1. Why the Fee Doubled: The 3 Core Reasons
The Department of Home Affairs and the 2025–26 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) outlined three primary drivers for this increase:
- Migration Cap Targets: The government is aggressively working to reduce net overseas migration from record highs of 500,000+ down to a target of 300,000. Doubling the fee acts as a “price signal” to ensure only those serious about skilled work apply.
- Funding New Compliance Systems: The revenue from the $4,600 fee is being used to fund a new Genuine Student (GS) assessment process and real-time data-matching with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to ensure graduates are actually working in skilled roles.
- Discouraging “Visa Hopping”: By making the 485 visa significantly more expensive, the government aims to prevent it from being used as a low-cost bridge to stay in Australia indefinitely without a clear pathway to permanent residency.
2. Updated 485 Visa Fee Structure (2026)
| Applicant Type | Old Fee | New Fee (March 2026) |
| Main Applicant | $2,300 | $4,600 |
| Partner / Dependent (18+) | $1,150 | $2,300 |
| Dependent (Under 18) | $580 | $1,160 |
Note: These fees do not include the 1.40% credit card surcharge in ImmiAccount, which adds an extra $64.40 to a main applicant’s total.
3. Who is Exempt?
The Australian Government has maintained “Pacific Engagement” concessions. You are exempt from the $4,600 fee and will continue to pay the lower rate (~$2,300) if you hold a passport from:
- Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Timor-Leste, and other specified Pacific Island nations.
4. Higher Stakes: The Cost of Refusal
In 2026, a 485 visa refusal is no longer just a setback; it is a $4,600 financial disaster.
- Non-Refundable: If your application is refused due to a missing English test or incorrect health insurance (OVHC), the government does not refund the $4,600.
- The “Age 35” Trap: Along with the fee hike, the age limit for most 485 streams has been lowered to 35. If you are near this age, a refusal could mean you are permanently ineligible to re-apply.
5. 2026 Strategy: How to Protect Your Investment
- Check Your English Validity: In 2026, your English test (PTE/IELTS) must be less than one year old at the time of lodgement for the 485 visa, even if it was valid for your Student Visa.
- Health Insurance Shift: You must switch from OSHC to Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) before you click submit. Lodging with OSHC is a common reason for instant refusal.
- The 6-Month Window: You must apply within 6 months of your “Course Completion Date” (the date on your completion letter, not your graduation ceremony).
