From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government has introduced significant increases to visa application charges across most visa categories. The new fees apply to all visa applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026, regardless of when the invitation or nomination was received.

If you're planning to work, study, or migrate to Australia, it's important to understand these changes before lodging your application.

Key Visa Fee Changes

Employer-Sponsored & Skilled Visas

Several skilled migration pathways have increased substantially:

• Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa: $4,015 (previously $3,210)
• Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme: $6,140 (previously $4,910)
• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent: $6,135 (previously $4,910)
• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated: $6,140
• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional: $6,140
• Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional: $6,140

For applicants including family members, additional government charges apply for partners and dependent children.

Student Visa Fees

International students will also see higher application charges:

• Student Visa (Subclass 500): $2,500 (previously $2,000)
• Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590): $2,500

Temporary Graduate Visa

The Temporary Graduate Visa has seen one of the largest increases this year.

• Subclass 485: $5,750 (previously $4,600)

This follows an earlier increase in 2026, making the overall rise substantial for recent graduates planning to remain in Australia.

Partner Visa Fees

Partner visas continue to be Australia's most expensive visa category.

• Partner Visa (820/801, 309/100, 300): $11,710

Working Holiday Visas

Young travellers are also affected:

• Working Holiday (417): $840
• Work and Holiday (462): $840
• Repeat applications now cost $1,000.

Example of the New Costs

A family applying under the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa consisting of:

• Primary applicant
• Partner
• One dependent child

will now pay approximately $10,745 in Department of Home Affairs visa application charges before considering:

• Skills assessments
• English language tests
• Medical examinations
• Police clearances

What This Means for Employers

While these increases affect applicants directly, employers should be aware that higher government charges may influence candidate planning and relocation budgets.

Visa application charges are separate from employer sponsorship costs such as nomination fees and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.

Planning Ahead

Although visa fees have increased, Australia continues to experience skill shortages across many industries including:

• Construction
• Engineering
• Automotive
• Manufacturing
• Hospitality
• Healthcare
• Trades

For employers seeking skilled overseas workers, early workforce planning has become even more important.

At Talynx Recruitment, we assist Australian employers in sourcing experienced international professionals and guide candidates through the employer-sponsored recruitment process.

Our team works closely with businesses to ensure recruitment and migration pathways are managed efficiently and professionally.

Need assistance with employer-sponsored recruitment? Contact Talynx Recruitment today to discuss your hiring requirements.