1 July 2026 Visa Fee Changes: What Applicants Need to Know
Australian visa application fees changed from 1 July 2026, and many applicants now need to budget for higher visa costs before lodging.
These changes affect several popular Australian visa pathways, including visitor visas, student visas, partner visas, skilled visas, employer-sponsored visas, working holiday visas, training visas and some citizenship applications.
The changes come from the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026. These regulations update visa application charges, citizenship fees, and skilled migration income thresholds.
For applicants, the message is simple: check the current visa fee before lodging and prepare the application carefully. As visa fees rise, mistakes become more expensive.
At Emigrate Lawyers, we help individuals, couples, families, students, skilled workers and employers understand Australian visa costs, eligibility requirements and application risks before they lodge.
What Changed on 1 July 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government increased visa application charges across many visa subclasses.
The key changes include:
| Area | Main Change From 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Charges | Many visa application charges increased |
| Student Visa Fees | Subclass 500 base application charge increased to $2,500 for many applicants |
| Student Guardian Fees | Subclass 590 fees also increased under the 2026 changes |
| Skilled Visa Fees | Skilled visas such as 189, 190, and 491 now have higher base charges |
| Partner Visa Fees | Partner and Prospective Marriage visa charges increased significantly |
| Work Visa Fees | Skills in Demand and employer-sponsored visa fees increased |
| Citizenship Fees | Citizenship application fees increased in line with CPI |
| TSMIT | Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold increased to $79,423 |
These changes matter because visa fees are paid upfront at the time of lodgement in most applications. As a result, applicants should confirm the correct charge before lodging.
New Australian Visa Fees From 1 July 2026
The table below summarises some of the key new visa application charges that many applicants search for online.
| Visa Category | Visa Subclass / Type | General New Base Application Charge From 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | Subclass 600 offshore, many non-Pacific applicants | AUD $250 |
| Visitor Visa | Subclass 600 onshore, many non-Pacific applicants | AUD $630 |
| Visitor Visa | Subclass 600 Frequent Traveller stream, many non-Pacific applicants | AUD $1,845 |
| Student Visa | Subclass 500, many applicants | AUD $2,500 |
| Student Visa | Subclass 500, some concession categories | AUD $2,050 or lower depending on category |
| Working Holiday Visa | Subclass 417, first-time eligible applicants | AUD $840 |
| Work And Holiday Visa | Subclass 462, many first-time eligible non-Pacific applicants | AUD $840 |
| Skills In Demand Visa | Subclass 482 / Class GK, many applicants | AUD $4,015 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme | Subclass 186 / Class EN, many applicants | AUD $6,140 |
| Skilled Independent Visa | Subclass 189, many applicants | AUD $6,135 |
| Skilled Nominated Visa | Subclass 190 / Class SN, many applicants | AUD $6,140 |
| Skilled Work Regional Visa | Subclass 491 / Class PS, many applicants | AUD $6,140 |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa | Subclass 494 / Class PE, many applicants | AUD $6,140 |
| Partner Visa | Partner Residence / Partner Migrant, many general applicants | AUD $11,710 |
| Prospective Marriage Visa | Subclass 300 / Class TO, many general applicants | AUD $11,710 |
| Parent Visa | Parent / Aged Parent, many general applicants | AUD $6,600 |
| Contributory Parent Visa | Certain general categories | AUD $6,300 |
| Bridging Visa B | Class WB, many applicants | AUD $575 |
| Training Visa | Subclass 407 / Class GF, many applicants | AUD $535 |
These figures are base application charges for common scenarios. Additional applicant charges may apply if you include a partner, dependent child or other family member.
Important Warning Before You Rely on Any Visa Fee
Visa fees can vary significantly.
For example, the same visa subclass may have different charges depending on whether the applicant applies onshore or offshore, whether the applicant holds a passport from a Pacific-regional country, whether the application includes family members, and whether a special stream applies.
Therefore, this article provides general guidance only. You should always confirm the current visa application charge before lodging.
Student Visa Fee Increase 2026
The Student Visa Subclass 500 now costs from AUD $2,500 for many applicants.
This is one of the most important Australian visa fee changes in 2026 because many international students must now plan for a higher upfront cost before lodging.
Some lower-cost categories may still apply, including certain eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens, eligible ASEAN citizens, and some ELICOS or non-award applicants. However, many students will need to budget for the higher charge.
What Students Should Do Before Lodging
Before paying the Student visa charge, students should carefully review:
| Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Confirmation of Enrolment | You need the correct enrolment evidence |
| Genuine Student Requirement | You must explain your genuine study intention |
| Financial Capacity | You may need to show funds for study and living costs |
| Health Insurance | You generally need OSHC for the relevant period |
| Immigration History | Previous refusals or visa issues can create risk |
Important Tip For Student Visa Applicants
Do not lodge a Student visa application only because the course provider has issued a Confirmation of Enrolment. The Department may still look closely at your financial evidence, study history, course choice, immigration history and future plans.
If your case involves a previous refusal, course gaps, weak financial documents, or a complex study history, speak with Emigrate Lawyers before lodging.
Visitor Visa Fee Changes 2026
Visitor visa fees also changed from 1 July 2026.
For many non-Pacific applicants, the new base charges include:
| Visitor Visa Type | New Base Application Charge |
|---|---|
| Subclass 600 Visitor Visa, lodged outside Australia | AUD $250 |
| Subclass 600 Visitor Visa, lodged in Australia | AUD $630 |
| Subclass 600 Frequent Traveller stream | AUD $1,845 |
Although visitor visas may cost less than partner, skilled or student visas, applicants should still prepare carefully.
A visitor visa can be refused if the Department is not satisfied that the applicant genuinely intends to stay temporarily. Therefore, applicants should provide clear evidence of travel purpose, funds, ties to their home country and reasons to return.
Common Visitor Visa Mistakes
Applicants often create risk when they:
- submit weak financial documents
- provide unclear travel plans
- fail to explain long stays
- ignore previous visa refusals
- provide inconsistent information
- apply for a visitor visa when their real intention is to work or remain permanently
A visitor visa refusal can affect future applications. Therefore, good preparation matters.
Partner Visa Fee Increase 2026
Partner visa application charges remain among the highest Australian visa costs.
For many general applicants, the base application charge is now AUD $11,710.
This can apply to many partner visa applicants unless a special lower-fee pathway applies. For example, different charges may apply in some cases involving holders of Prospective Marriage visas or other specific historical or transitional categories.
Partner Visa Costs Can Increase With Family Members
Partner visa applicants may need to pay additional applicant charges if they include family members.
| Applicant Type | Possible Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Main Applicant | Base application charge |
| Adult Additional Applicant | Additional adult charge may apply |
| Child Additional Applicant | Additional child charge may apply |
| Medical Checks/ Police Clearances / Translations / Documents/ Legal Fees | Separate cost |
Important Tip For Partner Visa Applicants
Do not rely only on photos and chat messages. A strong partner visa application should address the legal relationship categories, including financial aspects, household arrangements, social recognition and long-term commitment.
Because the application charge is high, couples should prepare the application carefully from the beginning.
At Emigrate Lawyers, we assist couples with relationship evidence, statutory declarations, legal submissions, and complex partner visa issues.
Prospective Marriage Visa Subclass 300 Fee Increase
The Prospective Marriage Visa Subclass 300 is also affected by the 2026 fee changes.
For many applicants, the base application charge is now AUD $11,710.
This visa allows an eligible applicant to come to Australia to marry their prospective spouse. After marriage, the applicant may then apply for a partner visa.
However, couples should not treat the Subclass 300 visa as a simple engagement visa. The application should clearly show that the relationship is genuine and that both parties genuinely intend to marry.
If you are planning to apply for a Subclass 300 visa, Emigrate Lawyers can help you prepare a clear and structured application.
Skilled Visa Fee Increase 2026
Skilled migration applicants also face higher application charges from 1 July 2026.
Common skilled visa charges include:
| Skilled Visa | New Base Application Charge |
|---|---|
| Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 | AUD $6,135 |
| Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 | AUD $6,140 |
| Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491 | AUD $6,140 |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494 | AUD $6,140 |
| Permanent Residence Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 191, Regional Provisional stream, many non-Pacific applicants | AUD $630 |
These charges can become much higher when applicants include family members.
Important Tip For Skilled Visa Applicants
Before paying the visa application charge, check your points, skills assessment, occupation list, English score, work experience evidence, state nomination requirements and invitation details.
If you claim points incorrectly, the Department may refuse the application. In that situation, the application charge may not be refunded.
Employer Sponsored Visa Fee Changes
Employer-sponsored visa applicants and Australian businesses should also review the new charges carefully.
| Visa Type | New Base Application Charge |
|---|---|
| Skills In Demand Visa Subclass 482 / Class GK | AUD $4,015 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 / Class EN | AUD $6,140 |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Subclass 494 / Class PE | AUD $6,140 |
| Training Visa Subclass 407 / Class GF | AUD $535 |
However, the visa application charge is only one part of the total cost. Employer-sponsored matters may also involve sponsorship, nomination, Skilling Australians Fund levy, employment contracts, salary evidence, market salary assessment and business documents.
TSMIT Increased To AUD $79,423
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, commonly known as TSMIT, increased to AUD $79,423 for relevant nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
This change matters for employer-sponsored visa planning because employers must carefully check salary requirements before lodging a nomination.
In addition, salary must generally meet the relevant threshold and the annual market salary rate where required.
At Emigrate Lawyers, we assist employers and applicants with employer-sponsored visa strategy, nomination requirements and salary issues.
Working Holiday And Work And Holiday Visa Fee Changes
The Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417 and Work and Holiday Visa Subclass 462 also increased.
For many first-time eligible applicants, the charge is now AUD $840.
Some applicants may face different charges depending on visa history, country arrangements, or whether they have previously held the relevant visa.
These visas can help young people travel and work in Australia temporarily. However, they can also form part of a broader migration plan for some applicants.
Citizenship Fee Changes
The 2026 regulations also increased several citizenship application fees in line with CPI.
Examples include:
| Previous Fee | New Fee From 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| AUD $370 | AUD $380 |
| AUD $150 | AUD $160 |
| AUD $80 | AUD $85 |
| AUD $575 | AUD $595 |
| AUD $350 | AUD $365 |
The changes apply to applications made on or after 1 July 2026.
However, some concessional or nil-fee categories may remain available depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Pacific-Regional Country Concessions
The regulations also identify Pacific-regional countries for certain concessional visa application charges.
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
- Vanuatu
Some applicants who hold valid passports from these countries may pay lower charges for certain visa categories.
However, the concession does not apply to every applicant or every situation. Therefore, applicants should check the exact visa subclass, stream and eligibility rules before lodging.
How The Visa Fee Increase Affects Applicants?
The Australian visa fee increase affects applicants in several practical ways:
- Higher upfront cost: Applicants may need a larger budget before lodging their visa application.
- Greater risk of costly refusals: A weak or poorly prepared application can waste a significant visa application charge.
- More need for planning: Applicants should check their eligibility, visa pathway and evidence before paying the application fee.
- Higher family application costs: Partners, dependent children and other family members may attract additional applicant charges.
- Risk of relying on old information: Applicants should check the current visa fees before lodging, as outdated fee tables may be incorrect.
Because many visa fees have increased, applicants should avoid rushing their applications.
Instead, they should focus on lodging a complete, accurate and well-supported application.
Common Mistakes After Visa Fee Changes
After a visa fee increase, applicants often make mistakes because they rely on outdated information.
Common mistakes include:
- checking an old blog or old fee table
- assuming all applicants pay the same fee
- forgetting additional applicant charges
- forgetting child applicant charges
- ignoring concessional fee categories
- lodging without checking eligibility
- paying a high fee for the wrong visa
- failing to prepare strong evidence
- assuming the fee will be refunded if refused
- not checking whether a second instalment applies
These mistakes can become expensive.
Therefore, applicants should get advice before lodging if the matter is complex or the visa fee is high.
Are Visa Application Charges Refundable?
Usually, applicants should not expect a refund simply because the Department refuses the visa.
In many cases, the visa application charge pays for the Department to assess the application. It does not guarantee a grant.
Therefore, applicants should prepare carefully before paying the charge.
Should You Lodge Quickly Because Fees Changed?
Not necessarily.
Some applicants try to lodge quickly when they hear about fee increases. However, lodging quickly can create risk if the application is incomplete or poorly prepared.
A fast application does not help if:
- the wrong visa was chosen;
- documents are missing;
- forms contain errors;
- evidence is weak;
- the applicant does not meet the criteria;
- previous refusals were not; addressed;
- relationship evidence is poorly organised;
- sponsorship documents are incomplete;
Instead, applicants should lodge only when the application is ready.
How Emigrate Lawyers Can Help?
At Emigrate Lawyers, we understand that rising Australian visa fees can place real pressure on individuals, couples and families. For many applicants, a visa application is not just paperwork — it is about staying with loved ones, building a future, protecting career opportunities and securing stability in Australia.
That is why we aim to provide clear, practical and affordable legal services for applicants who need guidance with their Australian visa matters.
We can assist with:
- student visas
- visitor visas
- partner visas
- prospective marriage visas
- skilled visas
- employer-sponsored visas
- Skills in Demand visas
- parent visas
- citizenship matters
- visa refusals
- visa cancellations
- Administrative Review Tribunal matters
- complex immigration matters
We can also help applicants estimate visa costs, understand eligibility requirements, review supporting evidence, prepare legal submissions and respond to Department requests.
When visa fees increase, the cost of mistakes also increases. Our goal is to help applicants prepare their matters carefully, avoid unnecessary stress and move forward with greater confidence.
Need Help Understanding The New Australian Visa Fees?
Australian visa fees changed from 1 July 2026. Emigrate Lawyers can help you check the correct visa pathway, understand likely costs and prepare a stronger application.
Book A ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions About Australian Visa Fee Changes 2026
Q1. Did Australian visa fees increase from 1 July 2026?
A- Yes. Many Australian visa application charges increased from 1 July 2026, including fees for student, visitor, partner, skilled, work and employer-sponsored visa categories.
Q2. What is the new Student visa fee in 2026?
A- For many applicants, the Student Visa Subclass 500 now costs from AUD $2,500. Limited concessions may apply for certain eligible applicants.
Q3. What is the new Partner visa fee in 2026?
A- For many general partner visa applicants, the base application charge is now AUD $11,710. Some special categories may have different charges.
Q4. What is the new Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa fee?
A- For many applicants, the Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa base application charge is now AUD $11,710.
Q5. What is the new Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa fee?
A- For many applicants, the Skills in Demand visa base application charge is now AUD $4,015. Additional applicant charges may apply for family members.
Q6. What is the new visa fee for Australia 2026?
A- The new visa fee for Australia in 2026 depends on the visa subclass, stream, applicant location and whether family members are included. From 1 July 2026, many visa application charges increased, including Student visas from AUD $2,500, many Partner and Prospective Marriage visas from AUD $11,710, and many skilled visas from around AUD $6,135 to AUD $6,140. Applicants should always check the current Home Affairs fee before lodging, as the final amount can vary.
Final Thoughts
The Australian visa fee changes from 1 July 2026 make visa planning more important than ever.
Many applicants now need to pay higher charges for student visas, partner visas, skilled visas, employer-sponsored visas, visitor visas and other visa categories. In addition, employers must consider updated salary thresholds when sponsoring workers.
However, the fee is only one part of the process. Applicants must still meet the legal requirements and provide strong evidence.
Because visa costs have increased, applicants should avoid careless applications. A refusal can create financial stress, delays and future visa complications.
For help with Australian visa fees, eligibility or application preparation, contact Emigrate Lawyers.
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Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Australian visa application charges, eligibility requirements and government policies can change at any time. The fees mentioned are based on information available at the time of writing and may vary depending on the visa subclass, stream, applicant location, passport country, family members included, concessions and individual circumstances. Applicants should always check the latest Department of Home Affairs fees and seek professional advice before lodging a visa or citizenship application.
AUSTRALIAN VISA HELP
Need Help With Your Australian Visa?
Australian visa applications can be complex, and even small mistakes in your forms, documents, eligibility assessment, visa pathway selection, or supporting evidence can lead to delays, further information requests, or refusal.
At Emigrate Lawyers, our immigration lawyers assist applicants with Australian visa applications, visa pathway advice, document preparation, eligibility assessment, legal submissions, visa refusals, appeals, and post-lodgement support. We can also advise you on alternative visa options, including partner visas, skilled visas, student visas, employer-sponsored visas, visitor visas, protection visas, family visas, bridging visas, and citizenship matters where appropriate.
Whether you are applying for your first Australian visa, trying to choose the right visa pathway, responding to a Department request, or dealing with a previous refusal, getting legal advice early can help you avoid costly errors and prepare a stronger, decision-ready application.
Speak with Emigrate Lawyers today for professional advice on your Australian visa options. Book a consultation with our immigration lawyers and take the next step towards your Australian visa pathway with clarity and confidence.
