The Australian Government has officially doubled the application fee for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), effective 1 March 2026.
The visa charge has increased from AUD $2,300 to AUD $4,600, marking one of the most significant fee hikes in Australia’s post-study migration pathway in recent years.
📌 What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a post-study work visa that allows eligible international graduates to:
- Remain in Australiatemporarily after completing their studies
- Work full-time
- Gain skilled employment experience related to their qualification
- Strengthen eligibility for future skilled migration pathways
For many international students, this visa is a critical bridge between study and permanent residency (PR).
💰 What Has Changed?
As of 1 March 2026:
- Visa fee increased from $2,300 → $4,600
- This follows previous increases:
- Feb 2025: $1,945 → $2,235
- July 2025: $2,235 → $2,300
In addition, the student visa application charge had already increased to $2,000 in July last year.
⚠ The latest increase does not apply to eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.
📉 Why This Matters
Australia’s international education sector is considered one of its largest export industries. However, institutions are already facing:
- Visa processing delays
- Stricter migration policies
- Reduced student demand in key markets
- Increased financial burden on applicants
The doubling of the Subclass 485 fee may:
- Reduce Australia’s competitiveness as a study destination
- Increase financial pressure on graduating students
- Force students to reconsider post-study work plans
- Impact long-term migration strategies
What This Means for Pakistani Students
Australia is a popular destination for Pakistani students seeking:
1️-International education
2️-Post-study work experience
3️-Skilled migration opportunities
With this sharp fee increase:
- Financial planning has become more critical than ever
- Delays in application could result in higher costs
- Strategic visa timing is essential
- Students must carefully assess their long-term migration pathway
This change signals that Australia is tightening financial and migration controls.
📊 WAC Immigration Expert Insight
At WAC Immigration Consultants, we see this as part of a broader policy direction:
✔ Australia is refining its migration intake
✔ Costs are increasing to manage application volumes
✔ Stronger, well-planned applications will become more important
✔ Students must now plan study-to-PR pathways more strategically
Early consultation and proper documentation are key to avoiding unnecessary financial and legal complications.
📞 Contact WAC Immigration Consultants
If you are currently studying in Australia or planning to apply for post-study work options:
🌐 Contact us today for professional guidance
📞 DHA Phase 3 Branch: +92 310 7203666
📞 Garden Town Branch: +92 310 7205666
📞 Gujrat Branch: +92 326 9616034
📩 Email: info@wacconsultants.com