Australia Visa Fee Increases July 2026: What You Need to Know

From 1 July 2026, Australia's Department of Home Affairs has increased visa application fees across most visa categories. Whether you're planning to study, work, migrate, or visit Australia, understanding these new costs is essential for budgeting and planning your application. This guide covers the updated visa fees, which categories are affected, and how to prepare financially for your visa application.

Visa fees in Australia are indexed annually to account for inflation and administrative costs. The July 2026 increase affects student visas, skilled migration visas, partner visas, and temporary visitor visas. These changes apply to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026, so timing your application matters if you're close to this date.

Student Visa Fee Increases for July 2026

Student visas (subclass 500) have seen a significant increase as of 1 July 2026. The base application fee for a Student visa is now higher than previous years, reflecting increased processing costs and administrative requirements.

The Student visa (subclass 500) application fee as of 1 July 2026 is approximately AUD $620. This fee covers the primary applicant only. If you're bringing dependants (spouse or children), each dependent incurs an additional fee of around AUD $310.

Beyond the visa fee itself, international students must also budget for:

  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance: typically AUD $300-600 per year depending on the provider and coverage level
  • Health assessment fees: AUD $200-400 if required by the Department of Home Affairs
  • Police clearance certificates: AUD $50-150 depending on your country of origin
  • English language test fees (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE): AUD $300-400

Many students underestimate the total cost of visa processing. The visa fee itself is only one component. When combined with health insurance, health assessments, and character checks, the total cost can reach AUD $1,500-2,000 before you even arrive in Australia.

Skilled Migration Visa Fees from July 2026

Skilled migration visas have also increased significantly. These visas include the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).

As of 1 July 2026, the primary applicant fee for skilled migration visas is approximately AUD $3,715 for the main visa categories. Dependent family members (spouse and children) each pay around AUD $1,860.

The skilled migration pathway also involves additional costs before you submit your visa application:

  • Skills assessment (through your relevant professional body): AUD $300-1,000
  • State sponsorship nomination fee (for subclass 190 and 491): AUD $300-500 depending on the state
  • Health assessment (if required): AUD $200-400
  • Police clearance certificates: AUD $50-150
  • English language testing: AUD $300-400

For a skilled worker with a spouse and one child, the total visa fee alone could exceed AUD $7,400. Combined with pre-visa costs, skilled migration can cost AUD $8,500-10,000 before you receive your visa grant.

Partner Visa and Family Reunion Fees

Partner visas (subclass 801 for permanent, subclass 820 for temporary) have also increased as of 1 July 2026. The partner visa application fee is now approximately AUD $3,160 for the primary applicant.

If you're sponsoring a partner to Australia, you'll also need to pay a sponsorship fee. The sponsorship application fee is around AUD $200, and this is separate from the visa application fee itself.

Additional costs for partner visa applications include:

  • Health assessment: AUD $200-400
  • Police clearance certificates: AUD $50-150
  • Character assessment fees: varies by country
  • Translation of documents: AUD $100-500 depending on document volume

Partner visas typically take 12-24 months to process, so budget accordingly. Many couples are surprised by the total cost when sponsorship fees, visa fees, health assessments, and character checks are combined.

Visitor and Tourist Visa Costs

Visitor visas (subclass 600) are used for tourism, visiting family, or short-term business visits. As of 1 July 2026, the Visitor visa fee is approximately AUD $190 for a standard application.

However, the actual cost depends on your nationality and the type of visitor visa you need:

  • Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for eligible countries: AUD $20
  • Visitor visa (subclass 600) standard processing: AUD $190
  • Visitor visa expedited processing: AUD $1,000+ (if you need faster processing)

Many visitors from countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand can apply for an ETA, which is significantly cheaper than a full Visitor visa. Check the Department of Home Affairs website to see if your country is eligible.

If you're visiting family or friends in Australia, factor in health insurance costs as well. Temporary visitors are not eligible for Medicare and must have private travel insurance or Overseas Visitor Health Cover.

How to Prepare for Visa Fee Increases

If you're planning to apply for an Australian visa, here are practical steps to manage the increased costs:

  1. Check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current fees before submitting your application
  2. Calculate the total cost including visa fee, health assessments, character checks, and any sponsorship fees
  3. Budget for currency exchange if you're paying in a currency other than AUD
  4. Consider timing your application before fee increases if you're close to a deadline
  5. Gather all required documents before applying to avoid delays and additional costs
  6. Use the official Department of Home Affairs fee calculator tool on their website
  7. Save receipts and payment confirmations for your records

Many visa applicants pay their fees through credit card or bank transfer. Check with your bank about international transaction fees, as these can add 2-3% to your total cost.

Payment Methods and Processing Times

The Department of Home Affairs accepts payment through credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and bank transfer. Payment must be made in Australian dollars.

Processing times vary by visa type:

  • Student visas: typically 1-3 months
  • Skilled migration visas: 8-12 months or longer
  • Partner visas: 12-24 months
  • Visitor visas: 1-14 days for standard processing

Paying your visa fee does not guarantee a faster processing time. Processing times depend on the complexity of your application, completeness of your documentation, and current departmental workload.

Refunds and Fee Disputes

Visa fees are generally non-refundable once your application has been lodged. However, there are limited circumstances where you may be eligible for a refund:

  • If your application is withdrawn before a decision is made
  • If you paid the wrong amount due to a system error
  • If your visa is refused and you paid for a multi-year visa

If you believe you've been charged incorrectly, contact the Department of Home Affairs within 28 days of payment. Keep all payment receipts and correspondence for your records.

Sources

For the most current visa fee information, visit these official Australian government sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Student visa fee from 1 July 2026?

The Student visa (subclass 500) application fee from 1 July 2026 is approximately AUD $620 for the primary applicant, with dependent family members paying around AUD $310 each.

How much does a Skilled migration visa cost in July 2026?

Skilled migration visas (subclass 189, 190, 491) cost approximately AUD $3,715 for the primary applicant as of 1 July 2026, with dependants paying around AUD $1,860 each.

Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?

Visa fees are generally non-refundable once your application is lodged. Limited refunds may apply in specific circumstances such as application withdrawal or system errors, but you should contact the Department of Home Affairs to discuss your situation.

What is the cheapest way to visit Australia as a tourist?

If you're eligible, an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) costs only AUD $20 and is the cheapest option. Otherwise, a standard Visitor visa (subclass 600) costs approximately AUD $190 as of July 2026.

Do I need to pay for health insurance separately from the visa fee?

Yes, health insurance is separate from the visa fee. International students need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), typically AUD $300-600 per year, and temporary visitors need private travel insurance as they're not eligible for Medicare.

What additional costs should I budget for beyond the visa fee?

Beyond the visa fee, budget for health assessments (AUD $200-400), police clearance certificates (AUD $50-150), English language tests (AUD $300-400), and health insurance. Total costs can easily exceed AUD $1,500-2,000.

How long does it take to process a visa application?

Processing times vary: Student visas take 1-3 months, Skilled migration 8-12 months or longer, Partner visas 12-24 months, and Visitor visas 1-14 days for standard processing.

Can I apply for a visa before 1 July 2026 to avoid the fee increase?

Yes, if you apply before 1 July 2026, you'll pay the previous fee rates. However, you must lodge your complete application before the deadline to qualify for the old fees.

This is general information only. It is not legal, migration, financial, tax, medical, or professional advice. Always check official sources before acting.