New Australian Visa Application Charges (VAC) for 2026-27 Increased by About 25%
The Visa Application Charges (VAC) are updated annually, with the new rates taking effect from 1 July 2026, aligning with the start of the new government budgets and modified migration policies. For the 2026-27 year, the Australian government has increased fees across nearly all visa categories. Most main visa subclasses have experienced about a 25% increase, while some visas have seen increases exceeding 200%.
Skilled and Employer-Sponsored Visas
The pathway to permanent residency (PR) has become more expensive. Most primary skilled visas have increased by over $1,200.
Employer/Regional/State Sponsored (SC186/187/190) increased from $4,910 to $6,140.
Skilled Independent Visa (SC189) increased from $4,910 to $6,135.
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (SC482) increased from $3,210 to $4,015.
Skilled Regional (Provisional) (SC491/SC494) increased from $4,910 to $6,140.
Partner and Family Visas
Partner visas remain the most expensive category in the Australian migration system. Applicants should now budget over $11,000 for the base application fee.
Partner Visa (SC820/801 & SC309/100) increased from $9,365 to $11,710.
Prospective Marriage Visa (SC300) increased from $9,365 to $11,710.
*Note: There is a small $25 decrease for those transitioning from SC300 to a Partner Visa.
Child Visa (SC101/SC802) increased from $3,235 to $4,040.
Students and Graduates Visas
Entry-level pathways have also seen substantial increases. The Temporary Graduate visa has more than doubled since last year’s base rate.
Student Visa (SC500) increased from $2,000 to $2,500.
Temporary Graduate Visa (SC485) increased from $2,300 to $5,750.
*Note: The SC485 visa fee was already adjusted in early 2026; the new $5,750 reflects the full 25% increase on the most recent Q1 2026 pricing.
Working Holiday (SC417)/Work and Holiday (SC462) increased from $670 to $840.
Visas with Significant Increases
Some of the most dramatic changes affect those already in Australia or returning residents. These visas have seen an increase of roughly 200%:
Resident Return visas (RRV) (SC155/157) increased from $490 to $1,475.
Bridging Visa B (BVB) (SC020) increased from $190 to $575.
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (SC461) visa increased from $445 to $1,330.
Administrative and Citizenship Fees
The cost of challenging a decision or finalising your journey to citizenship has also risen:
Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) increased from $3,580 to $3,727.
Citizenship (General Eligibility) increased from $575 to $595.
Practical Tips for Visa Applicants
Remember that the fees listed above do not include credit card surcharges (usually 1.4%), which can add up.
If your application is refused because of a mistake, the Department does not refund these fees.
Related: Why Does ‘Decision-Ready’ Application Matter?
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