Summary

From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government increased the Visa Application Charges (VACs) for most Australian visas. Some of the biggest increases affected Partner Visas, while Employer Sponsored Visas, General Skilled Migration visas, Australian Citizenship applications and Resident Return Visas also became more expensive. If you're planning to apply for an Australian visa, understanding the new costs can help you budget and avoid surprises. In this article we'll explain the biggest visa fee increases, what they mean for applicants, and how you can prepare. Visa Application Charges changed from 1 July 2026 and current pricing is available through the Department of Home Affairs website.

Key Takeaways

• Australian visa application charges increased from 1 July 2026.
• Partner Visas experienced one of the largest dollar increases.
• Employer Sponsored Visa applicants should budget for higher government fees.
• Skilled Migration visa application charges also increased.
• Additional applicants (partners and children) attract extra government charges.
• Planning ahead is more important than ever.
  

Introduction

For thousands of people every year, applying for an Australian visa is one of the biggest financial investments they will make.

Whether you're bringing your partner to Australia, sponsoring an employee, applying for permanent residency through skilled migration, or becoming an Australian citizen, government application fees are an unavoidable part of the process.

From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government increased the Visa Application Charges (VACs) across most visa categories as part of its annual fee updates. Most visas—including Partner Visas—have seen significant jumps in cost of around 25% and in some cases more.

Let's look at the major changes.

Partner Visa fee increases

One of the biggest increases from 1 July 2026 is the Partner Visa application charge.

The cost of many Partner Visa applications increased from $9,365 to $11,710, making it one of the most expensive Australian visa applications for families and couples. (ABC News)

This applies to many applicants applying through the main Partner Visa pathways, including:

• Subclass 820/801 onshore Partner Visa
• Subclass 309/100 offshore Partner Visa
• Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa

For couples, this is a significant financial commitment. It also means that getting the application right from the beginning matters more than ever. A Partner Visa is not just about filling out forms. Applicants need to understand eligibility, evidence, relationship requirements, sponsorship issues and processing expectations before lodging.

At Port Migration, we help couples prepare strong Partner Visa applications so they can move forward with confidence.

Employer sponsored visa fee increases

Employer sponsored visa costs have also increased from 1 July 2026.

The Skills in Demand subclass 482 visa primary applicant charge increased to $4,015, with secondary adult applicants also listed at $4,015 and child applicants at $1,005.

For Australian employers, this means the cost of sponsoring workers needs to be carefully budgeted. The government visa application charge is only one part of the overall cost. Employers also need to consider nomination costs, sponsorship obligations, skills assessments, English testing, medicals and professional fees.

This is especially important for businesses relying on skilled overseas workers to fill genuine labour shortages.

At Port Migration we help make sponsoring international workers simple and straightforward for employers.

Permanent skilled visa fee increases

Permanent skilled visas have also become more expensive.

This includes common skilled migration pathways such as:

• Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa
• Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa
• Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa
• Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa
• Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa

Permanent skilled visa application charges have increased to $6,140. The visa application fee for Secondary applicants aged 18 and above is $3,070 and for secondary applicants under 18 the visa application fee is $1,535.

For skilled migrants, this means the total cost of applying can quickly add up. In addition to the visa application charge, applicants often need to budget for skills assessments, English tests, medical examinations, police checks, translations and state nomination expenses where relevant.

Bridging Visa B Fee Increase

One of the most significant fee increases from 1 July 2026 was for the Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020). The government application charge increased from $190 to $575, representing an increase of more than 200%.

A Bridging Visa B is commonly used by people who have lodged another substantive visa application—such as a Partner Visa, Skilled Visa or Employer Sponsored Visa—and need to travel overseas temporarily while their application is being processed. Unlike a Bridging Visa A, a Bridging Visa B allows you to leave Australia and return during an approved travel period.

For many applicants, particularly Partner Visa applicants waiting for a decision, this increase is an important additional cost to factor into their migration budget. If you think you may need to travel while your visa application is being processed, it's worth planning ahead and understanding both the application process and the increased government fee before making overseas travel arrangements.

Citizenship Fee increases

The 1 July 2026 changes also affected other important applications, including applications for Australian citizenship.

Australian citizenship application fees vary depending on factors including age and eligibility criteria, so any applicant preparing to apply for Australian Citizenship should check the fee that is relevant for their application pathway.

Current pricing should always be confirmed through the Department of Home Affairs website before payment. Applicants for Australian Citizenship can check Form 1298i for the current fee before lodging.

Resident Return Visa Fee increases

Resident Return Visa costs also increased significantly on 1 July 2026. Subclass 155 Resident Return Visa increased from $490 to $1,475.

This is a significant increase for permanent residents renewing their Australian Permanent Residency. Before leaving Australia, it is worth checking your travel facility, visa status and whether you need to apply for a Resident Return Visa before you go.

Fee Concessions for eligible applicants

Fee concessions were introduced on 1 July 2026 for eligible visa applicants from Timor Leste, Pacific Islands and some ASEAN member nations applying for a range of visa categories. This is a new initiative, so be sure to check relevant criteria as these concessions will decrease application fees if they apply for your circumstances.

Don’t forget the cost of including family

Budgeting for cost to include family is an important part of applying for Australian Visas.

Many visa applications also include additional charges for family members, including:

• a spouse or de facto partner
• dependent children
• adult dependent children in some circumstances

These additional applicant charges can make the total cost of a visa application much higher than expected.

For example, a family applying for a skilled or employer sponsored visa may need to pay the primary applicant charge, an adult secondary applicant charge and child applicant charges. They may also need to pay for medical examinations, police checks, document translations and professional assistance. The Subsequent Temporary Entrant Surcharge also applies for certain temporary visa applicants applying more than once for a temporary visa while inside Australia.

For Partner Visa applicants, this is also relevant if dependent children are included in the application.

The headline visa fee may not be the final cost.

What this means for applicants

The 2026 Australian visa fee increases mean that applying for a visa is becoming a larger financial decision.

Whether you are applying for a Partner Visa, sponsoring an employee, applying for skilled migration, renewing your travel facility or becoming an Australian citizen, it is important to plan ahead.

The key message is simple: understand the cost before you apply, check the current Home Affairs fee, and make sure you are choosing the right pathway from the beginning.

A refused or incorrectly prepared application can be financially and emotionally costly. With visa fees now higher across many categories, getting advice early can help avoid unnecessary mistakes.

How Port Migration can help

At Port Migration, we help clients understand their visa options, prepare strong applications and move through the process with confidence.

We can assist with:

• Partner Visas
• Employer sponsored visas
• Australian citizenship
• Resident Return Visas
• visa strategy and planning

If you are worried about the Australia visa fee increases and want to make sure you are applying for the right visa, we would love to help.

Book a call with our team to talk about your options and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Australia Visa Fee Increases