From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government increased visa application charges across several major visa categories. Students, graduates, employer-sponsored workers and partner visa applicants are among those affected.
The changes are not only about higher fees. The Government has also updated salary thresholds for employer-sponsored visas, expanded Working Holiday visa eligibility for selected countries, and confirmed the permanent Migration Program planning levels for the new financial year.
For many applicants, the key message is clear: applying for an Australian visa is now more expensive, and choosing the right pathway matters more than ever.
What changed on 1 July 2026?
Several visa application charges increased from 1 July 2026.
Some of the major changes include:
- Student Visa: $2,500
- ELICOS Student Visa: $2,050
- Temporary Graduate Visa: $5,750
- Partner Visa: $11,710
- Skills in Demand Visa, Subclass 482 Medium Skills Stream: $4,015
- Employer Nomination Scheme, Subclass 186: $6,140 for the primary applicant
For applicants, these increases mean there is now even more pressure to prepare a strong application from the beginning. A refusal or incorrect application can become a very expensive mistake.
Not sure which visa is right for you?
The new fees make it more important to avoid lodging the wrong application. If you are planning to study, work or migrate to Australia, speaking with a registered migration professional can help you understand your options before you apply.
Student Visa applicants now need to budget more carefully
International students are among the applicants most affected by the new visa fee changes.
The base application charge for the Student Visa, Subclass 500, has increased to $2,500. For students applying primarily to study English through an ELICOS course, a separate visa application charge of $2,050 now applies.
This is a major cost for many students and families. It also means that rushing an application, submitting weak documents, or misunderstanding the Genuine Student requirement can become much more costly.
If you are planning to study in Australia, your course choice, financial documents, study purpose and long-term plan all need to make sense together. The visa fee is only one part of the process. The quality of the application still matters.
Planning to study in Australia?
Read our Student Visa Guide to understand the requirements, costs and application process before you apply.
Graduate and Partner Visa applicants are also affected
The fee increases are not limited to student visas.
For international graduates, the Temporary Graduate Visa, Subclass 485, now has a visa application charge of $5,750. This is a significant increase, especially for graduates who are already managing tuition fees, living costs and post-study planning.
Partner visa applicants are also facing higher costs, with the base application charge now increasing to $11,710.
These are not small application fees. For many people, they represent one of the biggest financial commitments in their migration journey. Before lodging, applicants should be confident that they understand the eligibility requirements, evidence needed and risks involved.
Employer-sponsored visas remain one of the strongest PR pathways
While employer-sponsored visa fees have also increased, this pathway remains one of the most important options for skilled workers.
The Skills in Demand Visa, Subclass 482 Medium Skills Stream, now has an application charge of $4,015. The Employer Nomination Scheme, Subclass 186, has increased to $6,140 for the primary applicant.
At first glance, the higher fees may feel discouraging. But when you look at the wider migration program, employer sponsorship remains one of the clearest opportunities for skilled workers who want to stay in Australia long term.
The Government has allocated a strong number of places to employer-sponsored visas for the 2026–27 financial year. This shows that skilled workers with Australian employers continue to be a priority.
For applicants already working in Australia, or those who have an employer willing to sponsor them, this could be a key pathway to permanent residency.
Thinking about employer sponsorship?
Every situation is different. Whether you are already working in Australia or trying to understand if your employer can sponsor you, our registered migration team can assess your eligibility and explain the most suitable pathway for your circumstances.
Salary thresholds for employer-sponsored visas have increased
From 1 July 2026, salary thresholds for employer-sponsored visas have also increased.
The new threshold is $79,423 for applicants subject to the relevant salary threshold requirement, including many Skills in Demand and employer-sponsored visa applicants.
For the high-income Specialist Skills stream, the threshold has increased to $146,576.
This matters because salary is not just a number on a job offer. It can directly affect whether a nomination is eligible. Employers and applicants should check whether the offered salary meets the new threshold before moving forward.
If the salary does not meet the required level, the application may not be able to proceed under that pathway.
Good news for some Working Holiday visa applicants
Not all of the announcements were about higher costs.
From 1 July 2026, citizens of Finland, Germany, Cyprus and the Republic of Korea can now access the Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa up until the age of 35.
This is good news for eligible applicants who may have previously thought they had aged out of the program.
For many people, a Working Holiday visa can be a useful first step into Australia. It can provide an opportunity to travel, work, gain local experience and explore whether Australia could become part of a longer-term plan.
Australia’s 2026–27 Migration Program remains at 185,000 places
The Australian Government has confirmed that the permanent Migration Program for 2026–27 will remain at 185,000 places.
While the overall number has stayed steady, the distribution of places is important.
The major winner is employer-sponsored migration, with around 58,000 places allocated to employer-sponsored visas. This includes pathways such as the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa and the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme.
For applicants, this sends a clear signal. The Government continues to place strong value on skilled workers who are already contributing to Australia’s workforce, especially those with an employer willing to sponsor them.
This does not mean employer sponsorship is easy or guaranteed. Applicants still need to meet the relevant occupation, skills, salary, work experience and nomination requirements. However, compared with some other pathways, employer-sponsored visas appear to be one of the strongest options this financial year.
Want to know where you fit in the 2026–27 Migration Program?
Australia’s migration program continues to evolve, and the best pathway is not the same for everyone. A personalised assessment can help you understand which visa options suit your occupation, work experience and long-term goals.
Should you still apply despite the higher visa fees?
For some applicants, the higher fees may make them wonder whether they should delay their application.
In some cases, waiting may make sense. In others, delaying could create more risk.
Visa fees are only one part of the bigger picture. Eligibility requirements, occupation lists, salary thresholds, invitation rounds and policy settings can all change over time. Waiting for costs to go down may not be the best strategy if your current circumstances make you eligible now.
The better question is not simply, “Should I apply now?”
A better question is:
“What is the safest and strongest pathway for my situation?”
That answer depends on your visa history, occupation, qualifications, work experience, employer, location, English level and long-term goals.
Why professional advice matters more now
With visa application charges increasing, mistakes are becoming more expensive.
A refused visa, incorrect pathway, weak evidence or missed requirement can cost applicants thousands of dollars. It can also affect future options.
This is especially important for applicants considering:
- Student visas
- Temporary Graduate visas
- Partner visas
- Employer-sponsored visas
- Permanent residency pathways
A registered migration professional can help you understand the requirements, identify possible risks and plan your next steps more clearly.
Ready to plan your next move?
Visa application charges are now higher, and Australian migration rules continue to change.
Whether you are planning to study in Australia, apply for an employer-sponsored visa, transition to permanent residency or bring your partner to Australia, getting the right advice early can make a significant difference.
At Pathway to Aus, our registered migration professionals can assess your circumstances and help you understand the options available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new Australian visa fees start?
The new visa application charges started from 1 July 2026.
What is the new Student Visa fee in Australia?
The base application charge for the Student Visa, Subclass 500, is now $2,500.
What is the new Temporary Graduate Visa fee?
The Temporary Graduate Visa, Subclass 485, application charge is now $5,750.
What is the new 482 visa fee?
The Skills in Demand Visa, Subclass 482 Medium Skills Stream, now has an application charge of $4,015.
What is the new 186 visa fee?
The Employer Nomination Scheme, Subclass 186, now has a base application charge of $6,140 for the primary applicant.
What is the new salary threshold for employer-sponsored visas?
The salary threshold has increased to $79,423. For the high-income Specialist Skills stream, the threshold has increased to $146,576.
