The recent migration updates have increased the 485 visa fee. The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible graduates to stay temporarily and gain work experience in Australia. From the 1st March 2026, the Government of Australia has revised the visa application charges with a significant increase for both primary and dependent applicants. In this regard, we’ll explain the new 485 visa charges, compare them with the previous one and outline the total cost applicants should expect.
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The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows recently graduated international students to work and study in Australia. The validity of the temporary graduate visa Australia is dependent on the visa stream, while Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for up to 5 years. This visa also allows applicants to bring dependent family members with them till they stay in Australia.
There are three main streams of the 485 visa, which include:
| Visa Stream | Who It Is For | Typical Visa Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Vocational Education Work Stream | Graduates with qualifications related to occupations listed on the skilled occupation list. | Up to 18 months. |
| Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an Australian institution. | Bachelor’s degree: up to 2 years. Master’s and doctoral degrees: up to 3 years. |
| Second Post-Study Work Stream | Graduates who previously held a Post-Study Work visa and studied in designated regional areas. | 1–2 additional years, depending on the regional location. |
The 485 graduate visa fee has significantly increased since 1st March 2026. The prices have nearly doubled. The following are the main changes to the 485 working visa Australia cost:
| 485 Visa Stream | Application Fee (Before 2026) | Application Fee (After 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Higher Education Work Stream | From AUD 2,235 (primary applicant) | Around AUD 4,600 (primary applicant) |
| Post-Vocational Education Work Stream | From AUD 2,235 | Around AUD 4,600 |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream | About AUD 880, depending on application type | Around AUD 1,810 |
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Apart from the main 485 Graduate Visa applicants, additional charges apply for dependents. The 2026 update for the secondary graduate visa 485 fees are as follows:
| Applicant Type | Fee Before 2026 | Fee After 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Additional applicant (18+) | AUD 1,115 | Around AUD 2,300 |
| Additional applicant (under 18) | AUD 560 | Around AUD 1,160 |
Policy changes on migration policy are usually influenced by economic and administrative elements at large. A number of reasons have been cited concerning the rise in the 485 Australia visa cost.
Possible factors include:
The increased Visa Fee of 485 can also affect the post-study migration scheme of international graduates. Among the important considerations that applicants should make to apply for australia study visa include:
The Temporary Graduate visa remains a beneficial option to graduate students regardless of the 485 visa cost increase. This growth is possible as the visa provides the graduates with chances to have a local work experience and build professional networks.
Also Read: Student Visa Evidence Levels Australia – What’s Changed in 2026
Besides the increase in cost, the 485 visa continues to give successful applicants multiple advantages. As per the Australia 485 visa latest news, applicants can get the following benefits:
In order to get more details about the permanent residency pathway, you can contact the immigration services Adelaide.
Before submitting an application, applicants on the Temporary Graduate visa must take into account a number of practical steps. The following are some of the useful post-485 visa fee update preparation tips:
Also Read: Skilled Occupation List (SOL) Australia 2026
The 485 visa fee changes, effective from 1st March 2026, are a significant rise in cost to international graduates intending to remain and work in Australia. Although the application fees are almost twice, the Temporary Graduate visa can still provide sufficient benefits in terms of work experience and identification of long-term migration options.
To manage your visa expense, you can also take assistance from a migration consultant Adelaide, as they help to revise your application as per the new requirements. They also ensure that you stay ready to submit your documents early to complete a smooth application.
Applicants should review all possible expenses before applying. Understanding the expected graduate and postgraduate visa 485 cost can help graduates prepare financially and avoid unexpected expenses during the process.
Yes, dependents can be included in the application or added later with additional 485 visa application charges. But they have to meet the required conditions and submit the necessary supporting documents.
Applicants should organise important documents such as passport copies, academic completion evidence, and English language test results. You may include other records that may be required under standard student visa requirements.
You can avoid delays by submitting accurate information and preparing all required documents in advance. You should also carefully review application details and respond to additional requests from immigration authorities.
Consultation with an immigration agent Adelaide gives multiple forms of assistance. This includes assistance with document checks, application submission and understanding the latest migration updates.
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