Australian Government Fees Jump from 1 July 2026 in a Shocking Price Increase
Australia has officially increased the Visa Application Charges (VACs) for many of its most popular visa programs, with the new fees taking effect on 1 July 2026.
The changes affect international students, skilled workers, graduates, employer-sponsored applicants, partner visa applicants, and visitors. Depending on the visa type, applicants will now pay up to 25% more in government application charges.
New Australian Visa Application Fees
| Visa Type | Subclass(es) | Before 1 July 2026 | From 1 July 2026 | Increase | Approx. Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student / Student Guardian | 500 / 590 | $2,000 | $2,500 | +$500 | 25.0% |
| Temporary Graduate | 485 | $4,600 | $5,750 | +$1,150 | 25.0% |
| General Skilled Migration | 189 / 190 / 491 / 494 | $4,910 | $6,135 | +$1,225 | 24.9% |
| Partner / Prospective Marriage | 300 / 820 / 801 / 309 / 100 | $9,365 | $11,710 | +$2,345 | 25.0% |
| Skills in Demand (SID) | 482 | $3,210 | $4,015 | +$805 | 25.1% |
| ENS / RSMS | 186 / 187 | $4,910 | $6,140 | +$1,230 | 25.1% |
| Visitor Visa (Offshore) | 600 | $200 | $250 | +$50 | 25.0% |
Please check all the visa subclasses carefully on the official Home Affairs website.
What Does This Mean for Applicants?
The new fees apply to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Anyone planning to study, work, migrate, or join family members in Australia should use the updated government charges when budgeting for their application.
Although the increase is consistent across most visa categories, applicants for permanent and partner visas will experience the largest dollar increases.
Need Professional Assistance?
If you're planning to apply for an Australian visa, make sure you understand the latest government fees before lodging your application.
The ApplyVisa team can help you choose the right pathway and prepare your application based on the latest immigration requirements.
Book an Appointment⛔️ Disclaimer: The information provided here is general information only and should not be considered immigration advice. You should seek advice from a licensed immigration lawyer or registered migration agent before making any visa decision.