How Much Does It Really Cost to Migrate to Australia? (2026 Breakdown)

Here are approximate total costs for a single applicant (government fees + typical agent fees + additional costs):

• - Skilled Independent (189): $10,000-$15,000
• - Skilled Nominated (190): $10,000-$15,000
• - Skilled Work Regional (491): $10,000-$14,000
• - Employer Sponsored (482): $6,000-$12,000 (employer may cover some costs)
• - Partner Visa (820/801): $13,000-$20,000
• - Student Visa (500): $3,000-$6,000 (excluding tuition)
• - Parent Visa (143): $55,000-$65,000 (contributory)

These figures include government application charges, migration agent fees, skills assessment, English test, health exams, police clearances, and document preparation. They do not include airfare, accommodation, or settling-in costs.

The government visa application charge (VAC) is non-refundable and must be paid when you lodge your application:

• - Skilled visas (189, 190, 491): $4,640 per primary applicant
• - Employer sponsored (482 medium-term): $3,035
• - Partner visa: $8,850
• - Student visa: $710
• - Contributory parent visa: $4,990 + $43,600 second instalment

Partner and child applicants incur additional charges. Use our cost estimator for a personalised calculation including family members.

Skills assessment fees vary by occupation and assessing authority:

• - Engineers Australia: $550-$1,100
• - Australian Computer Society (ACS): $550
• - Accounting bodies (CPA/CA ANZ/IPA): $560-$600
• - ANMAC (nurses): $540
• - TRA (trades): $300-$1,500 (depends on whether a practical assessment is needed)
• - VETASSESS (general professional): $630-$1,050
• - AACA (architects): $900-$1,500
• - APC (physiotherapists): $800-$1,200

Some assessments include multiple stages, with additional fees for practical or clinical assessments.

You will need at least one English test, and many people take it multiple times to get the score they need:

• - IELTS: $395
• - PTE Academic: $395
• - TOEFL iBT: $330
• - OET: $587 (healthcare professionals)

Budget for 2-3 attempts if you need a high score. The difference between IELTS 7.0 and 8.0 can be worth 10-20 extra points on your skilled visa application.

Professional migration agent fees depend on the visa type and complexity:

• - Simple visas (student, working holiday): $1,000-$2,500
• - Skilled visas (189, 190, 491): $3,000-$6,000
• - Employer sponsored (482, 186): $3,500-$7,000
• - Partner visas: $3,500-$8,000
• - Complex cases (appeals, refusals): $5,000-$15,000+

Not everyone needs an agent. For straightforward student visa or working holiday applications, you may be able to apply yourself. For skilled, partner, and employer-sponsored visas, professional help is recommended.

Read our detailed guide on migration agent costs and find agents near you.

• - Health examinations: $300-$500 per person (chest X-ray, general medical, blood tests)
• - Police clearances: $40-$100 per country you have lived in
• - Document translation: $50-$200 per document (NAATI-certified translations required)
• - Document notarisation: $20-$50 per document
• - Biometrics: $0-$100 depending on your nationality
• - State nomination fee: $200-$400 (for 190 and 491 visas)
• - Additional English tests: $330-$587 per attempt if you need to improve your score
• - Skilling Australians Fund levy: $1,200-$1,800/year (employer sponsored visas, paid by employer)

1. Apply before July 1 — Visa fees typically increase annually on this date
2. Nail the English test first time — Each retake costs $330-$587
3. Compare migration agents — Get quotes from at least 3 agents using our directory
4. Consider regional pathways — The 491 visa has the same application fee but lower competition and more state support
5. Do your research — The more prepared you are, the less time (and money) your agent needs to spend
6. Check if your employer will pay — Many employer-sponsored visa costs are covered by the sponsoring business
7. Apply as a couple — If both partners have skills, the secondary applicant fee is much less than a separate application