Australia Immigration Visa Fees
Australia Immigration Visa Fees and Cost 2026
If you are planning to migrate to Australia, understanding the visa application charges and other associated costs is an important part of your planning.
The Australian Government charges a visa application fee for most visa applications. The amount depends on the visa subclass, the number of applicants included in the application and other circumstances. Visa application charges can change, so applicants should always confirm the applicable fee with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging an application.
Australia Skilled Migration Visa Fees 2026
For applicants planning to apply through Australia s General Skilled Migration program, the major points-tested skilled visa options include:
- Skilled Independent visa – Subclass 189
- Skilled Nominated visa – Subclass 190
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 491
Australia PR Visa Government Fees from 1 July 2026
| Visa Subclass | Main Applicant | Additional Applicant 18+ | Additional Applicant Under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent | AUD 6,135 | AUD 3,070 | AUD 1,535 |
| Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated | AUD 6,140 | AUD 3,070 | AUD 1,535 |
| Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional | AUD 6,140 | AUD 3,070 | AUD 1,535 |
These are Australian Government visa application charges (VACs) and do not include professional fees, skills assessment, English-language testing, medical examinations, police certificates or other associated costs.
The Department of Home Affairs currently lists the subclass 190 visa cost at AUD 6,140 for the main applicant.
Subclass 494 Visa Fee
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 494 is another regional skilled migration pathway.
From 1 July 2026, the government visa application charge is:
| Visa Subclass | Main Applicant | Additional Applicant 18+ | Additional Applicant Under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 494 | AUD 6,140 | AUD 3,070 | AUD 1,535 |
Subclass 494 is an employer-sponsored regional visa and has different eligibility and sponsorship requirements from the points-tested subclasses 189, 190 and 491.
Other Costs for Australia PR
The government visa application charge is only one part of the overall cost of an Australian skilled migration application.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to budget for:
1. Skills Assessment
Most skilled migration applicants need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before proceeding with an Expression of Interest or visa application.
The cost varies depending on the occupation and assessing authority, such as ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, CPA Australia, CA ANZ or another relevant organisation.
2. English Language Test
Applicants may need to take an approved English language test such as IELTS, PTE Academic or another accepted test, depending on the visa and circumstances.
The test fee is separate from the Australian Government visa application charge.
3. Expression of Interest
Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect does not itself attract a Department of Home Affairs visa application charge.
However, applicants may incur other costs while preparing their EOI, including English testing and skills assessment.
4. State or Territory Nomination
Applicants for subclass 190 and subclass 491 may need nomination from an Australian state or territory.
State and territory governments can have their own nomination requirements and, in some cases, application or processing fees. These are separate from the federal visa application charge.
5. Medical Examination
Applicants may be required to complete health examinations as part of the visa process.
Medical examination costs are paid separately to the approved medical provider and can vary by country and by the examinations required.
6. Police Clearance Certificates
Police certificates may be required to satisfy Australia s character requirements.
The cost depends on the country or authority issuing the certificate.
7. Biometrics
Depending on the applicant s circumstances and the visa application process, biometric collection may be required. Any applicable biometric or service charges are separate from the visa application charge.
Is the Australia Visa Application Fee Refundable?
Generally, the visa application charge is not refunded simply because an application is withdrawn or refused.
Applicants should therefore carefully review their eligibility and documentation before lodging an application.
The Department of Home Affairs states that visa application charges can change and that the applicable amount depends on the date the application is received.
Visa Application Payment Surcharge
A payment surcharge may apply when certain visa application charges are paid using a credit card or PayPal.
Current Department of Home Affairs surcharge rates include:
- American Express – 1.40%
- JCB – 1.40%
- MasterCard – 1.40%
- Visa – 1.40%
- PayPal – 1.01%
- UnionPay – 1.90%
These payment surcharges are separate from the visa application charge.
How Much Money Do You Need for Australia PR?
There is no single fixed amount that represents the total cost of migrating to Australia.
For a skilled migration applicant, the overall budget may include:
- Skills assessment fee
- English-language test fee
- EOI/state nomination costs, where applicable
- Australian Government visa application charge
- Additional applicant charges
- Medical examination fees
- Police clearance costs
- Biometrics, where applicable
- Document translation/certification costs
- Professional immigration assistance, if engaged
- Travel and settlement expenses
Therefore, applicants should calculate their expected cost based on their individual visa subclass and family composition.
Australia PR Visa Fee Calculator
The Australian Department of Home Affairs provides a Visa Pricing Estimator that applicants can use to estimate the government charges applicable to their circumstances.
The final amount can depend on factors including:
- Visa subclass and stream
- Passport/citizenship
- Date of lodgement
- Whether the application is lodged online
- Whether the applicant is in or outside Australia
- Number of additional applicants
- Age of additional applicants
- Previous Australian visa history
The Department s Visa Pricing Estimator should be checked immediately before lodging an application because visa charges can change.
Important: Government Fees vs Professional Fees
The Australian Government visa application charge is not the same as an immigration consultant s professional fee.
If you engage a professional immigration service provider, their service charges are additional and depend on the scope of assistance provided.
At Visas Avenue, applicants can seek professional assistance with Australian immigration pathways, including profile assessment, skills assessment guidance, Expression of Interest preparation and visa application support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Australia PR visa fee in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the government application charge for the main applicant is AUD 6,135 for subclass 189 and AUD 6,140 for subclasses 190 and 491. Additional applicant charges apply separately.
Has Australia s PR visa fee increased in 2026?
Yes. The government visa application charges for major skilled migration visas increased from 1 July 2026. For example, the previous AUD 4,910 charge shown on older pages for subclasses 189, 190 and 491 is no longer current.
Does the Australia PR visa fee include the skills assessment?
No. The skills assessment is a separate cost paid to the relevant assessing authority.
Is the English test fee included in the visa fee?
No. English-language testing is a separate expense.
Does the visa fee include medical and police clearance costs?
No. Medical examinations, police certificates and other related costs are generally separate from the visa application charge.
Is the EOI fee included in the Australia PR visa fee?
Submitting an EOI through SkillSelect does not itself constitute a visa application and does not attract the federal visa application charge.
Can Australia visa fees change?
Yes. Australian visa application charges can change periodically. The Department of Home Affairs advises applicants to check the current pricing before lodging their application.
Get Your Australia PR Profile Assessed
Every applicant s circumstances are different. Your suitable visa pathway may depend on your age, occupation, skills assessment, English-language ability, education, skilled employment experience, points and other eligibility requirements.
If you are planning to apply for Australian skilled migration, get your profile assessed before starting the application process.
Visas Avenue provides immigration assistance for applicants exploring Australian skilled migration and other Australian visa pathways.
Call: 78-18-000-777
Email: info@visasavenue.com
Disclaimer: Visa rules, government charges and eligibility requirements can change. The amounts mentioned above are Australian Government visa application charges applicable based on information available at the time of publication. Always verify the applicable charge through the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging an application. Professional fees and third-party costs are not included unless specifically stated.
