International students stunned as Australia doubles Temporary Graduate (485) Visa fee overnight

Prospective graduates racing to lodge post-study work visas logged into ImmiAccount on the evening of 9 March 2026 to find the charge had leapt from A$2,300 to A$4,600 with no advance notice. The Department of Home Affairs confirmed the change, saying the extra revenue would fund 500 new case-officer positions and “align the visa with its economic intent.” Universities and business groups reacted with alarm. The International Education Association of Australia warned that “pulling the welcome mat” could deter future enrolments, noting the sector added A$50 billion to the economy last financial year. Student representatives labelled the rise “exploitative”, and migration agents fielded frantic calls from applicants whose payment cards were suddenly declined for insufficient funds. Home Affairs pointed out that graduates from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste are exempt—a move tied to the government’s new Pacific Engagement Visa but one critics say creates a two-tier system. Analysts also link the higher fee to the visa-processing overhaul launched the same day: the 485 increase effectively underwrites the technology and staffing that power the new standardised timelines platform. Employers who rely on fresh Australian-trained talent must now factor in the steeper cost when offering relocation packages or visa-sponsorship support. Graduate candidates, already juggling housing and job-search pressures, face a new financial hurdle that could push some to look to Canada or the UK instead. Those still planning to apply are advised to check that their bank limits and credit-card caps will cover the higher charge before hitting “submit.”