Migrating to Australia has official costs, but the figures depend on the visa and change over time. This is a general information guide — not a quote for your case — about what fees and expenses exist and where to check the current amounts. We sell nothing; we point you to the official sources.
The government's application charge exists per subclass
The Australian Government charges a visa application charge for each subclass. There are charges for visas 189, 190, 491, 500 (student), 462 (work and holiday) and 820 (partner), among others, and the official visa list helps you locate the one that applies to your situation. The amounts are not fixed and they are updated.
Additional costs beyond the visa charge
Beyond the visa charge, other expenses commonly appear: the skills assessment with the relevant authority, the English test, medical examinations, official document translations, and in some cases a police check. Each step has its own cost, paid by the person who requests it. The official visa pricing estimator breaks down the application charge, but the costs of these prior steps are set by each provider.
Why the figures change
The amounts are adjusted periodically and can vary by subclass and by the date you apply. The current pricing table is the only up-to-date source; any figure you read today may not apply tomorrow. It's worth confirming before you pay.
General information: requirements change and the official source is immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Processing times exist and vary
Processing times exist and vary widely by visa and by application volume. The official processing times guide shows medians for recently decided applications as a reference, not as a guaranteed timeframe for your case.
Myth vs Reality
Four ideas that come up again and again about costs — and what general information says.
Myth“The cost is the same for every visa.”RealityEach subclass has its own charge; the official estimator gives the exact amount for your situation.
Myth“Paying more speeds up approval.”RealityPaying the charge does not change the outcome or the time. The timeframe depends on the visa and the volume of applications.
Myth“Today’s figures will be the same next year.”RealityPrices are updated; the current table is the only reliable source.
Myth“The visa charge is the only expense.”RealityThe skills assessment, the English requirement, medical examinations and translations are usually added on top.
The next step
Every situation has its nuances, and every country of origin its own. If you'd like to look at how this applies to your case, contact us and we'll go through it with you.
Every case is different. Always check the official source immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Want to review your situation? Contact us →
General information · not individual legal advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-27 · Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au (pricing estimator, current pricing, processing times)