While Australia updates visa charges almost every financial year, the increases introduced in 2026 are significantly higher than the annual indexation seen in previous years.
New Australia Work Visa Fees (2025 vs 2026)
The table below compares the previous Government application charges with the new fees effective from 1 July 2026.
| Visa Subclass | Visa Name | Until 30 June 2026 | From 1 July 2026 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 482 | Skills in Demand (SID) | AUD $3,210 | AUD $4,015 | +AUD $805 (25%) |
| 494 | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional | AUD $4,910 | AUD $6,140 | +AUD $1,230 (25%) |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme | AUD $4,910 | AUD $6,140 | +AUD $1,230 (25%) |
| 491 | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) | AUD $4,910 | AUD $6,140 | +AUD $1,230 (25%) |
| 190 | Skilled Nominated | AUD $4,910 | AUD $6,140 | +AUD $1,230 (25%) |
| 189 | Skilled Independent | AUD $4,910 | AUD $6,135 | +AUD $1,225 (25%) |
The above fees are the Government Visa Application Charges for the primary applicant only. Additional Government charges apply for partners and dependent children included in the application.
Which Applicants Are Affected?
The new fees apply if your visa application is lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
This includes applicants applying for:
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
- Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
- Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
- Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
If your application was successfully lodged before 1 July 2026, the previous Government application charge generally continues to apply.
Why Have the Visa Fees Increased?
The Australian Government reviews visa application charges each financial year. The 2026–27 financial year brought a broad increase across most visa categories, with many work and skilled migration visas increasing by approximately 25%.
Although the Government has not linked these increases to a single policy change, visa application charges are periodically adjusted to reflect the cost of administering Australia’s migration program and broader Government budget settings.
Employer-Sponsored Applicants Should Also Be Aware of Salary Threshold Changes
The visa fee increase is not the only change introduced from 1 July 2026.
For employer-sponsored visas, the minimum salary thresholds also increased.
The updated thresholds include:
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): AUD $79,499
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): AUD $146,717
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): AUD $79,499
These new salary requirements generally apply to new employer nominations lodged from 1 July 2026. Employers should ensure that nominated positions meet the updated income thresholds before lodging sponsorship applications.
Remember: The Visa Fee Is Only One Part of the Total Cost
Many applicants only consider the Government visa fee when budgeting for migration. However, depending on your occupation and visa pathway, there may be several additional expenses, including:
- Skills Assessment fees
- English language test fees (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent)
- Medical examinations
- Police clearance certificates
- Certified document translations
- State nomination application fees (where applicable)
- Biometrics (for certain countries)
Planning these costs in advance can help avoid delays during the application process.
What This Means for Skilled Migrants
The higher Government application charges mean that skilled migrants should carefully plan their migration journey before lodging an application.
For applicants considering permanent skilled migration or employer sponsorship, preparing important documents early—such as Skills Assessments, English test results and employment evidence—may help avoid unnecessary delays once you are ready to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the new fees apply to applications already lodged?
No. Applications lodged before 1 July 2026 generally continue under the previous Government application charge.
Do these fees include partners and children?
No. The fees shown above are for the primary applicant only. Additional applicant charges apply for spouses and dependent children.
Has the 482 visa fee increased?
Yes. The Government application charge for the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa increased from AUD $3,210 to AUD $4,015, representing a 25% increase.
Which visa had the largest increase?
Among the major work and skilled migration visas, all experienced increases of around 25%. Permanent skilled visas increased by approximately AUD $1,230, while the Subclass 482 visa increased by AUD $805.
Final Thoughts
The increase in Australia’s work visa application fees from 1 July 2026 represents one of the largest adjustments to skilled migration application charges in recent years.
Whether you are planning to apply for a Subclass 482, 494, 186, 491, 190 or 189 visa, understanding the updated Government fees will help you prepare your migration budget more accurately and avoid unexpected costs during the application process.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and should not be considered migration or legal advice. Visa fees, eligibility requirements and migration policies may change over time. Applicants should always check the latest information published by the Australian Department of Home Affairs before lodging a visa application.
