Fees & thresholds, 2026–27
Government charges rose about 25% on 1 July 2026. These are the real, current figures, the ones we quote from and the ones your budget should use.
1 July 2026 last changed$11,710 partner visa$79,499 CSIT
Visa application charges
| Visa | Was | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Partner (820/801, 309/100, 300) | $9,365 | $11,710 |
| Skilled Independent (189) | $4,910 | $6,135 |
| Skilled Nominated / Regional (190, 491) | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Employer Nomination (186) | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Skills in Demand (482) | $3,210 | $4,015 |
| Temporary Graduate (485) | $4,600 | $5,750 |
| Student (500) | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Working Holiday (417/462) | $670 | $840 |
| Visitor (600) | $200 | $250 |
Base charge, primary applicant. Source: Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026.
Income thresholds
- Core Skills Income Threshold
- $79,499
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold
- $146,717
- SAF levy, small business
- $1,200 / visa year
- SAF levy, larger business
- $1,800 / visa year
- ART review fee
- $3,727
Thresholds index every 1 July and decide which Skills in Demand stream a role fits. Full context in the costs guide.
Fee questions
When do Australian visa fees change?
On 1 July each year. The 2026 rise was far larger than routine indexation, around 25% across most visa types.
Do I get a refund if my visa is refused?
No. Visa application charges are payable per application and are not refunded on refusal.
Are there extra charges for family members?
Yes, each additional applicant attracts their own charge, and some visas carry second instalments, most significantly the contributory parent visas at roughly $50,000 per parent.
What other costs should I budget for?
Skills assessment, English testing (roughly $400 a sitting), health examinations, police checks and translations, depending on pathway. Several expire, so sequencing matters.
Budgeting a real application?
A consultation maps the full cost for your pathway: charges, assessments, tests and timing, before you spend a dollar.