Australia Doubles Temporary Graduate Visa Fee but Spares Pacific Islanders
Sequential-Lodgement Rule Hits Subclass 407 Training Visa Applications
Legal Advisory: 407 Visa Change Poses Workforce-Planning Headaches for Corporates
Latest News
Smartraveller Sounds Alarm on Soaring Overseas Medical Costs for Australians
Prompted by million-dollar medical-evacuation claims, Australia’s Smartraveller service and insurers are warning citizens that overseas travel without comprehensive insurance is financially reckless. The advisory urges better cover amid rising U.S., Japanese snow-sports and cruise-ship medical costs, a message equally relevant to corporates sending staff abroad.
Graduate visa fee doubles overnight – except for Pacific neighbours
From 11 March 2026 the subclass 485 application fee doubled to AU$4,600, but Pacific Island and Timor-Leste nationals remain on the old AU$2,300 rate. The Government says the cash will speed processing, yet universities and students warn of affordability shocks and potential enrolment losses. Employers relying on the graduate visa as a bridge to sponsorship need to budget for higher mobility costs.
Training Visa (407) overhaul brings sequential lodgement and 45 % refusal rate
From 11 March 2026 407 visa applications must be lodged sequentially, stretching average processing to nine months, while refusal rates have jumped to 45 %. The tighter regime follows exploitation findings and foreshadows more safeguards later in the year. Employers need much longer lead times and stronger compliance documentation for training assignments.
Government coordinates flights as Middle East conflict strands Australian travellers
DFAT has flown more than 3,000 Australians home and scheduled further flights as the new Middle East war disrupts transit hubs. Travellers still in the region are urged to depart while commercial seats remain. Corporations should revisit evacuation plans, as insurers tighten coverage on what is now a ‘known event’.