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Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026

🇦🇺 AustraliaGraduate Pathways1 recorded versionLast change 28 Feb 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The Migration Regulations 1994 are amended, specifically by Schedule 1 of the Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026. -The standard first instalment for a Temporary Graduate visa application is AUD 4,600. -Additional applicants aged 18 or over pay AUD 2,300. -Additional applicants under 18 pay AUD 1,160. -The new charges apply to applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026. -Special fee arrangements continue for eligible passport holders from specified countries.

Overview

The Australian Government amended the Migration Regulations to change the first instalment of the visa application charge for subclass 485 applications. The amendment is specifically a fee change. It does not introduce a new graduate visa or change the purpose of the subclass 485 programme.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • International graduates applying for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
  • Former international students who need a 485 visa after completing eligible Australian studies
  • Additional family members included in a 485 application
  • Applicants who do not qualify for the special passport-based fee arrangements

What changed in the latest version

Before

Before this change, the Migration Regulations 1994 did not have specific amendments about Temporary Graduate Visa application fees. Before 1 March 2026, the standard first payment for a Temporary Graduate visa application was AUD 2,300. Additional applicants who were 18 or older paid AUD 1,150. Additional applicants who were under 18 paid AUD 580.

After

The Migration Regulations 1994 have changed. Schedule 1 of the Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026 made these changes. The standard first payment for a Temporary Graduate visa application is now AUD 4,600. Additional applicants who are 18 or older pay AUD 2,300. Additional applicants who are under 18 pay AUD 1,160. These new fees apply to applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026. Special fee rules still apply for eligible passport holders from certain countries.

This policy change directly affects people applying for Australian Temporary Graduate Visas. It changes the amount of money they must pay for their visa application. The source does not say if the fee has gone up or down. But any change to visa fees affects the total cost of applying. Applicants need to know the new fee structure when they get ready to apply for their visa. The change does not bring in new eligibility rules or processes. It only changes a specific financial part of the application.

Explained simply

Australia has changed the fee you have to pay when you apply for a special visa called the 'Temporary Graduate Visa'. This change started on 1 March 2026.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v2Effective 1 Mar 2026EffectiveMedium impact
    Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026

    Australia has changed its immigration rules. These changes are called the Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026. This new rule started on 28 February 2026. It changes how much it costs to apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa. Schedule 1 of the Regulations has the exact details of these changes. The summary does not say what the old and new fees are. These changes affect people who apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa in Australia.

Timeline

  1. Announced

    28 Feb 2026

    The Australian government has enacted the Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026, effective 28 February 2026. This legislative instrument modifies the existing Migration Regulations 1994, specifically impacting the application charges for Temporary Graduate Visas. The exact nature of the charge adjustment (increase, decrease, or restructure) is not detai

  2. Takes effect

    28 Feb 2026

    The Migration Regulations 1994 are amended by Schedule 1 of the Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026.

Other routes in this country

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