Effective 1 July 2026, the Australian Government has increased the Visa Application Charges (VACs) for all visa applications lodged on or after this date. The changes affect a broad range of temporary and permanent visa categories and represent one of the most significant increases to government visa charges in recent years.
Whether you are planning to visit Australia, return as a permanent resident, sponsor an overseas employee, study in Australia, or apply for permanent residence, it is important to understand the increased government charges before lodging your application.
Summary of Key Visa Application Charges Effective 1 July 2026
The table below summarises the government application charges for some of the most commonly used Australian visa subclasses.
|
Visa Subclass |
Previous Government Charge |
New Government Charge (from 1 July 2026) |
|
Resident Return (Subclass 155) |
$490 |
$1,475 |
|
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) |
$4,910 |
$6,140 |
|
Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) |
$4,910 |
$6,135 |
|
Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) |
$4,910 |
$6,140 |
|
Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) |
$3,210 |
$4,015 |
|
Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) |
$4,600 |
$5,750 |
|
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) |
$4,910 |
$6,140 |
|
Student (Subclass 500) |
$2,000 |
$2,500 |
|
Visitor (Subclass 600) – Tourist Stream (offshore) |
$200 |
$250 |
|
Partner Visas (including Subclasses 309/100 and 820/801) |
$9,365 |
$11,710 |
The above figures relate to the primary applicant only. Additional government charges generally apply for secondary applicants and dependent family members. The Visitor (Subclass 600) visa application charge varies depending on the visa stream and whether the application is lodged in or outside Australia. The figure shown above relates to the standard offshore Tourist stream. Source: Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Table
What Do These Changes Mean?
The increased Visa Application Charges will affect a wide range of visa applicants, including:
- Australian employers sponsoring skilled overseas workers;
- skilled migrants seeking permanent residence;
- international students intending to study in Australia;
- graduates wishing to remain in Australia following the completion of their studies;
- Australian citizens and permanent residents sponsoring their partners;
- permanent residents applying for a Resident Return Visa to maintain their travel facility; and
- visitors travelling to Australia for tourism, business or family purposes.
For many applicants, particularly those including spouses and dependent children in their applications, the total government charges may increase substantially. Careful budgeting and early planning are therefore more important than ever.
Applications Lodged Before 1 July 2026
The increased Visa Application Charges apply only to visa applications validly lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Applications lodged before this date continue to attract the previous government charges, even if they are decided after 1 July 2026.
Government Charges Are Only One Component of the Overall Cost
The Visa Application Charge is only one part of the overall cost of a migration application. Depending on the visa subclass, applicants may also need to budget for:
- employer sponsorship and nomination application charges;
- the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy (where applicable);
- skills assessments;
- English language testing;
- health examinations;
- police clearances;
- document translation and certification costs; and
- professional legal or migration advice.
Obtaining advice early in the process can help applicants understand the total costs involved, identify the most appropriate visa pathway and avoid unnecessary delays or unexpected expenses.
Conclusion
The increase in Australian visa application charges reinforces the importance of careful planning before commencing the migration process. Whether you are an employer seeking to sponsor overseas workers or an individual applying for a temporary or permanent visa, understanding the applicable government charges is an essential part of preparing your application.
Professional advice can assist you in selecting the most appropriate visa pathway, ensuring compliance with Australia’s migration legislation and avoiding costly mistakes throughout the application process.
Contact the Author
If you would like further information regarding these changes or wish to discuss how they may affect your personal or business circumstances, please contact John Siong, Special Counsel at Rostron Carlyle Lawyers at j.siong@rclaw.com.au or 07 3009 8412.
Disclaimer: This publication is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Specific legal advice should be obtained based on your individual circumstances.
