Australia Updates Graduate Visa Fees

Australia has officially doubled the application fees for its Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), a move that significantly raises the barrier for international students looking to stay in the country post-graduation. The primary application fee jumped from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600 on March 1, 2026.

This adjustment affects both the Post-Study Work and Graduate Work streams. Secondary applicants also face higher costs, with adult dependents now paying AUD 2,300 and children under 18 priced at AUD 1,160. The government intends to use this additional revenue to fund stricter integrity measures, including the Genuine Student test, to ensure the visa system remains robust.

Who is affected

The fee hike specifically targets recent graduates of Australian universities who intend to gain work experience or transition toward permanent residency. While this is a major hurdle for the student community, the impact on the broader nomad community is limited.

Digital nomads and remote workers typically enter Australia on visitor visas or specific work and holiday permits, which are not included in this particular price hike. However, for those already in Australia on a student visa who were planning to pivot to a nomad lifestyle while working locally, the upfront costs have become much more substantial.

What to do

If you are currently finishing a degree in Australia and plan to apply for the subclass 485 visa, you should prepare for these higher costs immediately.

• Ensure you have at least AUD 4,600 set aside for the primary fee.
• Check if you qualify for exemptions, which currently apply to nationals from Pacific countries and Timor-Leste.
• Submit your application through ImmiAccount after verifying your English proficiency and health checks.

Keep in mind that further adjustments to visa fees and income thresholds for other work categories are expected in July.

Read our full Australia guide for the complete picture.