Australia Subclass 485 Visa Fees Double to AUD 4,600 from March 2026

Australia’s international education sector brings in over AUD 40 billion each year. For many graduates, the Subclass 485 visa offers a key path to stay and work after studies. But starting March 1, 2026, Australia Subclass 485 visa fees have more than doubled, jumping from AUD 2,235 to AUD 4,600 for the main applicant. This change, tied to the government’s mid-year budget update, has surprised many students. If you plan to apply, know the new costs and steps to take.

New Fee Structure for Subclass 485 Visa

The Australian government updated the fees through new regulations. These apply to applications lodged on or after March 1, 2026. The changes create a four-tier system based on applicant type.

Here is the breakdown:

Applicant Type	Old Fee (AUD)	New Fee from March 1, 2026 (AUD)	Percentage Increase
Primary Applicant	2,235	4,600	106%
Additional Applicant (18+)	1,115	2,300	106%
Additional Applicant (under 18)	560	1,160	107%
Subsequent 485 Primary (Post-Higher Ed Work)	Not listed	1,810	New tier
Subsequent 485 Additional (18+)	Not listed	910	New tier
Subsequent 485 Additional (under 18)	Not listed	460	New tier

The second payment for the visa stays at zero. People from certain Pacific countries or Timor-Leste pay less to support regional ties. This hike came earlier than usual, outside the typical July updates.

Groups Hit Hardest by the Fee Rise

Not everyone faces the full increase, but most do. Students from India, China, Nepal, and Southeast Asia make up the bulk of applicants. They pay the standard rates since they do not qualify for discounts.

For a couple, fees now total AUD 6,900. Add one child under 18, and it hits AUD 8,060 just for government charges. Many graduates are in early jobs, dealing with rent and loans in costly cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Those in the Graduate Work stream face extra costs for skills checks, from AUD 300 to over AUD 1,000.

Full Costs Beyond Government Fees

The AUD 4,600 is just the start. Plan for these extras:

• English tests like IELTS or PTE: AUD 300-400 each time.
• Medical exams: AUD 300-500 per person.
• Health insurance (OVHC): Covers your whole stay.
• Police checks: From every country lived in long-term.
• Biometrics: For some nationalities.
• Skills assessment: Needed for Graduate Work stream.

A single person might spend AUD 6,000 to 7,000 total. A family of three could top AUD 12,000.

Reasons Behind the Fee Increase

Demand for these post-study visas is high. The government wants to recover costs, adjust migration rules, and balance skilled worker needs. The March timing linked to the 2025-26 budget review aimed to raise revenue. Many agents and students did not expect it so soon.

Does the Visa Still Make Sense in 2026?

Yes, for most. The Subclass 485 gives full work rights and time to build experience. This helps with points for permanent residency visas like Subclass 189, 190, or 491. Work on a 485 adds 5 points to your score. State nomination adds 5-15 more.

Fields like engineering, nursing, IT, accounting, and trades offer strong returns. But a refusal means losing the non-refundable fee. Get it right the first time.

Mistakes That Could Waste Your Money

Higher fees raise the stakes. Watch for these errors:

• Picking the wrong stream, like Post-Study Work instead of Graduate Work.
• Using old English test results.
• Choosing jobs not linked to PR paths.
• Submitting missing papers.
• Skipping proper health insurance.

Double-check everything to avoid refusal.

Smart Steps for Your Application

Treat this as a big move toward PR, not just paperwork. Follow these tips:

1. Plan your full PR path first. Pick the best job, state, and stream.
2. Check English scores are current.
3. Get health exams done fresh.
4. Gather and certify all documents.
5. Time it right, but note pre-March 2026 apps used old fees.
6. Consider expert help for complex cases.

Conclusion

The jump in Australia Subclass 485 visa fees to AUD 4,600 changes the game for graduates. Families face even higher totals, often over AUD 8,000 in government costs alone. Full applications add thousands more.

Still, this visa opens doors to work, points for PR, and long-term stays. With careful planning and no mistakes, it pays off. Focus on strategy now to make your investment count.