From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government has introduced new Visa Application Charges (VAC) across a range of visa subclasses. If you’re planning to lodge a visa application, these updated fees may significantly impact your budget, making it more important than ever to understand the costs before you apply.

Below is an overview of some of the key visa fee increases taking effect from 1 July 2026.

Visitor Visas

Applicants for a Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) will see the application charge increase from $190 to $575.

For Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) applications:

  • Onshore applications increase from $475 to $630.
  • Offshore applications increase from $200 to $250.

Temporary Graduate Visa

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has one of the largest increases, rising from $4,600 to $5,750, an increase of $1,150.

Working Holiday Visas

Working Holiday visa applicants will also pay higher application charges.

  • Subclass 417 – First Working Holiday: $670 to $840.
  • Subclass 417 – Second and Third Working Holiday: $670 to $1,000.

Employer Sponsored Visas

Several employer-sponsored pathways have also increased.

  • Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482): $3,210 to $4,015.
  • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494): $4,910 to $6,140.
  • Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): $4,910 to $6,140.

Skilled Migration Visas

Applicants considering permanent skilled migration should also note the updated charges.

  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): $4,910 to $6,135.
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): $4,910 to $6,140.
  • Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): $4,910 to $6,140.

Partner Visas

Partner visa application charges have increased substantially.

  • Subclass 820/801: $9,365 to $11,710.
  • Subclass 309/100: $9,365 to $11,710.

This represents an increase of $2,345 for both partner visa pathways.

Sponsored Parent Visas

Applicants for the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) will also see increased costs.

  • 3-year visa: $5,095 to $6,370.
  • 5-year visa: $9,950 to $12,440.

The five-year option has increased by $2,490, making it one of the largest fee increases in this update.

What This Means for Applicants

Visa Application Charges are determined based on the date your application is lodged. Applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026 will generally be subject to the new fees.

If you are preparing a visa application, understanding the current government charges is an important part of planning your migration journey.

At Reid Legal Group, we continue to monitor changes to Australia’s migration program and help clients understand how these updates may affect their circumstances. If you’re considering applying for one of the visa subclasses listed above, our team can provide tailored legal advice to help you navigate the process with confidence.