Australian Visa Fees 2026-2027: Full Price Table
Visa application charges increased across almost every Australian visa subclass on 1 July 2026. Most visa fees rose by approximately 25%.
A small number of visas, including Bridging Visa B and the Resident Return visa, more than doubled in price.
If you are planning to apply for any Australian visa, you need to know the new costs before you lodge.
What is the Visa Application Charge (VAC)?
The Visa Application Charge, or VAC, is the government fee you pay when you lodge a visa application.
The Department of Home Affairs sets the VAC. It reviews the charge every year, usually on 1 July.
In most years, the Department adjusts visa fees by around 3% to 5%. This keeps pace with inflation.
This year is different. Most visa subclasses increased by around 25%. A small number of visas increased by far more than that.
For a single applicant, this can mean paying over $1,000 more than last year. For a family applying together, the difference can run into several thousand dollars.
Full table: Australian visa fees from 1 July 2026
The table below shows the base application charge only, for the main applicant, across the visa subclasses affected by the 1 July 2026 increase.
Visa Subclass | Old Base Charge (2025-2026) | New Base Charge (2026-2027) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
020 Bridging Visa B | $190 | $575 | 202.63% |
$445 | $555 | 24.72% | |
$490 | $1,475 | 201.02% | |
$4,910 | $6,140 | 25.05% | |
$4,910 | $6,135 | 24.95% | |
$4,910 | $6,140 | 25.05% | |
$505 | $630 | 24.75% | |
$9,365 | $11,710 | 25.04% | |
$9,365 | $11,710 | 25.04% | |
$430 | $535 | 24.42% | |
$430 | $535 | 24.42% | |
$430 | $535 | 24.42% |
Visa Subclass | Old Base Charge (2025-2026) | New Base Charge (2026-2027) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
020 Bridging Visa B | $190 | $575 | 202.63% |
$445 | $555 | 24.72% | |
$490 | $1,475 | 201.02% | |
$4,910 | $6,140 | 25.05% | |
$4,910 | $6,135 | 24.95% | |
$4,910 | $6,140 | 25.05% | |
$505 | $630 | 24.75% | |
$9,365 | $11,710 | 25.04% | |
$9,365 | $11,710 | 25.04% | |
$430 | $535 | 24.42% | |
$430 | $535 | 24.42% | |
$430 | $535 | 24.42% | |
$3,210 | $4,015 | 25.08% | |
$4,600 | $5,750 | 25.00% | |
$4,910 | $6,140 | 25.05% | |
$4,910 | $6,140 | 25.05% | |
$2,000 | $2,500 | 25.00% | |
600 Visitor (Frequent Traveller) | $1,480 | $1,845 | 24.66% |
600 Tourist (applying in Australia) | $500 | $630 | 26.00% |
600 Tourist (applying outside Australia) | $200 | $250 | 25.00% |
$9,365 | $11,710 | 25.04% | |
820/801 (300-visa holder pathway) | $1,560 | $1,955 | 25.32% |
$4,985 | $6,235 | 25.08% | |
864 Contributory Aged Parent | $5,040 | $6,300 | 25.00% |
$3,500 | $4,375 | 25.00% | |
$575 | $595 | 3.48% | |
FCFCOA (Family Court item 201A(a)) | $4,015 | $4,180 | 4.11% |
Working Holiday Visa (462/417) | $670 | $840 | 25.37% |
Working Holiday Visa (2nd/3rd) | $670 | $1,000 | 49.25% |
ART Review – Migration Decision | $3,580 | $3,727 | 4.11% |
ART Review – Protection Visa | $2,203 | $2,293 | 4.09% |
FCA (item 107) | $5,830 | $6,070 | 4.12% |
The most common visas: how much more you'll pay
These are the visas most people apply for. All figures below are the base application charge for the main applicant only. They do not include additional charges for a partner or children.
Partner Visas:
The Partner visa (Subclass 309/100 offshore and 820/801 onshore) increased from $9,365 to $11,710. That is 25% more, or $2,345 extra for the main applicant.
189, 190 and 491 Visas:
Skilled visas, including the 189 Skilled Independent, 190 Skilled Nominated and 491 Skilled Work Regional visas, all increased by around 25%, from about $4,910 to $6,140.
Temporary 482 visa and Permanente 186 visa:
The Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) increased from $3,210 to $4,015, up 25%.
For a family of three applying together, for example two adults and one child under 18, the combined base charge is now at least $9,035.
Student, Graduate and Working Holiday visas:
The Student visa (Subclass 500) increased from $2,000 to $2,500, also a 25% rise.
Students already faced significant fee increases in recent years, and a further rise adds pressure on Australia's international education sector.
The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) has now increased twice in four months. In March 2026, the fee rose from $2,300 to $4,600. On 1 July 2026, it increased again, to $5,750. That is a total increase of around 150% since March.
The Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417/462) increased from $670 to $840, a 25% rise.
The most extreme increases in the fee schedule
Two visa subclasses saw increases far beyond the general 25% pattern.
The Resident Return visa (Subclass 155) increased from $490 to $1,475. That is a 201% increase. This visa is for permanent residents who need to travel after their travel facility has expired.
Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) increased from $190 to $575. That is a 202.63% increase, more than triple the previous fee. This visa allows a person to travel overseas while their substantive visa application is being processed.
A second or third Working Holiday visa also increased sharply, from $670 to $1,000, up 49.25%.
Both the Resident Return visa and Bridging Visa B relate to travel: leaving Australia and coming back.
This pattern suggests the increases are not only about raising revenue. They may also be designed to make it more costly for people to leave and re-enter the country.
Why is the government increasing fees so sharply?
The Department has not published a single stated reason for the scale of this year's increase.
However, the increases align with Australia's current housing pressures. This year's skilled migration program directs around 70% of places to people who are already in Australia, rather than new arrivals from overseas.
Raising visa costs is one way to slow the number of new arrivals and encourage some temporary visa holders to consider leaving. It also raises additional government revenue at a time of broader budget pressure.
These increases affect industries that rely on temporary visa holders, including tourism, hospitality, international education and small business.
A sustained fee increase across the visa system can make Australia less attractive to the workers, students and travellers these industries depend on.
What should you do?
If you are planning to apply for any visa, check the current fee before you lodge.
You should check:
- the current base application charge for your visa subclass
- whether any additional applicants, such as a partner or children, apply, since their charges differ from the main applicant fee
- other costs, including English tests, medical examinations, police checks, immigration lawyer or registered migration agent fees, document translation, and other potential expenses
If your visa costs have increased significantly and you are unsure about your options, seeking advice can help you and budget effectively.
Can Work Visa Lawyers help?
Yes. Work Visa Lawyers can help you understand the current visa fees and plan your application accordingly.
We can assist with:
- Partner Visa Application
- Skilled Visa Applications (189, 190, 491, 191)
- Skills in Demand (482) visa application
- Employer Sponsored visa (186)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494)
- Student and Graduate visa strategy
- Resident Return Visa Application
- Bridging visas
- DAMAs
- Labour Agreements
- National Innovation Visa (858)
Visa fees are now a significant cost. Getting your application right the first time matters more than ever, since these charges are non-refundable.
FAQ: Australian Visa Fee Increases 2026
How much did partner visa fees go up in 2026-2027?
The partner visa base application charge increased from $9,365 to $11,710 on 1 July 2026, a 25% rise. This applies to both the offshore 309/100 and onshore 820/801 pathways.
Which Australian visa had the biggest fee increase in 2026-2027?
Bridging Visa B saw the largest percentage increase, rising 202.63%, from $190 to $575. The Resident Return visa was close behind, up 201%, from $490 to $1,475.
How much is the Working Holiday visa in 2026-2027?
A first Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417 or 462) now costs $840, up from $670. A second or third Working Holiday visa costs $1,000, an increase of 49.25%.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Surge Since March 2026
The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) increased in March 2026 from $2,300 to $4,600 and again on 1 July 2026, taking the fee from $4,600 to $5,750, a total rise of around 150% since March 2026.
Do visa fees keep increasing every year in Australia?
Yes. The Department of Home Affairs reviews visa fees annually, usually on 1 July. Typical increases are 3% to 5%. The 2026-2027 increase, at around 25% for most visas, was far larger than usual.
Sources:
Department of Home Affairs – Current Visa Pricing Table: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing
Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.
