Why So Many International Students Are Re‑Evaluating Their Post‑Study Plans After the 485 Visa Fee Increase
The past few weeks have been intense for international students in Australia. When the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa fee doubled on 1 March 2026, the sudden shift changed more than just application budgets it has changed how students think about their future. The new primary applicant fee is now AUD $4,600, up from $2,300, and dependent charges have doubled as well.
What surprised many graduates is that the update took effect instantly, with no transition period for students who were preparing their documents. People only discovered the new fee when logging into their accounts, which created confusion and frustration across universities and migrant communities.
For many students, this change has shifted the 485 visa from a default step to a more strategic decision. Instead of applying automatically, graduates are now thinking more carefully about:
Whether the 485 is worth the cost
If employer‑sponsored visas might be better
How the 2026 migration reforms align with their PR goals
Whether it’s smarter to apply sooner rather than later
Australia’s 485 visa is now one of the most expensive post‑study work visas in the world, surpassing the UK, Canada, the US, and New Zealand. This alone has intensified debates among students about whether Australia is still affordable as a long‑term destination.
In the middle of all this, reliable information has become essential. For anyone trying to understand the updated rules, timelines, or eligibility details, you can check out this detailed 485 Temporary Graduate Visa guide, which breaks down everything clearly and keeps up with the latest changes:
The fee increase doesn’t mean the visa has lost its value it still offers crucial work rights, time to gain experience, and potential pathways toward permanent residency. But the landscape has shifted, and today’s students will need to plan smarter, prepare earlier, and think more strategically about the journey ahead.