Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Fee Increase – Effective 1 March 2026
- 22 hours ago
- 1 min read
The Australian Government has introduced a 100% increase to the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) under the Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026. The change applies to new applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026.
Key Changes
For most applicants, the primary visa fee has doubled:• Primary applicant: $4,600 (previously $2,300)• Additional applicant (18+): $2,300 (previously $1,150)• Additional applicant (under 18): $1,160 (previously $580)
For subsequent 485 visa applicants (non-eligible passport holders):• Primary applicant: $1,810 (previously $905)• Additional applicant (18+): $910 (previously $455)• Additional applicant (under 18): $460 (previously $230)
Who Is Exempt from the Increase?
Primary applicants holding passports from certain Pacific countries will not be affected and will continue to pay the previous VAC. These countries include:Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
The VAC structure now includes four tiers, based on whether applicants hold an eligible passport and whether they are subsequent 485 applicants or new applicants.
If you’re planning to apply for the Subclass 485 visa, it’s important to understand how these changes may impact your application costs and migration strategy.
Contact Synergy Migration Services for professional advice and assistance with your 485 visa application.
