Australian Visa Fees 2026: Complete Updated Schedule

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 was the subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) fee effectively doubling to $3,350. Other significant movements include continued high fees for partner visas ($9,095) 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

Visitor visa fees have remained relatively stable. 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.

Student and Graduate Visas

The subclass 485 fee increase is the standout change. This fee effectively doubled in the 2024-2025 period and remains at the elevated level. For a graduate who has already paid $1,600 for a student visa and tens of thousands in tuition fees, an additional $3,350 for the post-study work visa is a significant financial burden.

The student visa fee at $1,600 has remained stable despite the broader fee increases elsewhere, likely reflecting the government's awareness that international education is a competitive market where fee increases can push students to competitor countries.

Skilled Migration Visas

Skilled migration fees have been relatively stable in nominal terms after the significant increases in previous years. The $4,640 base fee for the main skilled visas 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

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

Working holiday fees remain affordable relative to other visa categories. Second and third year applications cost the same as the initial application.

Partner and Family Visas

Partner visa fees have climbed steadily over the past decade. In 2010, a partner visa cost approximately $2,060. The current $9,095 represents a more than fourfold 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:

For a family of four (two adults, two children) applying for a subclass 189, the total visa fees are: $4,640 + $2,320 + $1,160 + $1,160 = $9,280 in visa fees alone.

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:

The student visa stands out with a 191% 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.