From 1 July 2026, the Department of Home Affairs increased a number […]
From 1 July 2026, the Department of Home Affairs increased a number of Australian visa application charges. These changes now apply to a wide range of visa applicants, including partner visa applicants, temporary graduate visa applicants, employer-sponsored workers, regional skilled visa applicants, training visa applicants and people applying for a Bridging Visa B to travel while their substantive application is being processed.
The increase in visa application charges is significant. Depending on the visa subclass, the increase is estimated to range from approximately 25% to 201%.
Visa application charges are generally reviewed by the Australian Government each financial year. From 1 July 2026, the updated charges have applied to visa applications lodged with the Department of Home Affairs.
While fee increases are not unusual at the start of a new financial year, the 2026 increases are substantial across a number of commonly used visa subclasses. The increases vary between visa subclasses, with some increasing by approximately 25% and others, such as the Bridging Visa B, increasing more substantially.
The following table summarises some of the key visa application charge increases relevant to individual applicants.
| Visa Subclass | Previous primary applicant visa application charge | New primary applicant visa application charge from 1 July 2026 |
| Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa | $3,210 | $4,015 |
| Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Subclass 400 Temporary Work visa | $430 | $535 |
| Subclass 407 Training Visa | $430 | $535 |
| Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa | $430 | $535 |
| Subclass 494 Skilled employer-sponsored Regional visa | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Subclass 191 Permanent Residence Skilled Regional visa | $505 | $630 |
| Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa | $505 | $630 |
| Subclass 020 Bridging Visa B | $190 | $575 |
| Subclass 820 Partner visa | $9,365 | $11,710 |
| Subclass 309 Partner visa | $9,365 | $11,710 |
These figures relate to the primary applicant visa application charge only. They do not include other possible costs such as payment surcharges, health examinations, police clearances, English language tests, skills assessments, translations, professional fees or other costs that may apply depending on the visa subclass.
The increase to partner visa application charges is one of the most significant changes for individual applicants. From 1 July 2026, the primary applicant charge for the Subclass 820 Partner visa and Subclass 309 Partner visa increased from $9,365 to $11,710.
This means couples preparing to lodge a partner visa application should ensure they have budgeted not only for the increased visa application charge, but also for the supporting costs involved in preparing a strong application. These may include police clearances, health examinations, translations, statutory declarations and legal fees.
Given the high cost of lodging a partner visa application, it is important to ensure the application is prepared carefully and supported by strong evidence addressing the relationship requirements.
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa application charge has also increased. From 1 July 2026, the primary applicant charge increased from $4,600 to $5,750.
This is relevant for recent graduates who are preparing to lodge their Temporary Graduate visa application after completing their studies in Australia. Applicants should also ensure they continue to meet all eligibility requirements, including study, English, age, health insurance and timing requirements.
The increased fee makes it even more important for applicants to check their eligibility before lodging, as an incorrect or premature application may result in unnecessary cost and risk.
The Bridging Visa B application charge has increased from $190 to $575. This represents one of the largest percentage increases among the commonly used visa charges, with an estimated increase of approximately 201%.
This is relevant for applicants who hold a Bridging Visa A and need to travel outside Australia while waiting for a substantive visa application to be decided. A Bridging Visa B is generally required if an applicant wishes to travel and return to Australia while their substantive visa application is still pending. Applicants should avoid travelling outside Australia on a Bridging Visa A, as a Bridging Visa A does not allow return travel.
Given the increased cost, applicants should plan travel carefully and avoid unnecessary or repeated Bridging Visa B applications where possible.
Applicants applying for employer-sponsored visas should also be aware of the increased visa application charges.
Applicants should ensure they understand who is responsible for paying each cost, particularly in employer-sponsored matters where some costs may be payable by the employer and others may be payable by the visa applicant.
From 1 July 2026, the income thresholds relevant to employer-sponsored visa nominations have also increased.
This is relevant for applicants applying under employer-sponsored pathways, including the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa and certain permanent employer-sponsored visa pathways.
For visa applicants, this means the nominated salary must be carefully reviewed before lodgement. The salary must meet the relevant income threshold and the Annual Market Salary Rate for the position. If the salary is too low, the employer nomination may be at risk.
The Fair Work High Income Threshold has also increased from $183,100 to $190,100 from 1 July 2026. This may be relevant to certain Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa applicants who are seeking to rely on the high income age exemption.
Applicants relying on this exemption should ensure their earnings meet the applicable threshold for the relevant period and that the evidence is clear, consistent and properly documented.
The 1 July 2026 visa fee increases mean applicants should carefully consider the timing, cost and strength of their visa application before lodging.
Applicants should:
For many applicants, the visa application charge is now a significant financial commitment. It is therefore important to ensure the application is prepared properly from the outset.
The increase in Australian visa application charges from 1 July 2026 affects many individual visa applicants, including partner visa applicants, graduate visa applicants, employer-sponsored workers and applicants requiring travel permission on a Bridging Visa B.
With visa fee increases estimated to range from approximately 25% to 201%, applicants should review their eligibility, supporting documents and overall application strategy before lodging.
If you are planning to lodge an Australian visa application after 1 July 2026, it is important to obtain tailored advice so you understand the updated costs, requirements and risks before proceeding.
If you require migration advice, please contact our office at migration@alignlaw.com.au.
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