

Summary:
- Visa application fees have increased across most subclasses, including Partner, Student, Skilled, and Employer Sponsored visas.
- Australian Citizenship application costs and AAT review fees have also increased.
- The Fair Work High Income Threshold (AWOTW) has increased, affecting exemptions for employer-sponsored visas.
Effective from 1 July 2025, a number of income thresholds have been updated in line with the annual increase to Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). These changes may impact individuals, families, and businesses that sponsor overseas workers.
Whether you’re preparing a new application or already in the process, it’s important to understand how these adjustments may affect your eligibility and obligations.
What’s changed and why?
Each financial year, the Department of Home Affairs reviews its Visa Application Charges (VACs). These updates are part of a broader cost-recovery model to manage the demand on Australia’s migration and processing systems.
The 2025–2026 financial year brings increases to many of the most common visa subclasses used by our clients, especially for those seeking skilled migration pathways or employer sponsorship.
Partner, Student & Skilled visa fee updates
The following visa types have seen changes to the main applicant fee:
- Partner visa:
$9,095 → $9,365 - Student visa (subclass 500):
$1,600 → $2,000 - Skilled visas (subclass 189 / 190 / 491):
$4,765 → $4,910
Employer Sponsored visa fee increases
If you’re a business sponsoring overseas workers, here are the updated fees you need to be aware of:
Skills in Demand (Subclass 482)
- Main applicant: $3,210 (was $3,115)
- Adult dependant: $3,210 (was $3,115)
- Child under 18: $805 (was $780)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494)
- Main applicant: $4,910 (was $4,770)
- Adult dependant: $2,455 (was $2,385)
- Child under 18: $1,230 (was $1,190)
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Main applicant: $4,910 (was $4,770)
- Adult dependant: $2,455 (was $2,385)
- Child under 18: $1,230 (was $1,190)
Other visa categories affected
Several other visa types have also seen increases:
- Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) (Subclass 400):
Main applicant and adult dependant: $430
Child under 18: $110 - Training Visa (Subclass 407):
Main applicant and adult dependant: $430
Child under 18: $110 - Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858):
Main applicant: $4,985
Adult dependant: $2,495
Child under 18: $1,250
Citizenship Fee Increases
The following updates apply to clients seeking Australian citizenship:
- Citizenship by conferral (general eligibility):
$560 → $575 - Citizenship by descent:
$360 → $370 - Citizenship by descent (siblings applying together):
$360 for first sibling, $150 for each additional sibling (unchanged) - Evidence of Australian citizenship:
$275 → $280
Administrative Review Tribunal (AAT) Fees
Applications to review non-protection visa decisions (including nominations and sponsorships) through the Administrative Review Tribunal have increased:
- $3,496 → $3,580
Fair Work High Income Threshold increase
The FWHIT has been raised from $175,000 to $183,100, which is relevant for:
- Age exemptions under the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Exemptions for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) visa
This is particularly important for employers considering the sponsorship of older or highly skilled professionals.
*Please note there is an additional credit/debit surcharge fee of 1.4% applied by the Department.
What this means for you.
Whether you’re applying as an individual, sponsoring an employee, or managing a family migration pathway, these updates could affect your total application costs. We strongly encourage you to review your visa plans or sponsorship arrangements with an expert to avoid any surprises.
Book a chat with a Migration Expert
Have questions about how these changes affect your situation? Our experienced team at Regional Migration Australia is here to help you navigate the new fee structure and stay ahead of your migration goals.
Disclaimer – Content in these articles does not constitute immigration or legal advice, it is not intended as a substitute for such advice and must not be relied upon as such. This material is intended to offer general guidelines for informational purposes only. The information provided is accurate as of the time of publication. Please consult with our Australian MARN registered agents via our content forms on our website or call on 1800 567 663 to make an appointment.
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