The shocking and major migration update came as the Australian government suddenly increased the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) application fee from AUD $2,300 to AUD $4,600.
This 100% hike came into effect from 1st March itself, which would directly impact many international students who are planning their future stay and work in Australia through this subclass.
So, students must now arrange thousands of dollars more just to secure their post-study stay.
Updated 485 Visa Fees from 1 March 2026
This fee increase is officially published on the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website and applies to all Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026.
| Visa Stream | New Main Applicant Visa Lodgement Fee (AUD) |
| Post-Vocational Education Visa | $4,600 |
| Initial Post-Higher Education Visa | $4,600 |
| Second Post-Higher Education Visa | $1,810 |
In addition to the main applicant fee shown above, extra charges also apply if you include family members such as your spouse or children in the same visa application.
Applicants should also be prepared for additional mandatory expenses related to the visa process, including:
- Health examinations
- Police clearance certificates
- Biometrics collection (if required)
However, a lower visa application fee applies to eligible citizens of certain Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste. To qualify for this, the primary applicant must hold a valid passport issued by one of the following countries:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor‑Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Why the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is Still Important
Despite the significant fee increase, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) remains a key visa choice for international students.
- This allows graduates to work full-time and gain valuable practical experience in the Australian job market.
- Graduates can use this period to complete skills assessments and strengthen the profile that helps them in getting an Australia PR after a student visa through pathways such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491.
- This visa also gives students the opportunity to find an eligible employer and transition to an employer-sponsored visa pathway.
Why Expert Guidance is Now More Important Than Ever
As the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) price has doubled, students cannot afford any mistakes, delays, or incorrect applications because even a small error can result in significant loss.
Students must now ensure:
- Their eligibility is properly assessed before applying
- Their documents are accurate and complete
- Their visa is lodged within the correct timeframe
- Their course and work experience align with long-term PR pathways
- They have a clear migration strategy beyond the 485 visa
So, take the professional guidance from Growmore Immigration now to protect your investment, avoid costly refusals, and maximise your chances of securing long-term opportunities in Australia.
Email: info@growmore.one | WhatsApp: +61 434 202 021 | Phone: +61 3 8764 3334