Key changes at a glance
- The Student visa (subclass 500) fee rose to AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026.
- India was moved to Evidence Level 3 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework from 8 January 2026.
- The 2026–27 Migration Program stays at 185,000 places, with more Skilled Independent (189) places and far fewer regional places.
- Skills in Demand (482) salary thresholds were indexed from 1 July 2026.
- Partner visas now cost AUD 11,710, and most take around two years.
2026 has been a busy year for Australian immigration. Fees went up, evidence rules for Indian students became stricter, and the government reshaped where permanent places go. If you are planning to study, work or settle in Australia, here is a plain-English summary of what changed and what it means for you.
1. Student visa fee increased to AUD 2,500
From 1 July 2026 the base application charge for most Student visa (subclass 500) applicants is AUD 2,500, up from AUD 2,000. ELICOS (English course) and non-award applicants pay AUD 2,050. Each adult family member included in the application adds AUD 1,530 and each child under 18 adds AUD 500. The fee is set by the date your application is lodged, so it pays to have documents ready early.
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) also rose to AUD 5,750 for the main post-study streams.
2. India moved to Evidence Level 3
Australia uses the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) to decide how much evidence each applicant must provide, based on their passport country and their education provider. From 8 January 2026, India moved from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3 — the highest level. The change was confirmed by the Government of India in Parliament in April 2026; Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan were reportedly moved at the same time.
In practice, many Indian applicants can now expect:
- to attach full financial evidence (funds for tuition, living costs and travel) at lodgement,
- to provide English test results with the application,
- more checks of bank statements, academic documents and referees, and
- longer processing in some cases — reports suggest some applications that took around three weeks may now take up to eight weeks.
Tip: Evidence Level 3 is not a ban and does not mean refusal. It means a complete, genuine and well-organised application matters more than ever. Use the Department of Home Affairs Document Checklist Tool for your provider and course, and lodge only when every document is ready.
3. Student numbers are still managed
The government continues to manage international student numbers through a National Planning Level, set at 295,000 new international student places for 2026. Visa processing priority depends partly on how much of its allocation your education provider has already used, so the choice of provider can affect how quickly your application is processed. The living-cost figure for the student visa remains AUD 29,710 per year for the main applicant.
Remember that visitor visa and 485 visa holders in Australia generally cannot apply for a student visa onshore — they must apply from outside Australia. Read our full Student visa 500 guide for 2026.
4. The 2026–27 Migration Program
The permanent Migration Program for 2026–27 remains at 185,000 places, with about 132,240 in the Skill stream and 52,460 in the Family stream. The mix inside the Skill stream changed significantly:
| Category | 2025–26 | 2026–27 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Sponsored | 44,000 | 58,040 | Up |
| Skilled Independent (189) | 16,900 | 21,090 | Up about 25% |
| State/Territory Nominated (190) | 33,000 | 35,500 | Up |
| Regional (491/494/191) | 33,000 | 14,110 | Down about 57% |
| Partner | 40,500 | 41,500 | Up |
| Parent | 8,500 | 7,060 | Down |
What this means: competition for regional 491 nominations is likely to be tougher, while employer-sponsored and 189 pathways have more room. The points test pass mark is still 65, but invitations usually go to people with higher scores in most occupations. See our detailed article on 189, 190 and 491 visas in 2026–27.
5. Skills in Demand (482) thresholds indexed
The Skills in Demand visa replaced the old TSS visa in December 2024. Its two income thresholds — the Core Skills Income Threshold (AUD 76,515 in 2025–26) and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (AUD 141,210 in 2025–26) — were indexed again from 1 July 2026. The visa application charge is AUD 4,015 for the main applicant. Read our 482 guide for details.
6. Partner visas: higher fee, long waits
The combined fee for Partner visas (subclass 820/801 and 309/100) is now AUD 11,710. Department data from late 2026 shows around half of onshore 820 applications decided in about 21–22 months, and 90% within about 30 months. Applications should be complete and decision-ready at lodgement. See our partner visa guide.
What should you do now?
- Students: choose your provider carefully, prepare financial and English evidence before you apply, and allow extra processing time.
- Skilled workers: review your points score and occupation, and consider whether a 189, 190 or employer-sponsored pathway fits you best now that regional places are reduced.
- Families: budget for higher fees and prepare strong relationship evidence from the start.
Our Registered Migration Agent in Melbourne and our education team in Ahmedabad can review your situation and give you a clear plan. Book a free consultation.
