On 1 July 2026, the visa application charges (VACs) for all visas changed.

The change comes from the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026, which was registered on 30 June 2026 and commenced the following day.

This includes a general increase to the first instalment of the VAC for most visas, alongside a specific increase to the Student (Subclass 500) and Student Guardian (Subclass 590) visa base charge, from $2,000 to $2,500.

The same regulations also set the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) at $79,423 per year (up from $76,515), with the threshold now automatically indexed annually.

The Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT), relevant to certain work visas, has separately risen to $190,100 (up from $183,100).

Why the Increase?

The government has framed the change as supporting the sustainability of Australia’s migration and citizenship programs, and it gives effect to measures set out in the 2026-27 Federal Budget, handed down on 12 May 2026. That Budget also forecasts net overseas migration falling over the coming years.

The charge you pay is set by the date Home Affairs receives your application.

Any application that was ready to go at the end of June is now subject to the new rate.

Work Visa Fee Changes

For sponsoring employers, the change lands on two fronts. Beyond the higher application charges, any new Subclass 482 nomination now needs to meet the updated $79,423 TSMIT floor, up from $76,515.

Skilled Migration Fee Changes

The Subclass 485 fee has now risen twice within the same financial year – it was increased from $2,300 to $4,600 in March 2026, before this further rise to $5,750 on 1 July 2026. Because the charge is non-refundable, a refusal now costs a graduate significantly more than it would have a year ago.

Student Visa Fee Changes

The Subclass 500 student visa base charge rose from $2,000 to $2,500.

ELICOS and non-award (English-language and study-abroad) courses received a smaller increase, to $2,050, while standard degree, diploma, and trade pathways moved to $2,500.

Family & Spouse Visa Fee Changes

Visitor Visa Fee Changes

Given the size of this increase and the fact that visa application charges are non-refundable even on a refusal, getting your application right the first time now carries a much higher financial stake than it did a year ago.

Contact This is Australia to discuss your lodgement strategy. Call +61 (0)7 5592 0755 or contact our team.