Australia Doubles Temporary Graduate Visa Fee to A$4,600, Now Highest Internationally
The Australian federal government has significantly increased the application fee for the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa, doubling it from A$2,300 to A$4,600, effective March 1. This adjustment positions Australia's temporary graduate visa application fees as the highest among several compared nations.
The fee change includes specific exemptions for eligible citizens from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste, as well as for students who completed their studies in Australia's regional areas.
Fee Details and Global Comparison
The new application fee for the Temporary Graduate visa now stands at A$4,600. This increase from its previous cost of A$2,300 makes it considerably more expensive than similar post-study work visas elsewhere:
- New Zealand: A$1,406
- United Kingdom: A$1,665
- United States: A$661
- Canada: A$262
The Temporary Graduate visa is designed to allow eligible international students to remain in Australia temporarily after completing their studies, providing full work rights to gain skilled employment experience.
Exemptions to the Fee Increase
Not all applicants will be subject to the higher fee. Specific exemptions include:
- Citizens from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.
- Students who completed their studies in designated regional areas of Australia.
Related Policy Changes Affecting Graduates
This fee adjustment is part of a broader suite of policy changes impacting Australia's international student and graduate visa programs:
- Student Visa Fees: Reports indicate previous increases in the non-refundable visa fee for international students. One source cited a rise from A$710 to A$1,600 in mid-2024, while another noted an increase to A$2,000 effective July 1 last year.
- Age Eligibility: The maximum age eligibility for temporary graduate visas has been lowered to 35.
- Stay Duration: The maximum duration of stay for temporary graduate visa holders has been reduced to three years, from a previous maximum of six years.
Stakeholder Responses and Concerns
The fee increase has generated various reactions from affected groups and representatives. International students have expressed concerns, particularly regarding the lack of prior notification or a transitional period.
- Ariya Masud, international officer for the National Union of Students (NUS), stated that the decision, made without student consultation, has created uncertainty for many graduates regarding their ability to remain in Australia.
- Jesse Gardner-Russell, national president of the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (Capa), commented that the fee increase could potentially hinder individuals integrated into Australian society from contributing to the economy.
- Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi stated the policy would negatively affect international students.
In response, a spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs indicated that information about the fee increase was made available on its website from March 1. The department also stated that Australia provides post-study work rights and that highly qualified graduates have access to other migration pathways if they choose not to apply for a temporary graduate visa.
Pressure on the International Education Sector
The increased post-study work visa fee is anticipated to contribute to significant pressure on Australia's international education sector. This sector is already grappling with visa processing delays, evolving migration settings, and reduced student demand in key markets. The change could potentially affect Australia’s competitiveness as an international study destination.
Recent data highlights a decline in visa grants within the sector:
- The number of temporary graduate visas granted decreased by 33% in the year ending January 31, compared to the prior corresponding period.
- Student visa grants also experienced a 43% decrease during the same timeframe.