The 485 visa fee is A$5,750 for the main applicant in both the Post-Higher Education Work stream and the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, for applications lodged from 1 July 2026. Each extra applicant aged 18 or over pays A$2,875. Each extra applicant under 18 pays A$1,450.
And yes, the fee doubled. It went from A$2,300 to A$4,600 on 1 March 2026, then rose another 25% on 1 July 2026. That is a 150% rise in four months.
In This Guide
- 485 Visa Fees at a Glance
- Australia 485 Visa Fee Double: What Happened
- 485 Visa Fee for Partners and Children
- Total 485 Visa Cost: Worked Examples
- Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream Fee
- Other Costs on Top of the 485 Visa Fee
- Is the 485 Visa Fee Refundable?
- Which 485 Visa Fee Applies to You?
- Pacific Island and Timor-Leste Concession
- Mistakes That Waste Your 485 Visa Fee
- How to Check the 485 Visa Fee Yourself
- FAQs
- Conclusion
485 Visa Fees at a Glance
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) has three streams. Two of them cost the same. The third is much cheaper.
| 485 visa stream | Main applicant | Extra applicant 18+ | Extra applicant under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Higher Education Work | A$5,750 | A$2,875 | A$1,450 |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | A$5,750 | A$2,875 | A$1,450 |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | A$2,265 | A$1,140 | A$575 |
These are the Home Affairs visa application charges for applications lodged from 1 July 2026.
Quick guide to the streams:
- Post-Higher Education Work: for graduates of bachelor, master or doctoral degrees.
- Post-Vocational Education Work: for graduates of diplomas and trade qualifications.
- Second Post-Higher Education Work: for some graduates who already held a 485 and lived in a regional area.
Australia 485 Visa Fee Double: What Happened
You may have seen headlines saying the 485 fee doubled. They are right. But the story has two steps, and many pages only tell you one.
| Date | Main applicant fee | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1 March 2026 | A$2,300 | Starting point |
| From 1 March 2026 | A$4,600 | Up 100% (doubled) |
| From 1 July 2026 | A$5,750 | Up another 25% |
Add the two steps together and the fee is now 2.5 times what it was before March 2026. In dollars, that is A$3,450 more for the same visa.
The first rise took effect on 1 March 2026, months before the usual 1 July fee update. The second rise took effect on 1 July 2026.
Many guides online still show the old numbers. Always match the date on any page to the date you plan to lodge.
485 Visa Fee for Partners and Children
If your partner or children apply with you, each of them pays a separate charge.
- Partner or any extra applicant aged 18 or over: A$2,875
- Child under 18: A$1,450
This is the part that surprises most families. The charge is per person, so the total climbs fast.
Planning for a partner or child to join you after the visa is granted? They apply as a subsequent entrant, and the rules and charges differ. Use the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before you plan around a number.
Total 485 Visa Cost: Worked Examples
Here is what the government charge looks like for common situations. These figures cover the visa application charge only.
| Who is applying | Stream | Government charge |
|---|---|---|
| You alone | Post-Higher Education or Post-Vocational | A$5,750 |
| You and your partner | Post-Higher Education or Post-Vocational | A$8,625 |
| You, your partner and one child | Post-Higher Education or Post-Vocational | A$10,075 |
| You, your partner and two children | Post-Higher Education or Post-Vocational | A$11,525 |
| You and your partner | Second Post-Higher Education Work | A$3,405 |
| You, your partner and one child | Second Post-Higher Education Work | A$3,980 |
Do the sums early. The family charges are where the budget usually breaks.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream Fee
The second 485 is a different product at a different price. The main applicant pays A$2,265.
It is for certain graduates who already held a first 485 in the Post-Higher Education Work stream and meet the regional requirements. Check the Home Affairs stream page to see if you qualify.
If you qualify, the fee is less than half the price of the standard stream.
Other Costs on Top of the 485 Visa Fee
The visa application charge is not your only cost. Budget for these as well:
- English test: if your passport or study history does not exempt you.
- Health examinations: required for most applicants.
- Police certificates: if requested.
- Skills assessment: for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, depending on your qualification.
- Health insurance: you must hold adequate cover for the visa period.
- Agent or lawyer fees: if you choose to get help.
Each item has its own provider and price. Get quotes from the providers directly. Prices vary and change.
Is the 485 Visa Fee Refundable?
In general, no. The visa application charge is not refunded if your application is refused. That includes every family member’s charge.
With fees at A$5,750 and above, a refusal is expensive. Check your eligibility before you pay.
Which 485 Visa Fee Applies to You?
The charge that applies is the one in force when you lodge your application. Getting your documents ready, booking an English test or speaking to an agent does not lock in an older fee.
Visa charges are indexed on 1 July each year, so the number can change again. Always check the current table on the day you lodge.
Pacific Island and Timor-Leste Concession
The 100% rise in March 2026 did not apply to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste applicants. A lower visa cost also applies to eligible citizens from these countries from 1 July 2026.
If you hold a passport from one of these countries, do not assume the standard fee applies to you. Run your details through the Visa Pricing Estimator first.
Mistakes That Waste Your 485 Visa Fee
- Picking the wrong stream. You apply for the stream you are eligible for and cannot switch after lodging.
- Missing the lodgement window. There is a time limit after you finish your course. Check the stream page for the exact rule.
- Ignoring the age limit. Most applicants must be 35 or younger. Some exceptions exist, such as for certain research degrees.
- Budgeting for the old fee. Many online guides still show A$2,300 or A$4,600.
- Forgetting family charges. The partner and child charges can add thousands.
- Leaving out side costs. Health checks, tests and insurance add up.
How to Check the 485 Visa Fee Yourself
Do not rely on any blog for the final number, including this one. Fees change. Check the government source:
- Go to the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Open the Visa Pricing Estimator or the current visa pricing table.
- Select Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) and your stream.
- Add any family members applying with you.
- Note the total and the date you checked.
It takes two minutes and avoids nasty surprises.
FAQs
1. What is the 485 visa fee in 2026?
The main applicant fee is A$5,750 for the Post-Higher Education Work and Post-Vocational Education Work streams, for applications lodged from 1 July 2026.
2. Did the 485 visa fee double?
Yes. It doubled from A$2,300 to A$4,600 on 1 March 2026. It then rose by 25% to A$5,750 on 1 July 2026.
3. How much does a partner pay for the 485 visa?
An extra applicant aged 18 or over pays A$2,875 in the standard streams.
4. How much does a child pay for the 485 visa?
An extra applicant under 18 pays A$1,450 in the standard streams.
5. What is the second 485 visa fee?
The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream costs A$2,265 for the main applicant, A$1,140 for an extra applicant aged 18 or over and A$575 for an extra applicant under 18.
6. Is the 485 visa fee refundable if my application is refused?
In general, no. The visa application charge is not refunded after a refusal.
7. Is the fee the same for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream?
Yes. The main applicant charge is A$5,750, the same as the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
8. Will the 485 visa fee go up again?
Visa charges are indexed each 1 July, so another change is possible. Check the Home Affairs pricing table before you lodge.
9. Are there other costs besides the 485 visa fee?
Yes. You may pay for an English test, health examinations, police certificates, a skills assessment, health insurance and agent fees.
10. Do Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens pay less?
A lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator for your amount.
11. Where do I find the official 485 visa fee?
On the Department of Home Affairs website, in the current visa pricing table or the Visa Pricing Estimator.
Talk to a Registered Migration Agent Before You Pay
A refused 485 costs thousands and cannot be refunded. A short free consultation with a MARA-registered agent at Asia Pacific Group can confirm your stream and flag problems before you lodge.
Conclusion
The 485 visa fee is A$5,750 for most graduates, and it did double. The fee went from A$2,300 to A$4,600 in March 2026, then to A$5,750 in July 2026. Families pay far more.
Work out your total cost early, check the Home Affairs pricing table on the day you lodge, and confirm your stream before you pay. A refusal means losing the fee.
If you want help from a registered migration agent Australia wide, speak with the Asia Pacific Group team about your 485 visa.
Important: This article provides general information only. Visa requirements, charges and processing times change, and your eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. Always check the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before you make a visa application. For advice about your situation, consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified legal professional.
