If you’re searching for a 485 visa consultant in Melbourne right now, chances are you’ve just heard about the latest fee increase and you’re wondering what it means for your application. You’re not alone. Since 1 July 2026, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) has become significantly more expensive, and international graduates across Melbourne are rushing to understand their options before committing to an application that costs thousands of dollars and cannot be refunded if refused.
For many students, the 485 visa is the natural next step after years of tuition fees, rent, and living costs in Australia. It’s the pathway that lets you turn your qualification into real work experience, and for some, it’s the first real move toward a longer-term skilled migration outcome. But with the fee now sitting well above what it was even a year ago, a rejected or poorly prepared application isn’t just frustrating, it’s an expensive mistake that can derail your entire plan to stay and work in Australia.
This guide breaks down exactly what changed, what the 485 visa now costs, who qualifies, what documents you’ll need, the most common mistakes applicants make, and why working with an experienced Melbourne-based consultant can make the difference between an approval and a costly rejection.
What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?
The subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa lets international students who have recently completed an eligible Australian qualification stay on and work in the country after their studies finish. It’s one of the most common stepping stones between a student visa and permanent skilled migration, giving graduates time to gain local work experience, build their resume, and in many cases work toward employer sponsorship or a points-tested skilled visa down the track.
The visa has two main streams:
The Post-Higher Education Work stream, for graduates of higher education qualifications such as bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees
The Post-Vocational Education Work stream, for graduates of certain vocational qualifications linked to occupations in demand
Each stream has different eligibility settings, so it’s worth confirming which one applies to your qualification before you start preparing documents.
How Much Does the 485 Visa Cost After the 1 July 2026 Fee Increase?
This is where things have changed dramatically. The 485 visa has now been increased three times in around 18 months. It rose from $2,300 to $4,600 in March 2026, and then jumped again to $5,750 from 1 July 2026 as part of a broader visa fee overhaul that pushed charges up by roughly 25% across most subclasses.
That means the base application charge for the main applicant is now $5,750, with additional charges applying for a partner or dependent children included on the same application. Because this fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused, there is more pressure than ever to get your application right the first time.
Fees can vary depending on your stream, location, and family composition, so it’s always worth checking the current charge on the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before you lodge, since indexation and policy changes can occur with little notice.
It’s also worth budgeting for costs beyond the base application charge itself. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to factor in:
Overseas Student Health Cover or Overseas Visitor Health Cover for the visa period
English test fees if your results need to be renewed or you haven’t already met the requirement
Police clearance certificate costs, particularly if you’ve lived in more than one country
Biometrics collection fees, which apply to applicants from certain countries
Skills assessment fees, if your stream or future pathway requires one
None of these are new costs created by the July 2026 change, but they add up quickly on top of the higher visa application charge, which is exactly why a clear cost picture before you commit matters more now than it did a year ago.
Why Are So Many Graduates Searching for a 485 Visa Consultant in Melbourne?
With application charges this high and no refund if things go wrong, more graduates are choosing to work with a registered migration agent rather than risk a DIY application. A few reasons keep coming up:
One rejected application can mean losing thousands of dollars with nothing to show for it
Eligibility rules around qualification levels, CRICOS-registered courses, and English requirements are easy to misread
Timing matters, since your application generally needs to be lodged before your student visa expires and within the required window after course completion
Health checks, police checks, and English test evidence all have their own validity periods that need to line up correctly
Post-study pathways toward skilled migration are easier to plan with guidance from someone who understands both the visa and the labour market in Melbourne
A local consultant who works with Melbourne-based graduates day to day understands not just the visa rules but also which industries and employers are actively hiring graduates on a 485 visa, which is genuinely useful when you’re planning your next two to four years in Australia.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the 485 Visa in 2026?
While specific requirements depend on your stream, most applicants need to:
Hold or have recently held a valid Australian student visa (subclass 500)
Have completed a CRICOS-registered course that meets the Australian Study Requirement
Apply within six months of completing their qualification, in most cases
Meet the required English language level
Hold health insurance and meet health and character requirements
Not have previously held a 485 visa, in most circumstances
Because eligibility criteria and processing priorities can shift with each policy update, it’s worth getting your specific situation checked rather than relying on general information, particularly if your course, visa history, or timeline is at all unusual.
What Documents Do You Need for a 485 Visa Application?
Getting your documents right the first time matters even more now that a refusal means losing the full $5,750 charge. Most applicants need to prepare:
Evidence of course completion, such as a graduation letter or academic transcript, plus your Confirmation of Enrolment history
A valid passport and current visa evidence
English language test results, unless you’re exempt
Health insurance confirmation for the period of the new visa
A police clearance certificate covering any country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
Health examination results, arranged through a Home Affairs approved panel physician
Evidence of your relationship if you’re including a partner on the application
Missing or outdated documents are one of the most common reasons applications get delayed or refused, so it pays to start gathering evidence well before your student visa is due to expire.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes Graduates Make With Their 485 Application?
Even strong candidates run into trouble with the 485 visa, usually for avoidable reasons. Some of the most common issues we see include:
Applying for the wrong stream because the qualification and course length weren’t matched correctly to stream requirements
Leaving the application too close to student visa expiry, which removes any buffer if extra documents or clarification are needed
English test results that have expired by the time of lodgement
Assuming eligibility based on a friend’s experience rather than checking current rules, which change frequently
Underestimating how long a police clearance certificate can take to arrive from certain countries
Given the size of the fee now involved, even a small oversight can turn into an expensive lesson, which is exactly why a proper eligibility check before lodgement is worth the time it takes.
How Can Edvise Hub Help You With Your 485 Visa Application?
At Edvise Hub, we work with international graduates across Melbourne every week who are navigating exactly this decision. As a MARA-registered migration and education consultancy, our team helps you confirm your eligibility, choose the right stream, prepare a complete and accurate application, and avoid the kind of small errors that lead to costly refusals under the new higher fee structure.
Given how much a single rejected 485 application now costs, our approach is to check your eligibility properly before you pay a cent to the Department, so you go into your application with confidence rather than guesswork. We also help graduates think beyond the 485 itself, toward longer-term pathways like employer sponsorship or points-tested skilled visas, so your next visa decision fits into a bigger plan rather than being made in isolation.
If you’re based in Melbourne and weighing up your options after the July 2026 fee change, a conversation with a registered consultant before you lodge can save you both time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the 485 visa fee in 2026?
As of 1 July 2026, the base application charge for the main applicant is $5,750, with additional fees for partners or dependants.
Is the 485 visa fee refundable if my application is refused?
No, the visa application charge is non-refundable regardless of the outcome, which is why accurate preparation matters more than ever.
How long can I stay in Australia on a 485 visa?
Visa length depends on your qualification and stream, generally ranging from two to four years, with longer periods available for some regional or in-demand qualifications.
Do I need a migration agent for a 485 visa application?
It isn’t compulsory, but given the high non-refundable fee and strict eligibility rules, many applicants choose to work with a registered migration agent to reduce the risk of refusal.
Where can I get help with a 485 visa in Melbourne?
Edvise Hub, a MARA-registered migration and education consultancy based in Melbourne, offers eligibility checks and full application support for the subclass 485 visa.
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