Subclass 485 Visa Fee Update 2026

The standard 485 visa fee in Australia is AUD 5,750 for the primary applicant for applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. An additional applicant aged 18 or over costs AUD 2,875, while an additional applicant under 18 costs AUD 1,450.

This means the standard 485 visa fee for a couple is AUD 8,625 in government application charges. A couple applying with one child under 18 pays AUD 10,075 before English tests, health examinations, police checks, insurance, translations or professional assistance.

Current 485 visa fees from 1 July 2026

The following standard subclass 485 visa fees apply to the Post-Higher Education Work stream and Post-Vocational Education Work stream. The amount is determined by the charge in force when a valid application is lodged—not when you graduate or begin preparing the documents.

These are Visa Application Charges paid to the Australian Government. They do not include card surcharges or the separate expenses required to prepare and support the application. Limited concessions can apply in specific circumstances, including certain eligible Pacific and Timor-Leste passport holders; use the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the exact charge.

485 visa fee for couples and families

Home Affairs charges for each family member included in the application. The partner is not covered by the primary applicant’s 485 visa application fee, even when both people held Student visas or completed Australian study.

The applicant designated as the primary applicant must meet the stream requirements. A partner or child must also satisfy the applicable identity, relationship, health and character requirements. Paying an additional-applicant charge does not cure an eligibility problem.

Why did the Australia 485 visa fee double?

Searches for “Australia 485 visa fee double” refer to the increase that took effect on 1 March 2026. The main applicant charge rose from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600—a 100% increase. Additional-applicant charges also doubled at that time.

A second 485 visa fee increase then took effect on 1 July 2026. The main charge rose another 25%, from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750. As a result, the current fee is 150% higher than the AUD 2,300 charge applying immediately before March 2026.

Second Post-Higher Education Work stream fee

The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream—sometimes called the second regional 485—has a lower, separate fee schedule. It is not available merely because an applicant wants more time after a first 485 visa. Regional study, residence and other eligibility requirements apply.

For example, the government charge for an eligible couple applying for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream is AUD 3,405. A couple with one child under 18 pays AUD 3,980.

The previous two-year extension for selected degrees ended for new applications on 1 July 2024. Do not confuse that closed initiative with the second regional 485 stream that remains available to applicants who meet its specific criteria.

Costs not included in the 485 visa application fee

The advertised 485 visa price is only the government application charge. A realistic application budget should consider the following expenses.

How much PTE score is required for a 485 visa?

The keyword “how much PTE score required for 485 visa” concerns eligibility rather than the government fee. For the standard 485 English requirement, an eligible PTE Academic test taken on or after 7 August 2025 generally requires:

The test must be taken at a secure test centre; fully online or at-home tests are not accepted for Australian visa purposes. The 485 English evidence period is generally shorter than for many other visas, so check the test date, lodgement date and exact stream requirements carefully. Transitional settings may apply to a test taken on or before 6 August 2025.

Applicants holding a passport from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand or Republic of Ireland may be able to meet the English evidence requirement through the passport concession. Different settings can apply to Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders.

When is the 485 visa fee paid, and is it refundable?

The visa 485 fee is generally paid through ImmiAccount when the application is lodged. If the required charge is not paid correctly, the application may not be validly lodged. Keep the payment receipt and verify that the application appears as submitted.

Visa Application Charges are generally not refunded simply because:

• the visa application is refused;
• the applicant changes their mind;
• travel or employment plans change;
• a family member is later removed from the application; or
• the applicant discovers after lodgement that an eligibility criterion was not met.

Refunds are only available in limited circumstances recognised by law. The high, usually non-refundable charge makes a pre-lodgement eligibility and document review especially important.

How to budget for a 485 application

FAQs