485 Graduate Visa Cost Calculator 2025
485 Graduate visa costs in 2025: mandatory Home Affairs fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a 485 Graduate visa in 2025? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — Home Affairs filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory Home Affairs fees for the 485 Graduate
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a 485 Graduate application in 2025.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base application charge (main applicant) | A$5,750 | Most passport holders (1 July 2026). Pacific Engagement Visa-eligible passport holders pay a lower, unchanged rate of $2,300 — multiple sources confirm this concession wasn't touched by the July 2026 increase, though none states the post-July figure explicitly. | Official ↗ |
Source: Visa Pricing Estimator. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
A$650 – A$2,600 in Sydney. Typical cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
A$300 – A$700 — Bupa Medical Visa Services health examination.
Translation services
A$50 – A$200 — NAATI-certified translations of supporting documents.
Other optional fees
- Skills assessment (Graduate Work stream): A$800 — Required for the Graduate Work stream only.
How to apply for the 485 Graduate
- 1
Confirm eligibility and stream
Australian study requirement met (CRICOS-registered course) within 6 months of course completion.
- 2
Gather evidence
Qualification, English, health insurance (OSHC), and skills-assessment evidence for some streams.
- 3
Lodge online via ImmiAccount
Within the eligible window after course completion; must generally be in Australia at time of application and grant.
- 4
Complete health/character checks
Biometrics, health exams and police checks as requested.
Typical processing time: Generally 4–9 months depending on stream; peak lodgement periods (December–March) can push waits past 8 months.
Documents you'll need
- Evidence of course completion and CRICOS registration
- Passport and current visa evidence
- English language test results
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa period
- Skills assessment, where required for the stream/occupation
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying outside the eligible window after finishing studies
- Insufficient or lapsed OSHC coverage at lodgement
- Not meeting the Australian study requirement
- Confusing which stream applies to your qualification
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | A$5,750 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | A$6,400 – A$8,350 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | A$7,610 – A$14,000 |
How to save money on your 485 Graduate
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut A$650–A$2,600.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the Home Affairs website so you never overpay a third party.
485 Graduate cost FAQ (2025)
How much does a 485 Graduate visa cost in 2025?
The total estimated cost of a 485 Graduate visa in 2025 ranges from about A$6,400 to A$14,000, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the 485 Graduate application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. Home Affairs publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a 485 Graduate visa?
Attorney fees typically add A$2,000–A$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a 485 Graduate visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a 485 Graduate visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the Home Affairs website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with Home Affairs before paying.
How often do Home Affairs fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a 485 Graduate visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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