The Australian federal government raised most visa application fees by an average of 25% on 1 July 2026, with some categories increasing by as much as 200%, placing Australia’s visa costs among the highest worldwide. Resident return visa fees more than tripled from $490 to $1,475, while bridging visa B fees rose from $190 to $575. Temporary graduate visa (485) application fees doubled from $2,300 to $4,600 in March 2026, then increased again to $5,750 on 1 July. Student visa charges also increased from $2,000 to $2,500 on 1 July, following a 2024 hike from $710 to $1,600. Skilled independent
visa fees grew 25% to $6,140, and partner visa fees climbed 25% to $11,710. These fees exceed those in the UK, US, New Zealand, and Canada by over three times for international students and more than double for skilled workers. Australia and New Zealand uniquely expire permanent residents’ re-entry rights after a year abroad, with New Zealand charging only A$290 for renewal.
Visa Fee Hikes Impact Permanent Residents and Students
Permanent residents and international students voiced frustration over the increased visa costs. Adrian Riordan, whose spouse is a permanent resident dividing time between Australia and Japan, criticized the government’s approach, saying, “They’re trying to out One Nation, One
Nation. These are people that are permanent residents. And we have no choice over the matter.” A petition opposing the resident return visa fee increase has over 30,000 signatures, with some petitioners reporting they can no longer afford to visit family abroad. An international student described the escalating fees as a “kick in the teeth,” while Syed Taqi Abbas Razvi, ethnocultural officer at the National Union of Students from Pakistan, said, “International students don’t feel supported. With the constant visa fee increases, it’s getting unaffordable for not just myself, but most international students to even consider coming here.”
Government Defends Fee Increases as Managing Migration
Home Affairs
Minister Tony Burke stated that visas to work, live, or study in Australia “are underpriced at any cost,” with costs remaining a fraction of the total fees international students pay. Education Minister Jason Clare highlighted the need to manage international education sustainably, stressing its significance as an export industry. The government maintains the fee hikes are part of broader migration management efforts to address what it views as excessive growth in the student sector post-pandemic and to counteract “dodgy players.” Despite regular marginal fee adjustments at the start of financial years, the government has not formally justified the larger-than-inflation increases
implemented in 2026.
Industry Groups Warn of Negative Effects on Attractiveness
Andrew McKellar, CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, warned that higher visa fees deter skilled workers and tourists, undermining business productivity and sending a “poor signal” to global markets. The skilled independent visa and partner visa fees rose by 25% on 1 July. Universities Australia CEO Luke Sheehy said the government has encouraged growth in the international student sector for years but is now dismantling it with decisions like these fee hikes. Sheehy attributed the sector’s decline to cumulative effects of visa refusals, policy uncertainty, and rising fees, stating, “Australia is becoming a harder
sell.”
Broader Migration and International Education Policy Context
The Australian federal government has also capped international student places at 295,000 for 2027, an 8% reduction from the post-COVID peak. Australia and New Zealand remain the only western countries where permanent residents’ re-entry rights expire after one year abroad, with Australia’s resident return visa fees drastically exceeding those in New Zealand and other key destinations. The rise in visa costs and accompanying policy changes are part of Labor’s migration management strategy following the pandemic, focusing on controlling international student numbers and addressing perceived migration system abuses.
