Australian visa fee increases from 1 July 2026: What has changed?

From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government’s visa application charges have increased across a number of key visa categories, with many common visa types seeing increases of around 25%. For individuals, families and employers planning an Australian visa application, this is not simply an administrative update. It is a meaningful change to the overall cost of migration and one that makes careful planning more important than ever. 

Visa application charges are paid directly to the Department of Home Affairs at the time of lodgement. In most cases, these fees are not refunded if an application is refused or withdrawn. 

For that reason, applicants should be taking extra care before lodging. Eligibility, evidence, timing, visa strategy and document quality all matter. A visa application is not just a form-filling exercise; it is a legal and evidentiary process where the outcome can depend on the strength of the case presented.

What has changed?

The new fees apply from 1 July 2026 and affect several high-volume visa pathways, including family and partner visas, employer sponsored visas and general skilled migration visas. The tables below set out the key visa categories affected and show the previous and new government lodgement fees.

Partner and Parent visas

Family migration is already one of the most significant financial and personal commitments an applicant can make. With increased government lodgement fees now in effect, Parent visa and Partner visa applicants should ensure they understand not only the cost of lodging, but also the strength of their eligibility and evidence before they proceed.

*Fees vary depending on subclass, and if any additional applicants are to be included, such as a partner or dependent children.

Employer-sponsored visas

For employer-sponsored visas, the increased visa application charges affect both businesses and applicants. Employers need to factor these costs into the broader sponsorship process, alongside nomination requirements, sponsorship obligations, salary thresholds and supporting evidence. Applicants may also be responsible for paying their own visa application charges, which means the personal financial risk can be significant if the application is not properly assessed and prepared. A poorly prepared nomination or visa application can result in avoidable delays, refusals and additional costs for everyone involved.

*Fees vary depending on subclass, and if any additional applicants are to be included, such as a partner or dependent children.

General Skilled Migration visas

General skilled migration remains highly competitive. Applicants need to consider their points score, occupation, skills assessment, English language results, state nomination options and timing before lodging an expression of interest or visa application. Higher government fees make it even more important to assess the pathway properly from the outset.

*Fees vary depending on subclass, and if any additional applicants are to be included, such as a partner or dependent children.

Why professional advice matters more now

With higher government charges now in place, applicants have more at stake. A refused application can mean losing a substantial lodgement fee, as well as the time, opportunity and emotional energy invested in the process. In some cases, a refusal can also affect future visa strategy or create additional complications that could have been avoided with proper advice at the beginning.

Using a registered migration agent can help applicants understand whether they meet the relevant criteria, what evidence is required, when to lodge and how to present the application clearly. It also helps ensure that applicants do not spend thousands of dollars on a pathway that may not be suitable for their circumstances.

Sable International is not increasing its professional fees

While Australian visa application charges have increased, Sable International is not increasing its professional fees in response to these changes. We also offer free consultations, so clients can understand their options before committing to a visa application. We provide a fixed quote before any work commences, giving clients clarity on costs from the outset.

Whether you are applying for a partner visa, sponsoring an employee, or considering a skilled migration pathway, it is worth taking advice before you lodge. With higher government fees now in effect, getting clear advice early can help you make an informed decision and avoid spending money on an application that may not be suitable for your circumstances.

Planning to apply?

If you are considering an Australian visa application, speak to Sable International before lodging. We can assess your options, explain the likely costs and help you understand the strength of your case before you commit to the new government fees.

Get in touch with our MARA-registered agents on [email protected] or give them a call on +27 (0) 21 657 1526, +44 (0) 20 7759 5307 or +61 (0) 3 8651 4500.