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From 1 July 2026, visa application charges for most visas increased by approximately 25%.  The Department of Home Affairs has not announced any changes to Nomination lodgement charges (including the Skilling Australians Fund levy charge) and Standard Business Sponsorship lodgement charges.

Visa Application Charges Increases

Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa increases:

  • A$4,015 (primary applicant) from A$3,210
  • A$4,015 (secondary applicant 18+) from A$3,210
  • A$1,005 (secondary applicant <18) from A$805

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) visa increases:

  • A$6,140 (primary applicant) from A$4,910
  • A$3,070 (secondary applicant 18+) from A$2,455
  • A$1,535 (secondary applicant <18) from A$1,230

Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) (Subclass 400) visa increases:

  • A$535 (primary applicant) from A$430
  • A$535 (secondary applicant 18+) from A$430
  • A$135 (secondary applicant <18) from A$110

Training (Subclass 407) visa increases:

  • A$535 (primary applicant) from A$430
  • A$535 (secondary applicant 18+) from A$430
  • A$135 (secondary applicant <18) from A$110

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa increases:

  • A$6,140 (primary applicant) from A$4,910
  • A$3,070 (secondary applicant 18+) from A$2,455
  • A$1,535 (secondary applicant <18) from A$1,230

Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa (Points-Tested) increases:

  • A$6,135 (primary applicant) from A$4,910
  • A$3,070 (secondary applicant 18+) from A$2,455
  • A$1,540 (secondary applicant <18) from A$1,230

Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa increases:

  • A$6,140 (primary applicant) from A$4,910
  • A$3,070 (secondary applicant 18+) from A$2,455
  • A$1,535 (secondary applicant <18) from A$1,230

Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa increases:

  • A$6,140 (primary applicant) from A$4,910
  • A$3,070 (secondary applicant 18+) from A$2,455
  • A$1,535 (secondary applicant <18) from A$1,230

National Innovation (Subclass 858) visa increases:

  • A$6,235 (primary applicant) from A$4,985
  • A$3,120 (secondary applicant 18+) from A$2,495
  • A$1,560 (secondary applicant <18) from A$1,250

Student (Subclass 500) visa increases (most applicants):

  • A$2,500 (primary applicant) from A$2,000
  • A$1,530 (secondary applicant 18+) from A$1,225
  • A$500 (secondary applicant <18) from A$400

Partner (Subclasses 820/801 and 309/100) visa increases (most applicants):

  • A$11,710 (primary applicant) from A$9,365
  • A$5,860 (secondary applicant 18+) from A$4,685
  • A$2,935 (secondary applicant <18) from A$2,345

From A$1,955.00 for Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) visa holders.  Concessions apply in limited circumstances.

From 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid Partner visa application.

Income Thresholds

482 Nomination applications:

  • Specialist Skills Income Threshold – from A$141,210 to A$146,576
  • Core Skills Income Threshold – from A$76,515 to A$79,423

186 Nomination applications in Direct Entry Stream and Temporary Residence Transition Stream:

  • Core Skills Income Threshold – from A$76,515 to A$79,423

Regional (494 & 187) Nomination applications

  • Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold – from A$76,515 to A$79,423

Annual Market Salary Rate

The employer must continue to ensure sponsored workers are paid at least the applicable income threshold and the annual market salary rate for the nominated occupation.  Where guaranteed annual earnings are below A$250,000, employers must also demonstrate that sponsored workers receive terms and conditions no less favorable than those provided to an equivalent Australian worker performing the same role in the same location.

Fair Work High Income Threshold and Wage Increases

From 1 July 2026, the Fair Work High Income Threshold increased from A$183,100 to A$190,100.

The Fair Work High Income Threshold is relevant to obtain certain exemptions for Employer Sponsored visas (including permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa and provisional Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) visa).

The National Minimum Wage has also increased to $1,004.90 per week, or $26.44 per hour, from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.  Minimum award wages have also increased by 4.75%.

Citizenship Application Charges Increases

  • Citizenship by Conferral (general eligibility) – A$595 from A$575
  • Citizenship by descent (single applicant) – A$380 from A$370
  • Citizenship by descent (applicants) – A$380 (first applicant) + A$160 (other included applicants) from A$370 and A$150
  • Evidence of Australian citizenship – A$290 (from A$280)

Administrative Review Tribunal  Increases

Certain applications to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) have also increased from A$3,580 to A$3,727.  The fee applies to applications for review of decisions relating to visas other than protection visas and includes decisions in relation to sponsorships and nominations.