485 Visa 2026: A$5,750 Fee, Age Limit 35 and How Long You Can Stay
The 485 visa fee in 2026 has more than doubled in less than a year. The Temporary Graduate visa now costs A$5,750 for the main applicant, up from A$2,300 at the start of 2026. If you are finishing a degree in Australia, here is what the visa costs, who qualifies and how long you can stay.
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Last checked: 29 September 2026. Figures come from Study Australia, SBS and DFAT. Confirm current fees with the Home Affairs visa pricing estimator before you apply. This is general information, not migration advice.
485 visa fee in 2026: two increases in four months
The 485 visa fee is charged when you lodge the application and is not refunded if the visa is refused.
| Date | Main applicant fee |
|---|---|
| Before 1 March 2026 | A$2,300 |
| From 1 March 2026 | A$4,600 |
| From 1 July 2026 | A$5,750 |
From 1 March 2026, secondary applicants were charged A$2,300 (18 and over) and A$1,160 (under 18). We could not confirm the secondary applicant fees after 1 July 2026, so check the Home Affairs pricing estimator. Pacific and Timor-Leste passport holders were exempt from the March increase.
Who is eligible: the age 35 limit
You must generally be 35 or under when you apply. There are exceptions: Masters by research and PhD graduates, and Hong Kong and BNO passport holders, can apply up to age 50. Other key conditions:
- You must have held a Student visa in the last 6 months.
- Your qualification must meet the Australian study requirement, completed in the 6 months before you apply.
- English: law firm summaries give IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band, or an equivalent test taken within the last year. Confirm the exact requirement on Home Affairs.
How long you can stay on a 485 visa
| Stream or degree | Usual stay |
|---|---|
| Post-Vocational Education Work (occupation must be on the skilled list) | Up to 18 months |
| Bachelor’s degree | Up to 2 years |
| Coursework master’s | Up to 2 years |
| Research master’s or PhD | Up to 3 years |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work (regional study and living) | 1 to 2 extra years |
Extra years for Indian graduates
Under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), Indian nationals can get longer post-study work: up to 2 years for a bachelor’s, up to 3 years for a bachelor’s with first-class honours in STEM or ICT, up to 3 years for a master’s and up to 4 years for a PhD. Nepal does not have an equivalent agreement, so Nepali graduates follow the standard durations.
Important: no switching back to a student visa onshore
Since 1 July 2024, 485 visa holders cannot apply for a Student visa while in Australia. Plan your next step before your 485 starts.
Total cost checklist for 2026: more than the 485 visa fee
- 485 visa fee: A$5,750 (main applicant).
- English test, if your old score has expired.
- Australian Federal Police (AFP) check.
- Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) for the length of the visa.
- Health examination if requested.
- Any family members’ fees.
What comes after the 485 visa
Most graduates use the 485 to gain work experience for a longer-term visa, such as employer sponsorship through the 482 Skills in Demand visa or skilled migration through the 189, 190 and 491 visas. See our guide to Australia PR places in 2026-27.
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