On July 1, 2026, the Australian federal government increased most visa application fees by about 25%, with some categories rising as much as 200%. The resident return visa application fee jumped from $490 to $1,475, effectively tripling the cost. Additionally, the bridging visa B fee rose from $190 to $575.
Visa Fee Increases Affect Graduate and Student Visas
The temporary graduate visa (485) fee doubled from $2,300 to $4,600 on March 1, 2026, then increased again on July 1 to $5,750. The student visa application fee went up from $2,000 to $2,500 on July 1, after having more than doubled in 2024 from $710 to $1,600. Skilled independent
visa charges rose 25% from $4,910 to $6,140, while partner visa fees increased 25% from $9,365 to $11,710. Australia and New Zealand are unique among western countries in requiring permanent residents to renew their right to re-enter the country after one year abroad; New Zealand’s resident return visa renewal fee is A$290, compared to Australia’s $1,475.
Criticism from Students and Advocacy Groups
Critics, including the International Students Representative Council of Australia (ISRC), denounced the fee hikes. ISRC President Weihong Liang said the federal government treats international students as revenue sources rather than valued community members and warned students worldwide to reconsider studying in Australia. Syed Taqi
Abbas Razvi, ethnocultural officer at the National Union of Students, called the fees “extremely shocking” and noted that constant increases make it unaffordable for many international students. Permanent residents, like Adrian Riordan’s wife—who splits time between Australia and Japan—face fees they view as punitive, with Riordan stating, “What is the point of paying taxes, if government services are considered a source of revenue, rather than a service?”
Government Defends Increases and Student Quota
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended the fees, citing traditional underpricing and stating visa costs remain a small portion of international students’ total expenses. Education Minister Jason Clare acknowledged international education as an
important export but emphasized the need for sustainable management. The government plans to cap international student places at 295,000 by 2027, an 8% reduction from the post-Covid peak.
Public Response and Sector Impact
A petition against the resident return visa increase has surpassed 30,000 signatures, citing the fee as excessive and unfair. Petitioners voiced concerns over travel restrictions and family separation due to the high costs. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned that higher visa fees damage Australia’s ability to attract skilled workers and tourists. CEO Andrew McKellar said the fee hikes send a poor signal globally and will hurt tourism and education
providers. Luke Sheehy, CEO of Universities Australia, criticized the government for dismantling the international student sector through fee increases and policy uncertainty, calling the situation detrimental to Australia’s competitiveness in education.
