International graduates hoping to remain in Australia for post-study work will have to dig much deeper into their pockets after the Government quietly registered the Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026 on 28 February 2026. The legislative instrument, published on the Federal Register of Legislation, lifts the base Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the popular Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa from A$1,730 to A$3,450 per main applicant, with proportional increases for secondary applicants. The Department of Home Affairs says the steep rise is designed to bring the cost of the 485 into line with other skilled visas and to help fund processing technology promised in last year’s Migration Strategy. Agents, however, warn the timing will catch many students off-guard. “A cohort that has already paid tens of thousands in tuition now faces a fee twice the size budgeted for,” noted migration consultant Deepa Krishnan, adding that several clients will delay lodging while they reassess their finances. Universities and peak bodies such as Universities Australia fear the abrupt change could hit enrolments from price-sensitive markets like India and Nepal. Post-study work rights are a major selling point for Australian education providers competing with Canada and the UK, both of which have also tightened graduate pathways.
![Application fee for Australia’s Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa doubles overnight]()
For students uncertain about next steps, VisaHQ can help demystify Australia’s evolving visa landscape. The platform’s dedicated Australia section (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) consolidates current fees, eligibility criteria and processing times, and offers personalised assistance—giving graduates and employers alike a clearer pathway through the new cost structures.
“Cost-predictability is critical for families planning years in advance,” said UA chief Catriona Jackson. For employers, the higher charge may lengthen skills shortages. Many businesses rely on the 485 as a transitional bridge while graduates secure skills assessments and employer sponsorship. HR directors are being advised to budget for visa cost subsidies or risk losing candidates to competitors prepared to foot the bill. Organisations with 2026 graduate-intake programs should revisit mobility budgets immediately. Practically, students who have already started an online application but did not hit ‘submit’ and pay before 28 February must now pay the higher fee. No grandfathering provisions apply. Migration agents recommend affected graduates consider invoking Bridging Visa A work rights while they save for the new charge, but caution that bridging visas do not allow international travel.
For students uncertain about next steps, VisaHQ can help demystify Australia’s evolving visa landscape. The platform’s dedicated Australia section (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) consolidates current fees, eligibility criteria and processing times, and offers personalised assistance—giving graduates and employers alike a clearer pathway through the new cost structures.
“Cost-predictability is critical for families planning years in advance,” said UA chief Catriona Jackson. For employers, the higher charge may lengthen skills shortages. Many businesses rely on the 485 as a transitional bridge while graduates secure skills assessments and employer sponsorship. HR directors are being advised to budget for visa cost subsidies or risk losing candidates to competitors prepared to foot the bill. Organisations with 2026 graduate-intake programs should revisit mobility budgets immediately. Practically, students who have already started an online application but did not hit ‘submit’ and pay before 28 February must now pay the higher fee. No grandfathering provisions apply. Migration agents recommend affected graduates consider invoking Bridging Visa A work rights while they save for the new charge, but caution that bridging visas do not allow international travel.
