Australia Visa Fee Changes July 2026: New Costs & Income Thresholds

17th Jul 2026

Written By Migration Partner Lauren Blud and Legal Administrative Assistant Destan Kara | Last Reviewed: July 2026

The 2026–27 financial year brings with it new beginnings, as well as certain changes to the migration system in Australia. Annual indexations bring about increases to visa and tribunal application fees with each new financial year, as well as changes to visa income thresholds following 1 July 2026. This article will outline the key changes to fees and thresholds in Australia’s migration system, as well as briefly highlighting certain updates on navigating ImmiAccount for visa applications.

How Much Have Visa Application Charges (VACs) Increased in 2026?

Visa Application Charges (VACs) increased on 1 July 2026, as they are indexed annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Visa applicants are encouraged to confirm the current and updated charges regarding their application, as the amount payable is likely to have changed. This is particularly important for families, employer-sponsored applicants and individuals lodging multiple and related applications, as even a slight increase can affect the total upfront cost of a matter.

VISA TYPE	OLD FEE	NEW FEE	INCREASE
Student Visa (500)	$2,000	$2,500	+ $500
Partner Visa (820/801 or 309/100)	$9,365	$11,710	+ $2,345
Temporary Graduate Visa (485)	$4,600	$5,750	+ $1,150
Skilled Independent Visa (189)	$4,910	$6,135	+ $1,225
Skilled Nominated Visa (190)	$4,910	$6,140	+ $1,230
Skills in Demand Visa (482)	$3,210	$4,015	+ $805
Skilled Work Regional Visa (491)	$4,910	$6,140	+ $1,230
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (186)	$4,910	$6,140	+ $ 1,230

Planning to apply? Make sure you are aware of the latest fees before lodging your application

What Are The New Skilled Visa Income Thresholds from 1 July 2026?

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) has increased to $79,423 (up from $76,515), and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) has increased to $146,576 (up from $141,210), effective 1 July 2026. These thresholds apply to key migration programs such as the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visas. Employers seeking to sponsor overseas workers should take the time to review salary arrangements before lodging a nomination application, to ensure the Department’s requirements are met.

Employers must also ensure, where relevant, that employer salaries meet Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) requirements. Where an employer wanting to nominate a worker for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa pays an overseas worker less than $250,000 per annum, the Department prescribes additional requirements to ensure the individual is not at a disadvantage compared to an Australian worker doing the same work.

Click here to see further information on salary requirements.

What Is The New Fair Work High Income Threshold for 2026-27?

The Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) has increased to $190,100 per annum from 1 July 2026, up from its previous value of $183,100. This threshold is relevant to the age exemption under the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa

How Much Does It Cost to Apply to The ART or Federal Circuit Court in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) application fee is $3,727 for a review of a migration decision and $2,293 for a review of a protection visa decision. Fees for the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia have also increased for migration decisions: the full fee is now $4,180 (up from $4,015), and $2,090 (up from $2,005) if a determination of a reduced fee is made payable.

It is important to note that these new fees apply to application fees paid on or after 1 July 2026, even if the application was lodged prior to that date.

How Many Times Can You Import an Application in ImmiAccount?

An application in ImmiAccount can now only be imported three times in total. The fourth attempt triggers a system block. This change took effect from 1 July 2026, in response to increased fraudulent activity and privacy concerns. Applicants who are blocked will need to contact the Department via the ImmiAccount Technical Support Form to have the block removed and reset.

Additional Notes for the New Financial Year

Pacific Engagement visa ballot: The 2026–27 Pacific Engagement visa ballot for Pacific island and Timor-Leste nationals opened on 1 July 2026 and closes 29 July 2026, with random ballot selections to follow. This is a new ballot, registrations from previous ballots do not carry over.
Daily maintenance amount for immigration detention: The daily maintenance amount is now $702.31 per day, applying for the period 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2028.

Need Help Understanding How These Changes Affect Your Visa or Sponsorship Obligations?

All Access Migration team can review your situation against the new 2026-2027 fees and thresholds and can provide you with advice on the best path forward. Whether you are an individual applicant, a sponsoring employer, or considering a review application.

We can help you with:

There is a clear strategy in place
Your application is valid and approvable
Your circumstances are in accordance with relevant requirements.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team, we would be happy to provide you with advice specific to your individual circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN DID THE 2026–27 VISA FEE AND THRESHOLD CHANGES TAKE EFFECT?

Most of the changes outlined in this article took effect from 1 July 2026, marking the start of the new financial year.

HAVE VISA APPLICATION CHARGES (VACS) INCREASED?

Yes. VACs are indexed annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and increased again from 1 July 2026. Applicants should confirm the current fee for their specific visa before lodging.

WHAT ARE THE NEW INCOME THRESHOLDS FOR SKILLED VISAS?

From 1 July 2026, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is $79,423 (up from $76,515), and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) is $146,576 (up from $141,210). These apply to programs such as the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visas.

WHAT IS THE FAIR WORK HIGH INCOME THRESHOLD FOR 2026–27?

The Fair Work High Income Threshold has increased to $190,100 per annum, up from $183,100. It’s relevant to the age exemption under the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO APPLY TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW TRIBUNAL?

From 1 July 2026, an ART application fee is $3,727 for a review of a migration decision, or $2,293 for a review of a protection visa decision. These fees apply to payments made on or after 1 July 2026, regardless of when the application was lodged.

HOW MANY TIMES CAN AN APPLICATION BE IMPORTED INTO IMMIACCOUNT?

An application can only be imported three times. A fourth attempt triggers a system block, which requires contacting the Department via the ImmiAccount Technical Support Form to resolve.