Australia raises visa costs by 25% from July 2026

Australia has increased the cost of most visa applications by around 25%, effective July 1, 2026. The change was made under the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026.

What went up, and by how much

The increase applies across most visa subclasses. Published examples include:

• The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) rising from AUD 200 to AUD 250
• Some long-term work and partner visas increasing by more than AUD 1,000

The affected categories span visitor visas, employer-sponsored work visas, skilled migration pathways, business visas, family and partner visas, training visas, and the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482). Exact amounts vary by visa type and the applicant’s circumstances.

Humanitarian and Pacific regional visa categories are excluded from the change and keep their separate fee arrangements.

When the new fees apply

The higher charges apply to applications lodged on or after July 1, 2026. Applications submitted before that date keep the previous fee schedule.

The government’s view

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs played down the impact for short-term visitors, stating that “for tourism and business visitors, aggregate increases… are a very minor consideration” relative to the total cost of a trip. The department argued the charges remain small compared with flights, accommodation, and insurance.

What travelers should do

Anyone planning to apply should budget for the new government charge and, where flexible, note that the fee is set at the moment an application is lodged. For a look at Australia’s entry documents, including how the ETA compares with a visitor visa, see the Australia visa hub.