Subclass 485 Visa Fee Increased from 1 July 2026: Essential Details for Temporary Graduate Visa Applicants

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa fee increased from 1 July 2026, creating another financial challenge for international graduates who want to stay in Australia after completing their studies.

The Temporary Graduate visa remains one of the most important post-study visa options for international students. It can allow eligible graduates to live, work and study in Australia temporarily after completing a qualifying Australian qualification.

However, the latest fee increase means graduates must plan more carefully before lodging. The Department of Home Affairs confirms that visa costs can change and that the amount payable depends on when the Department receives the application.

At Emigrate Lawyers, we understand that the Subclass 485 visa is not just another visa application. For many graduates, it is the bridge between study, work experience, skilled migration and a future permanent residency pathway in Australia.

Therefore, if you are worried about the new 485 visa price, application fee, or total cost, Emigrate Lawyers can help you understand your options before you lodge.

Subclass 485 Visa Fee Increased: New Temporary Graduate Visa Cost From July 2026

The Subclass 485 visa application fee has increased significantly in 2026.

For many applicants, the updated Temporary Graduate visa application charges from 1 July 2026 are:

This means the Subclass 485 visa cost can become expensive very quickly, especially for graduates who include a partner or dependent children in the application.

As a result, applicants should not only ask, “What is the 485 visa fee?” They should also ask, “What is the total cost of my full application?”

Emigrate Lawyers can help graduates calculate the likely Subclass 485 visa cost, including additional applicant charges and other related expenses before lodgement.

The Subclass 485 Visa Price Increased Twice In 2026

One reason many graduates feel confused is that the Subclass 485 visa fee changed more than once in 2026.

Earlier in 2026, the Temporary Graduate visa application fee increased sharply. Then, from 1 July 2026, the application charge increased again as part of broader visa application charge changes.

Therefore, many graduates may find old information online that no longer reflects the current cost.

This creates a real risk. If a graduate budgets using outdated fee information, they may face payment problems when lodging.

For this reason, applicants should always check the current Department of Home Affairs pricing table or Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging. The Department says applicants can use the current visa pricing table and Visa Pricing Estimator to work out visa costs, although the exact cost depends on the visa and applicant circumstances.

Emigrate Lawyers can help you confirm the updated 485 visa cost before you pay, so you do not rely on old or incorrect information.

Why The Increase In Subclass 485 Visa Application Fee Matters For International Graduates?

The Subclass 485 fee increase matters because international graduates already face major costs.

Many graduates must budget for:

• tuition fees
• rent and living expenses
• health insurance
• English tests
• police checks
• health examinations
• skills assessments, where relevant
• translations and document preparation
• legal or professional fees
• future skilled visa or employer-sponsored visa costs

Therefore, the increased 485 visa application fee adds pressure at a critical time.

For many graduates, this visa may affect their chance to gain Australian work experience, build employer connections and prepare for skilled migration. Because of this, the application should not be rushed or treated casually.

At Emigrate Lawyers, we help graduates look beyond the visa fee and understand how the Subclass 485 visa fits into their wider Australian migration plan.

Do Not Lodge 485 Visa Without Checking The Correct Stream

The Temporary Graduate visa has different streams, and the correct stream matters.

The Home Affairs Subclass 485 page confirms that applicants must apply for their eligible stream and cannot change streams after applying.

This is important because a wrong stream can create serious consequences. Even if the applicant pays the correct application fee, choosing the wrong pathway may still create problems.

Graduates should carefully check whether they may fit within a relevant stream, such as:

• Post-Vocational Education Work stream
• Post-Higher Education Work stream
• Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, where applicable

Before lodging, graduates should also check qualification type, study requirement, visa history, English requirements, health insurance and timing.

Emigrate Lawyers can help graduates choose the correct 485 visa stream before paying the application charge, reducing the risk of avoidable mistakes.

Subclass 485 Visa Primary Applicant Cost

The primary applicant is the main person applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa.

From July 2026, the primary applicant fee is:

Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Primary Applicant Cost: AUD $5,750

This is a significant cost for many graduates, especially those who have just finished study and may not yet have full-time employment.

Therefore, graduates should budget early and avoid leaving payment planning until the last minute.

At Emigrate Lawyers, we help graduates understand the government fee, likely extra costs and whether the application is ready before lodgement.

Subclass 485 Visa Partner And Adult Secondary Applicant Cost

If an applicant includes an eligible partner or adult family member, the overall application cost can increase.

From July 2026, the secondary applicant charge for a person over 18 is:

Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Secondary Applicant Over 18 Cost: AUD $2,875

This means couples should not only budget for the main applicant. They should also calculate the full family application cost.

For example, a graduate applying with a partner may face a much higher total visa application charge than a single applicant.

Emigrate Lawyers can help couples understand whether the partner should be included in the 485 visa application and what extra cost may apply.

485 Visa Child Applicant Cost For Families

Graduates with dependent children should also budget for additional applicant charges.

From July 2026, the secondary applicant charge for a child under 18 is:

Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Secondary Applicant Under 18 Cost: AUD $1,450

This can make the total 485 visa cost much higher for families.

Therefore, families should plan early and check whether all dependants meet the relevant requirements before lodging.

Emigrate Lawyers can help families understand the likely total cost and avoid mistakes when including children in the application.

Subclass 485 Visa Fee Increased: Total Cost Examples For Graduates

The total 485 visa application cost depends on how many people are included.

Here are simple cost examples based on the July 2026 charges:

These examples show why graduates should calculate the total cost before lodging.

However, these figures only cover the government visa application charge. Extra costs may still apply.

Extra Costs Graduates Should Not Forget

The government application charge is not the only cost of a 485 visa application.

Graduates may also need to budget for:

• English language tests
• Overseas Visitor Health Cover
• health examinations
• police clearance certificates
• biometrics, where required
• document translations
• passport renewal
• certification of documents
• skills assessment, where relevant
• professional legal fees
• further documents requested by the Department

As a result, the real cost of a Temporary Graduate Visa can be higher than the base application charge.

Therefore, applicants should prepare a full budget before lodging.

485 Visa Increased Fee And Skilled Visa Cost Comparison

The 2026 visa fee increases do not only affect Temporary Graduate visa applicants. They also affect many skilled and employer-sponsored pathways that graduates may consider later.

Some updated visa application charges include:

This comparison shows why graduates must think carefully before choosing their next visa pathway.

Although the 485 visa may be a useful post-study option, it is not the final destination for many graduates. Therefore, applicants should understand how the 485 visa cost fits into future skilled visa or employer-sponsored visa costs.

Emigrate Lawyers can help graduates choose the right visa pathway, understand their options clearly, and access affordable legal solutions before making a decision.

What The Increase in 485 Visa Price Means For PR Planning 

The Subclass 485 visa can play an important role in long-term migration planning.

Many graduates use the 485 visa period to gain Australian work experience, improve English scores, explore employer sponsorship, prepare for state nomination or strengthen future skilled visa options.

However, the price increase means graduates should treat the 485 visa as a strategic investment, not just a temporary stay option.

After receiving a 485 visa, graduates may consider future pathways such as:

• Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
• Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190
• Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494
• Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482
• Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186
• Permanent Residence Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 191

Because skilled visa charges have also increased from 1 July 2026, graduates should plan early and avoid wasting time on the wrong pathway.

Emigrate Lawyers can help graduates connect the Subclass 485 visa with future PR options, so the visa becomes part of a broader migration strategy.

Family Members Can Make The Application More Expensive

Graduates may be able to include eligible family members in a Subclass 485 visa application.

However, including family members can increase the total application fee.

From July 2026, many applicants may need to consider:

• primary applicant charge
• partner or adult secondary applicant charge
• child or under-18 secondary applicant charge
• health check costs for each applicant
• police checks for relevant family members
• health insurance for the family
• translation and document costs

As a result, a family application may cost much more than a single applicant application.

Therefore, applicants should confirm who should be included and what the total family cost may be before lodging. Emigrate Lawyers can help graduates understand family member charges and avoid mistakes when including dependants.

Why DIY Applications Can Become Expensive?

Some graduates may consider lodging the 485 visa themselves to save money.

However, a DIY application can become expensive if the applicant makes mistakes, misses documents or chooses the wrong strategy.

Even a small issue can lead to:

• processing delays
• Department requests
• stress before visa expiry
• refusal risk
• loss of application fees
• extra legal costs later
• fewer future visa options

Therefore, trying to save money at the start may cost more later.

Emigrate Lawyers aims to provide affordable and practical legal services so graduates can get guidance before lodging and avoid preventable problems.

The 485 Visa Application Fee Is Generally A Serious Financial Commitment

Applicants should understand that visa application charges are generally not refunded simply because a visa is refused.

This means a weak or rushed 485 visa application can create a major financial loss.

A refusal may also affect future visa plans, skilled migration options, employer sponsorship opportunities, and confidence in the migration process.

Therefore, graduates should not lodge only because their classmates are lodging or because their student visa is close to expiring. Instead, they should check eligibility, timing and documentation before paying the fee. Emigrate Lawyers can review the matter before lodgement and help applicants identify risks early, which may save time, stress and money.

Common Mistakes That Can Become Costly

Because the Subclass 485 visa fee has increased, common mistakes can now feel even more expensive.

Graduates should avoid:

• relying on outdated application fee information
• applying in the wrong stream
• missing timing requirements
• failing to hold suitable health insurance
• using an expired English test
• misunderstanding study requirement rules
• lodging incomplete documents
• including family members incorrectly
• assuming the 485 visa automatically leads to PR
• ignoring future skilled visa planning
• waiting until the last minute

These mistakes can lead to delay, Department requests, refusal, or unnecessary costs. Emigrate Lawyers can help graduates prepare the application correctly from the start, especially where timing, family members, or future PR planning are involved.

Do Not Wait Until Your Student Visa Is About To Expire

Many graduates delay planning until their student visa is close to expiry.

However, waiting can create unnecessary pressure.

For example, applicants may struggle to organise English tests, health insurance, police checks, academic completion documents, or family documents in time.

In addition, if the applicant makes a rushed mistake, the higher application fee can make the consequences more serious.

Therefore, graduates should start planning early and understand the cost before they lodge. Emigrate Lawyers can help graduates check their timeline and prepare before the situation becomes urgent.

Why Emigrate Lawyers Is The Best Option In This Price Hike Situation?

The July 2026 visa fee increases have made migration planning more important for international graduates.

At Emigrate Lawyers, we understand that graduates may feel stressed by high visa costs, changing rules, English requirements, PR pressure and family expenses.

That is why we focus on clear, practical, and affordable legal support.

We can help with:

• Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa applications
• 485 visa cost planning
• family member cost calculation
• English and document requirement checks
• post-study visa strategy
• skilled migration planning
• employer-sponsored visa options
• PR pathway planning
• visa refusals
• Department requests
• complex migration matters

In this price hike situation, Emigrate Lawyers can be one of the strongest options for graduates who want careful, affordable, and reliable guidance before lodging.

FAQs

Q1. How much does a 485 visa cost?

From July 2026, the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa costs AUD $5,750 for many primary applicants. Extra charges may apply for a partner, children, health checks, police checks, English tests, and other documents.

Q2. What is the current fee for i485?

If you mean Australia’s Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, the current main applicant fee is AUD $5,750 for many applicants. Applicants should always check the Department of Home Affairs pricing table before lodging because visa fees can change.

Q3. Why did the 485 visa fee increase?

The 485 visa fee increased as part of broader annual visa application charge updates and migration pricing changes. The higher fee means graduates should check eligibility carefully before lodging because visa application charges are generally a major upfront cost.

Q4. Can a 485 visa lead to PR?

A 485 visa does not directly grant permanent residency, but it can help graduates gain Australian work experience and prepare for skilled, regional or employer-sponsored PR pathways. The best PR pathway depends on occupation, skills assessment, English score, work experience, state nomination and sponsorship options.

Q5. Is a 485 visa once in a lifetime?

For many applicants, the Subclass 485 visa is generally a one-time opportunity as a primary applicant. However, some graduates may qualify for a second Post-Higher Education Work stream in limited regional circumstances.

Q6. Does a 485 visa get rejected?

Yes, a 485 visa can be refused if the applicant does not meet the requirements or provides incomplete, incorrect, or late documents. Common issues include English test validity, health insurance, Australian study requirements, timing, character checks, and wrong stream selection.

Final Thoughts

The Subclass 485 visa fee increased from July 2026, and this change affects international graduates, partners, and families.

For many primary applicants, the updated fee is AUD $5,750. For secondary applicants, the cost may also increase the total application charge significantly.

Therefore, graduates should not lodge without checking eligibility, calculating family costs, and understanding the next visa pathway.

The 485 visa may support future skilled migration, employer sponsorship, or PR planning. However, it only helps if applicants use it strategically.

At Emigrate Lawyers, we help graduates understand the updated 485 visa cost, prepare stronger applications, and plan the next step with confidence.

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