Guides

Australia Visa Fees 2026: Complete List of Application Charges

Understanding the full cost of an Australian visa is essential for budgeting your migration. Government application charges (VACs) are separate from migration agent fees and can range from a few hundred dollars to nearly $50,000. This guide lists every major visa fee for 2026 and explains additional costs you should budget for.

Skilled Visa Fees

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) - Primary applicant: $4,640 - Partner/spouse: $2,320 - Child (under 18): $1,170

Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) - Primary applicant: $4,640 - Partner/spouse: $2,320 - Child (under 18): $1,170

Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) - Primary applicant: $4,640 - Partner/spouse: $2,320 - Child (under 18): $1,170

Note: State nomination fees are separate and vary by state (typically $200-$400).

Employer-Sponsored Visa Fees

Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) - Short-term stream: $1,455 - Medium-term stream: $3,035 - Labour agreement stream: $3,035

Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) - Primary applicant: $4,640 - Partner/spouse: $2,320 - Child (under 18): $1,170

Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) - Primary applicant: $4,640 - Partner/spouse: $2,320 - Child (under 18): $1,170

Note: Employers also pay a Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy of $1,200-$1,800 per year depending on business turnover.

Family Visa Fees

Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) - Primary applicant: $8,850 - Child (under 18): $2,215 - This covers both temporary (820) and permanent (801) stages

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) - Primary applicant: $8,850

Parent Visa (Subclass 103) - Primary applicant: $4,990 - Processing time: 30+ years in the queue

Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) - Primary applicant: $4,990 (first instalment) + $43,600 (second instalment) - Total: $48,590 - Partner: $4,990 + $43,600

Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) - Same fee structure as Subclass 143

Student and Graduate Visa Fees

Student Visa (Subclass 500) - Primary applicant: $710 - Family members: $530 each

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) - Primary applicant: $1,895 - Partner/spouse: $945 - Child (under 18): $945

Note: Student visa applicants must also show proof of financial capacity (approximately $24,505 per year for living costs).

Visitor and Working Holiday Visa Fees

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) - Tourist stream: $190 - Business visitor: $190 - Sponsored family: $190 - Frequent traveller: $1,085

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) - First visa: $640 - Second visa: $640 - Third visa: $640

Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) - Same fees as Subclass 417

Additional Costs to Budget For

Beyond the visa application charge, budget for these additional costs:

  • - Skills assessment: $500-$1,500 depending on occupation and assessing body
  • - English language test: $300-$400 per attempt
  • - Health examinations: $300-$500 per person
  • - Police clearances: $40-$100 per country
  • - Migration agent fees: $1,500-$8,000+ depending on visa type and complexity
  • - Document translation and certification: $50-$200 per document
  • - Biometrics: $0-$100 depending on nationality

Use our cost estimator tool for a personalised breakdown of total costs for your situation.

When Do Fees Increase?

Australian visa fees typically increase on 1 July each year in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Increases are usually 2-4% annually. If you are planning to apply, lodging before 1 July can save you money.

Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most current fees, as they can change with policy updates outside the annual CPI adjustment.

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