485 Visa Price Jump Today: What International Graduates Need to Know
The Subclass 485 visa fee increase from 1 March 2026 has significantly impacted international graduates in Australia. Here’s what the new cost means and how to prepare before lodging.
Bad news for a lot of students and recent grads today: the 485 visa fee has just gone up again, and this time, it’s a big one for both: Post-Higher Education Work stream and Post-Vocational Education Work stream
As of today (1 March 2026), the Department of Home Affairs has updated the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) pages to confirm that visa application charges have increased. The official 485 page now includes a notice about the increase, and the stream page is showing a same-day update (1 March 2026).
If you’re seeing $4,600 in the official pricing tools/application process today, you’re not imagining it. A lot of applicants are checking their costs right now and getting the same shock.
One Important Note
Home Affairs’ public 485 stream page has historically shown “From AUD 2,300.00,” but the same official page now also states that charges increased from 1 March 2026 and was updated today. That means applicants should rely on the current pricing shown at lodgement/estimator/ImmiAccount, not older fee figures still circulating online.
Why This Matters
The Subclass 485 visa is often a key step after graduation to:
- Work in Australia
- Gain professional experience
- Prepare for the next stage (employer sponsorship or long-term migration strategy)
Any increase in visa fees can therefore significantly impact a graduate’s overall budget planning.
Important Exception (What You Need to Know)
The Department confirms that a reduced application fee applies to eligible citizens from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste who lodge a valid Subclass 485 visa application. The Home Affairs website refers to this group as “Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.”
Important: Your exact eligibility depends on your passport and the regulations in place at the time you lodge your application. The safest way to confirm the correct fee is by checking the official Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator or reviewing the amount directly in ImmiAccount at the time of lodgement.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the visa application charge itself, you should also anticipate potential preparation costs depending on your profile, such as:
- Medical examinations
- Police clearances
- Certified translations (if required)
- Other supporting documentation expenses
These costs vary from case to case.
Best Practice Before Lodging
Before submitting your application:
- Confirm the exact visa fee using the official Home Affairs tool or ImmiAccount
- Ensure all required documents are properly prepared
- Plan your total budget (visa fee + preparation costs)
For greater security and peace of mind, the safest option remains to have your application handled by a registered migration professional.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Australia Study team.
