Visa application fees are increasing from 1 July 2026. Here's what it means for you

Every year the Department of Home Affairs adjusts its visa application charges, and this year is no exception. The new pricing has taken effect from 1 July 2026 and lifts the base application charge across most visa categories, including a 25 per cent increase to the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, along with a rise in the temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT).

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

The subclass 485 visa has taken one of the sharpest increases in this round. The standard base application charge (with some carveouts) has risen from $4,600 to $5,750. That's a 25 per cent jump, and it comes on top of an earlier increase meaning graduates will have to consider their options moving forward.

Employer sponsored permanent visas (subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination (Permanent) visa, more commonly known as the 186, now carries a base application charge of $6,140 for most applicants

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

The Skills in Demand visa, which replaced the old 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa, has also gone up. The base application charge is now $4,015 for most applicants.

Alongside the fee increase, the temporary skilled migration income threshold has also been lifted to $79,423 from 1 July 2026. This is the minimum salary an employer must offer to sponsor someone on this pathway, and it will not be indexed again until 1 July 2027.  Employers planning nominations should check that offered salaries will clear the new threshold and keep in mind that these annual increases will happen automatically.

Partner visas

Partner visa applicants have seen one of the larger jumps. The standard base application charge for a Partner visa applicant who does not fall into one of the concessional categories is now $11,710.

Bridging visa B

One of the most unexpected changes has been the increase for the humble Bridging visa B, often used by applicants who need to travel while their substantive application is being processed or otherwise. While the previous price was $192.66 including the 1.4% credit card surcharge, it has had a massive increase to $583.05.

A yearly reminder to plan ahead

While the increases may be larger than we expected, the raises themselves are not unusual. Home Affairs fees are reviewed and increased at the mid-year point.

If you are planning an application and want to understand exactly how the new fees affect your situation, our team can talk you through the current costs and help you plan the right time to lodge.