What applicants need to know – and –  employer costs have not changed

From 1 July 2026, the Department of Home Affairs has increased Visa Application Charges (VACs) across a range of key visa subclasses. These are not the usual modest, indexation-style adjustments we see most years. For skilled and partner visas the increases sit at around 25%, and for Bridging Visa B the charge has roughly tripled.

Importantly, employer-side costs have not increased. Nomination fees and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy remain unchanged. The rises fall on the visa applicant and their family members, so the impact is felt most where families are applying together.

The new charges at a glance

All figures are the base Visa Application Charge. Second Instalment charges, biometrics and health costs are separate.

Visa / applicant	Applicant	Before	From 1 July 2026
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand
SC 482	Primary applicant	$3,210	$4,015
	Adult dependant (18+), each	$3,210	$4,015
	Child dependant (under 18), each	$805	$1,005
Subclass 186 (ENS) & Subclass 494 (Regional)
SC 186 / 494	Primary applicant	$4,910	$6,140
	Adult dependant (18+), each	$2,455	$3,070
	Child dependant (under 18), each	$1,230	$1,535
Other affected charges
BVB	Bridging Visa B	$190	$575
SC 820	Partner (onshore)	$9,365	$11,710

 

 

What this means for applicants

The biggest impact is on families. Because dependent charges have risen by the same proportion as the primary applicant, a family of four applying together will feel a materially higher up-front cost than they would have before 1 July 2026.

• A single Subclass 482 applicant now pays $4,015, up from $3,210.
• A Subclass 186 or 494 applicant with a partner and two children now faces a combined VAC of $12,280, compared with $9,825 previously – an increase of around $2,455.
• Bridging Visa B – used by people who need to travel while their substantive visa is being decided – has jumped from $190 to $575, so anyone planning overseas travel mid-process should budget for this.

What this means for employers

If you sponsor overseas workers, the good news is that your direct costs are unchanged – nomination fees and the SAF levy are the same as before. However, where you have agreed to cover or contribute to an employee’s visa costs, or where a candidate is relocating with family, the total cost of bringing someone on board has gone up. It is worth revisiting any cost-sharing arrangements and offer letters so expectations are clear from the outset.

Our advice

With the new charges now in effect, the key is to budget accurately. If you are planning an application, factor the higher fees into your costings from the outset – particularly where family members are included, as the combined charge can be significant. We are happy to review where your matter sits and set out exactly what you should expect to pay.

Get in touch with our team and we will talk you through how these changes affect your specific situation.

Book a consultation or call us on +61 3 95735200

You can check the increases to other visa types on the DHA website here