Insights
Visa fees rose across the board in 2026–27, with many permanent visa categories up 20–30% and Resident Return Visa fees nearly tripling. When budgeting, note that the fee table applies only to primary applicants from mainland China and excludes card surcharges.
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For 2026–27, the Subclass 189 allocation rises to 21,090 and Subclass 190 has 35,550 places. We forecast that 190 could theoretically clear its backlog, excluding the effect of priority occupations advancing ahead. After subtracting Subclass 494 places, 491 may have fewer than 10,000 places, against an estimated backlog just above 10,000.
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If you are awaiting an Australian visa decision, the June 2026 official processing guide lists 12 months for 90% of 186 DE applications, eight months faster. Half of 190 and 491 applications take 13 and 15 months respectively, both one month faster.
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If you are planning to study abroad, apply for a 485 or renew a 155 RRV, note the fee increases from 1 July 2026: student visas cost A$2,500, the 485 A$5,750 and the 155 RRV A$1,475. Partner migration visa fees also exceed A$10,000.
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If you are waiting for a 189 invitation, the Department expects the next round before 30 September 2026, though it may be earlier or later. The 4 June 2026 round issued 10,000 invitations; social workers, nurses and secondary teachers received invitations at 75 points, but not all were cleared.
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When applying for an Australian visa yourself, you can generally add documents before a decision, but cannot rely on receiving a request. AFP and English evidence for the 485 is subject to strict requirements and should accompany the application; uploading the wrong result may also lead to refusal.
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When planning migration to Australia in 2026–27, compare employer sponsorship, points-based skilled migration, NIV and family pathways. Employer-sponsored places rise to 58,000, with 21,090 for the 189 and 35,500 for the 190; parent migration places fall to 7,060.
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For applicants waiting for NT offshore Subclass 491 nomination, applications with a signed Declaration but no formal nomination will automatically carry over to the 2026–27 financial year. Formal nomination remains subject to new allocations becoming available and applicants continuing to meet eligibility requirements.
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On 4 June 2026, Subclass 189 issued 10,000 invitations. Registered Nurses nec, Secondary School Teachers and Social Workers were invited at 75 points; Carpenters, Carpenters and Joiners, and Plumbers (General) at 65 points, showing the invitation scores for these occupations.
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Mainland Chinese graduates applying for Subclass 485 after a Subclass 500 student visa should prepare English early: results are valid for only 1 year, with an overall 6.5 and no component below 5.5; PTE is accepted. Applications must be made within six months of graduation.
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