AustraliaMigrate, a registered migration agency established in 2000, has released a review of the visa fee changes that took effect on 1 July 2026. The new fee schedule lifts many Australian visa application charges by around 25 per cent in a single adjustment, a marked departure from the two to five per cent indexation applied in previous years.
Under the new schedule, the base charge for a partner visa application has risen from $9,365 to $11,710. The main student visa charge has increased to $2,500, the Temporary Graduate visa charge has moved from $4,600 to $5,750, and the charge for the main permanent skilled visas has risen from $4,910 to $6,135. The standard visitor visa charge has increased from $200 to $250.
The Australia Migrate review notes that several categories have risen well beyond the standard adjustment. Charges for the Bridging Visa B, the Resident Return visa and the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa have increased far more sharply, with some rising by 200 per cent or more.
"The cost of a refused or invalid application has never been higher, because visa application charges are not refunded when an application fails," said Ian Singer, Director and Principal Registered Migration Agent at Australia Migrate. "A couple lodging a partner visa is now committing $11,710 at lodgement. At that price, the application has to be right the first time."
The review sets out what the changes mean for each major applicant group. Families sponsoring a partner or parent face the largest dollar increases, students and graduates face higher upfront costs at each stage of their pathway, and employers nominating overseas workers will see higher combined program costs when application charges are added to the Skilling Australians Fund levy and the new $79,499 Core Skills Income Threshold.
Mr Singer said the July increase also carries a lesson about timing. "Application charges rise every July, and this year the Government showed it is willing to move well beyond indexation. People who are eligible for a visa today and wait another program year may face higher charges, tighter settings and a smaller program. Preparing a complete, decision-ready application now is the most reliable way to avoid paying twice."
The agency reports increased enquiries from applicants seeking to confirm which fee applies to their circumstances, particularly where an application was being prepared before 1 July 2026. Australia Migrate advises that the charge payable is the one in force on the date the application is lodged, not the date preparation began, and that applicants budgeting for a visa in 2026–27 should work from the new schedule.
AustraliaMigrate has published updated fee guidance across the partner, skilled, employer-sponsored, student and parent visa categories on its website, including the second visa application charge instalments that apply to some family visas. The firm provides fixed professional fee quotations so applicants can calculate the full cost of their pathway before lodgement.
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AustraliaMigrate is based in Chatswood, Sydney, and has assisted individuals, families and businesses with Australian visa applications for more than 25 years. The firm's agents are registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority and provide advice across all major visa categories. For more information about partner visa requirements, skilled visa pathways or the updated fee schedule, visit the website:https://www.australiamigrate.com/
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For more information about Australia Migrate Pty Ltd, contact the company here:
Australia Migrate Pty Ltd
Ian Singer
0294116000
ian@australiamigrate.com
Suite 601, 10 Help Street, Chatswood NSW 2067, Australia
