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ARTICLE · 17 MARCH 2026

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What Changed For The Subclass 485 Visa In 2026?

Roam Migration Law
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A lot of commentary on the 485 visa in 2026 is missing the point. The new change is the fee. The harder part is that anyone applying now is stepping into a program that was already tightened in 2024. So the issue is not one rule. It is the combination of changes.

AustraliaImmigration
Abeer Omi
Abeer Omi
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A lot of commentary on the 485 visa in 2026 is missing the point. The new change is the fee. The harder part is that anyone applying now is stepping into a program that was already tightened in 2024. So the issue is not one rule. It is the combination of changes.

The fee increase

From 1 March 2026, the first instalment for most new Subclass 485 applicants rose to $4,600. Adult dependants rose to $2,300 and child dependants to $1,160. The lower charge remains in place for applicants where the primary applicant holds a passport from specified Pacific countries or Timor-Leste. These new charges started on 1 March 2026 under the Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026.

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