Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) Visa Fees Increased

This is Insane !!! 485 Visa Charges Increased over night without prior notice. Effective 1 March 2026, the Australian Government has increased the visa application charges for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). The change has taken effect immediately, and the updated fees are now: • Primary Applicant: $4,600 • Additional Applicant (18+): $2,300 • Additional Applicant (Under 18): $1,160 The decision to double the VAC overnight to $4,600, without prior warning, goes far beyond a routine policy adjustment. It represents a deeply troubling move for the international education sector. For decades, Australia has carefully cultivated its reputation as a premier study destination, only to now risk undermining that trust by treating international students as a lever to manage migration figures. Implementing such a significant change without a transition period or formal communication reflects a concerning lack of regard for both the industry and the students who have already committed substantial time, effort, and resources to studying in Australia. It becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the narrative that “Australia is open for business” when policies appear to shift abruptly and without consultation, effectively pulling the rug from under those who relied on stability and good faith. This approach raises serious questions about policy management and stakeholder respect, and it warrants urgent reconsideration and more transparent engagement moving forward. Legislation: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L...