fees have climbed steadily over the past decade. In 2010, a partner visa cost approximately $2,060. The current $11,710 represents a more than fivefold increase in 16 years, well above CPI.
The contributory parent visa at $49,440 remains the most expensive standard visa in the system. When combined with the Assurance of Support bond ($10,000-$14,000), ancillary costs, and potentially a migration agent, sponsoring one parent can cost over $70,000.
Additional Applicant Charges
Most visas charge additional fees for family members included in the application:
| Visa Category | Additional Applicant (18+) | Additional Applicant (under 18) |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled (189/190/491) | — | — |
| Employer Sponsored (186) | — | — |
| SID (482 Core) | $950 | $475 |
| Student (500) | $1,190 | $400 |
| Partner (820/801) | — | — |
| Contributory Parent (143) | $49,440 | $2,095 |
| Working Holiday (417/462) | N/A | N/A |
Additional-applicant charges move with the base fee — for the categories marked "—", confirm the current amounts on the official fee schedule before budgeting. For a family of four (two adults, two children) applying for a subclass 189, budget the $6,135 primary charge plus the additional-applicant charge for each family member.
Fees That Catch People Off Guard
Second Visa Application Charge (VAC2): Charged when specific circumstances apply, such as previous unlawful stay. Can add $700-$4,000 to your application cost.
Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: When applying for another temporary visa while already in Australia on certain temporary visas. Approximately $700.
Biometrics collection fee: Around $80 for applicants from countries where biometrics are required.
Skills assessment fees (not a visa fee, but mandatory):
- ACS (IT): $550-$600
- Engineers Australia: $600-$1,200
- VETASSESS: $800-$1,500
- TRA (trades): $700-$1,500
- CPA/CAANZ (accounting): $500-$700
- Medical boards: $1,000-$3,500
English language test fees:
- IELTS: $395
- PTE Academic: $395-$410
- TOEFL iBT: $310-$350
- OET: $587
Historical Fee Trends
Visa fees have consistently increased faster than inflation:
| Visa | 2015 Fee | 2020 Fee | 2026 Fee | 11-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor (600) | $135 | $145 | $250 | +85% |
| Student (500) | $550 | $620 | $2,500 | +355% |
| Skilled (189) | $3,600 | $4,045 | $6,135 | +70% |
| Partner (820) | $6,865 | $7,850 | $11,710 | +71% |
| Parent (143) | $38,535 | $43,600 | $49,440 | +28% |
The student visa stands out with a 355% increase over 11 years, reflecting the government's view that international education is a premium product and that visa fees should better reflect the cost of processing and the value of the entitlement.
Payment Methods and Refund Policy
Accepted payment methods:
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard) — a surcharge of approximately 1.32-1.40% applies
- Debit card
- PayPal (for some application types)
- Bank transfer (for some offshore applications)
Refund policy: All visa application charges are non-refundable, regardless of outcome. Refused applications, withdrawn applications, and incorrectly lodged applications all result in lost fees. The only exception is if the Department made a processing error (like double-charging).
This non-refundable policy means you should be confident of your eligibility before applying. A preliminary assessment by a registered migration agent can help avoid wasting money on applications unlikely to succeed.
FAQ
When do visa fees change? Standard CPI adjustments take effect on 1 July each year. Targeted changes to specific subclasses can happen at any time through legislative amendments.
If I lodge my application before 1 July, do I pay the old fee? Yes. The fee applicable is the one in effect at the time you lodge and pay. If fees increase on 1 July and you lodged on 30 June, you pay the lower fee.
Are visa fees tax-deductible? Not for personal visa applications. However, employer-paid sponsorship and nomination fees may be deductible as business expenses. Consult an accountant for your specific situation.
Can I pay in instalments? Only the contributory parent visa (subclass 143) has a formal instalment arrangement. All other visa fees must be paid in full at lodgement.
