Changes to the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Visa

Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) application charges have increased from 1 March 2026.

4 March 2026

About the Temporary Graduate Visa

The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa (TGV) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian education provider to live, work and study in Australia temporarily after finishing their studies.

The program also provides eligible graduates with the opportunity to apply for a subsequent TGV under the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (Second PHEW stream) if regional requirements are met, allowing them to extend their stay in Australia.

Work rights

Temporary Graduate visa holders have access to unlimited work rights and are able to use their Australian qualifications to access graduate work opportunities and progress their careers in Australia.

Once granted, the visa allows holders to work in any field or occupation, regardless of their area of study.

Updated Visa Application Charges (VAC) from 1 March 2026

The Australian Government has increased the TGV Visa Application Charge (VAC) as follows:

  • Primary applicants: from $2,300 to $4,600
  • Secondary applicants (aged 18 years and over): from $1,150 to $2,300
  • Secondary applicants (under 18 years): from $580 to $1,160

For applicants under the Second PHEW stream:

  • Primary applicants: from $905 to $1,810
  • Secondary applicants (aged 18 years and over): from $455 to $910
  • Secondary applicants (under 18 years): from $230 to $460

Exemption for Pacific and Timor-Leste Nationals

Eligible applicants from Pacific countries and Timor-Leste are exempt from this VAC increase and will continue to pay the previous fees. This recognises Australia’s close partnerships with the Pacific region and Timor-Leste.

This exemption applies to applicants holding a valid passport from: Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

The new VAC rates apply only to visa applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026, except for eligible Pacific and Timor-Leste applicants.