Australia visa charges are the official government fees you pay to lodge a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Called the Visa Application Charge (VAC), they’re set in Australian dollars, vary by visa type and applicant (main or family), and priced at lodgment. Some visas also attract extra amounts such as the Subsequent Temporary Application Charge and, for categories, a second installment. These are separate from medicals, police checks, skills assessments, and biometrics.

This guide brings you the 2025 numbers and what changed on 1 July 2025. You’ll see charges by visa stream—visitor, student and training, skilled and employer‑sponsored, family, partner, parent and carer—plus likely surcharges (cards, FX, government levies). We’ll show how to pay in ImmiAccount, tips for paying from the Philippines, when waivers or refunds apply, and how to estimate your budget and avoid mistakes.

What are Australia visa charges?

Australia visa charges are the official Visa Application Charge (VAC) you pay to the Department of Home Affairs when you lodge a visa application. They’re set and published in Australian dollars, vary by visa subclass and applicant (primary or family member), and are calculated on the date you apply. Some visas have a nil charge for certain applicants, and pricing is updated periodically (often from 1 July). Beyond the base VAC, extra amounts can apply depending on your situation.

• Base VAC: Main charge for the primary applicant.
• Additional applicants: Extra VAC for each family member included.
• Second installment: Payable for some visas.
• STAC: Subsequent Temporary Application Charge in specific onshore cases.
• Payment surcharges: May apply for card payments.

What changed on 1 July 2025

From 1 July 2025, the Department of Home Affairs updated the Visa Pricing Table and applied the new schedule at the time of lodgment. The standout shift is for students: Student visa (subclass 500) charges now start from AUD 2,000 per application. Australia visa charges continue to be set in Australian dollars and calculated on the date you apply—so applications lodged before 1 July use the previous pricing, and those on/after 1 July use the 2025 schedule.

• Student visa (subclass 500): From AUD 2,000 per application
• All other subclasses: Check the current Visa Pricing Table for the applicable 2025 VAC
• Extras (STAC, second installment, surcharges): Still payable in addition to the base VAC

How visa pricing works: base charge, additional applicants, second installment and STAC

Australia visa charges are modular: you start with a base fee for the main applicant, then add any per‑person amounts for family members you include, and sometimes extra government charges depending on where and how you apply. All amounts are set in AUD and are locked to the date you lodge the application, not the date it’s decided.

• Base VAC: The primary fee for the main applicant, set per visa subclass.
• Additional applicant VAC: A separate VAC applies to each family member you include in the same application; rates are set per subclass.
• Second installment of VAC: For some visas, an extra amount is requested by Home Affairs before grant; it isn’t paid at lodgment and only applies where specified for that subclass.
• STAC (Subsequent Temporary Application Charge): An extra charge that can apply when you apply onshore for another temporary visa; assessed per applicant where relevant.

Estimated lodgment total = Base VAC + Σ (additional applicant VAC) + (STAC, if applicable)

Surcharges you might pay: card payments, FX, and other government add-ons

Beyond the VAC, small add‑ons can push your out‑of‑pocket higher. Home Affairs charges and settles in AUD via ImmiAccount, so payment method and currency conversion matter. Below are the typical surcharges and government extras to budget for.

• Card payment surcharge: Charged by Home Affairs; varies by card and shows at checkout.
• Foreign exchange (FX) costs: If your account isn’t in AUD, expect a rate margin plus any international fee.
• STAC and second installment: Extra government charges for specific visas (separate from the base VAC).
• Employer add‑ons: Nomination fees and the SAF levy in sponsored cases (usually paid by the sponsor).
• Third‑party fees: Biometrics, police checks, and health exams are paid to external providers and vary by country.

Visitor and transit visa charges in 2025

Visitor visa pricing depends on the stream you choose and who’s included in your application. You’ll pay the base VAC for the primary applicant in AUD on the day you lodge, plus any additional‑applicant VAC. As an example, the Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Tourist stream applied outside Australia starts from AUD 195. Transit options may carry a nil VAC, but you must confirm the current rate in the Visa Pricing Table. STAC may apply if you apply onshore for another temporary visa, and surcharges and third‑party costs sit on top of the australia visa charges.

Student and training visa charges in 2025

From 1 July 2025, Student visa (subclass 500) charges start from AUD 2,000 per application, payable in Australian dollars at lodgment. If you include family members, an additional applicant VAC applies per person. Training visa charges vary by subclass and are listed in the current Visa Pricing Table; totals depend on who applies, where you apply, and whether any government extras are triggered.

• Student (subclass 500): From AUD 2,000 per application (exemptions may apply).
• Additional applicants: Extra VAC per family member included in the same form.
• Onshore extras: STAC may apply if you apply inside Australia for another temporary visa.
• Possible second installment: Only for specified subclasses—check your stream.
• Other costs: Biometrics, health exams, and police checks are paid separately to providers and sit on top of the australia visa charges.

Work and skilled visa charges in 2025

Planning a skilled move to Australia? Work and skilled visa charges are priced in Australian dollars at the moment you lodge, and your total depends on the subclass, where you apply, and who you include. Expect a base Visa Application Charge for the primary applicant, an additional‑applicant VAC for each family member, and—if you apply onshore for another temporary visa—the possible STAC on top. For some subclasses, a second installment may also be requested by Home Affairs before grant.

• Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa: From AUD 4,240 (example)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa: From AUD 4,115 (example)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa: From AUD 4,115 (example)

Treat these as indicative starting points; always confirm the current Visa Pricing Table. Employer nomination fees and the SAF levy sit outside the VAC and are covered next.

Employer-sponsored visa costs in 2025 (VAC, nomination fees and SAF levy)

Employer-sponsored pathways have two sides of cost: the applicant pays the Visa Application Charge (VAC) in AUD at lodgment, while the sponsoring employer pays separate government charges tied to the nomination. Your total can also include onshore STAC, a possible second installment (if specified for the subclass), and small card surcharges. As an example of the applicant side only, Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visas start from AUD 4,115 (indicative). Always confirm the current Visa Pricing Table before you lodge.

• Applicant side (VAC): Base VAC for the primary applicant, plus any additional‑applicant VAC; payable in AUD at lodgment.
• Employer side (nomination fee): A separate government fee paid when lodging the nomination.
• Employer side (SAF levy): Skilling Australians Fund levy payable on most nominations; amount set by Home Affairs—check current settings.
• Other add‑ons: STAC (where applicable), second installment (if required), and payment surcharges.

Family and partner visa charges in 2025

Family and partner visa charges follow the same rules as all Australia visa charges in 2025: amounts are set in Australian dollars, calculated on the day you lodge, and shown in the current Visa Pricing Table. Your total usually starts with the base Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the primary applicant, then adds any per‑person VAC for eligible family members included in the same application. Depending on the subclass, extra government amounts can also apply, and you’ll still need to budget for card surcharges and third‑party costs like biometrics, medicals, and police certificates.

• Know your stream: Partner (spouse/de facto), Prospective Marriage, Child, Adoption and other family streams each have distinct VAC settings.
• Add everyone correctly: Each included family member attracts its own additional‑applicant VAC.
• Watch for extra government amounts: Some family subclasses specify an additional installment—check your exact subclass notes.
• Pay in AUD at lodgment: FX conversion and card surcharges can lift your out‑of‑pocket beyond the listed VAC.

Parent and carer visa charges in 2025

Parent and carer pathways typically have higher overall Australia visa charges because they combine a base Visa Application Charge (VAC) at lodgment with per‑person amounts for any family members you include, and in some parent streams a second installment that Home Affairs requests before grant. All figures are set in Australian dollars and are calculated on the date you apply; the 2025 schedule applies to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025.

Plan your budget with the full mix in mind, not just the base VAC. You’ll also need to account for payment surcharges on cards, FX conversion if you pay from a non‑AUD account, and separate third‑party costs like biometrics, medicals, and police certificates.

• Start with the base VAC: Payable at lodgment in AUD for the primary applicant.
• Add family members: Each included applicant attracts its own additional‑applicant VAC.
• Check for a second installment: Some parent streams specify an extra amount payable when requested.
• Confirm your exact subclass rules: Refer to the current Visa Pricing Table for 2025 settings before you lodge.

Other unavoidable and optional costs (biometrics, health, police checks, English tests, skills assessments)

Beyond the VAC, most applicants will face third‑party costs that sit on top of the australia visa charges and are paid to external providers, not Home Affairs. Amounts vary by country, provider and test type, and are usually non‑refundable even if your visa is refused. Plan for timing too—some must be completed after you lodge and receive requests through ImmiAccount.

• Biometrics collection: Paid to an approved service center; fee varies by location and appointment type.
• Health examinations: Paid to panel physicians; required tests depend on age, stay length and visa purpose.
• Police certificates: Issued by each relevant authority; you may need one for every country you’ve lived in.
• English tests: Only where required; fees differ by test provider and test format.
• Skills assessments: For many skilled visas; fees set by the assessing authority and vary by occupation.

How to pay your visa charge step-by-step in ImmiAccount

ImmiAccount is Home Affairs’ portal to lodge and pay Australia visa charges in AUD. Your total is set at lodgment, and any card surcharge displays before you confirm. Follow these steps to pay cleanly and prevent avoidable delays. Use the same account for updates.

1. Create or sign in: Access your ImmiAccount.
2. Start your application: Complete all questions accurately.
3. Add family members: The system applies additional‑applicant VAC.
4. Upload documents: Provide required evidence per the prompts.
5. Review Charges: Check base VAC, any STAC, and total in AUD.
6. Select payment: Check the displayed card surcharge; confirm and pay.
7. Save proof: Keep the receipt/reference and monitor ImmiAccount messages for biometrics, health, or any second‑installment request—pay only via the official request link.

Paying from the Philippines: methods, currency, and biometrics service fees

If you’re applying from the Philippines, you’ll pay Australia visa charges online in ImmiAccount in Australian dollars. The Australian Embassy in the Philippines confirms VACs are accepted in AUD only (the bank or card you use handles the FX). Expect a small Home Affairs card surcharge and any bank international fees; pay in AUD at checkout to avoid poor dynamic currency conversion.

• Payment method: Pay the VAC in ImmiAccount in AUD; keep the official receipt.
• Currency: AUD only; don’t attempt PHP drafts or cash at the Embassy/VAC.
• Biometrics fees: Collected locally at VFS Global centers in PHP; amounts and accepted payment methods are shown in your appointment confirmation and are separate from the VAC.

Fee waivers, concessions and refunds in 2025

Waivers, concessions and refunds on Australia visa charges exist, but only where the current Visa Pricing Table or the specific subclass rules say so. They’re narrowly defined, assessed in Australian dollars, and tied to the date you lodge. Don’t assume relief is available—read your subclass notes carefully and keep evidence ready if you claim eligibility.

• Nil charge cases: Some visas/streams or applicants are listed as “nil VAC” (for example, certain transit options); rely only on the current table.
• Concessions/exemptions: Only where explicitly specified for the subclass (e.g., noted exemptions on Student 500).
• Refunds: Limited to situations set out by Home Affairs and only where criteria are met; the base rule is “no refund unless specified.”
• Second installment: Only payable if Home Affairs requests it; if not requested, you don’t pay it.
• Third‑party fees: Biometrics, health, police checks and tests are separate and typically non‑refundable.

How to estimate your total cost, budget and avoid common mistakes

Build your estimate around the current Australia visa charges shown in AUD for your exact subclass, stream, and where you’ll lodge. Amounts lock on the day you apply in ImmiAccount. Remember the modular pieces: base VAC, additional applicants, possible STAC for onshore temporary applications, a potential second installment (if your subclass requires it), card/FX costs, and third‑party fees.

Total budget = Base VAC + Σ(additional applicant VAC) + STAC(if any) + possible second installment + card surcharge + bank/FX + biometrics + health + police + English tests + skills assessment

1. Identify your subclass/stream and onshore vs. offshore lodgment.
2. Add the base VAC (AUD) for the primary applicant.
3. Add additional‑applicant VAC for each family member.
4. Check whether STAC applies (onshore temporary only).
5. Note any second installment rules (payable only if requested).
6. Add card surcharge and your bank’s FX/intl fees.
7. Add third‑party costs: biometrics, health, police, English tests, skills assessments.
8. Add a small buffer for retests or extra documents.

• Common mistakes to avoid:
• Using outdated pricing instead of the current Visa Pricing Table.
• Forgetting additional‑applicant VAC or onshore STAC.
• Ignoring second‑installment rules and under‑budgeting.
• Paying the VAC in a currency other than AUD or trying to pay it at the Embassy.
• Overlooking third‑party costs (biometrics, health, police, tests, assessments).

Where to find official fees and calculate your charge

To avoid surprises, base your estimate only on Department of Home Affairs sources. Use the current Visa Pricing Table for the official Australia visa charges in AUD, the “Fees and charges for visa” guidance for how pricing works, and your ImmiAccount application for the exact payable total at lodgment (it will itemize any STAC and card surcharge before you confirm).

• Find your subclass/stream: Note the base VAC and additional‑applicant VAC in the Visa Pricing Table.
• Check subclass notes: Look for STAC, second‑installment rules, exemptions or nil‑charge cases.
• Employer pathways: Add the nomination fee and SAF levy (usually paid by the sponsor).
• Verify in ImmiAccount: Start the form to see the total in AUD before payment.
• Add third‑party costs: Biometrics, health, police, English tests, and skills assessments.

When to get help from a registered migration agent

Australia visa charges are only one part of getting a grant. If your situation involves multiple applicants, onshore timing, or tricky eligibility, a registered migration agent can map the correct subclass, calculate your true costs (VAC, STAC, any second installment), and structure your lodgment to avoid costly mistakes.

• Past refusals/cancellations: Strategy for re‑application and accurate fee planning.
• Health or character issues: Anticipate extra evidence and possible second‑installment exposure.
• Onshore timing/bridging: Manage STAC, bridging status and sequencing of applications.
• Employer sponsorship: Align nomination, SAF levy, and VAC responsibilities.
• Parent/partner/family cases: Include the right family members and avoid extra charges or delays.

Key takeaways

Australia visa charges are set in AUD and lock on the day you lodge. For 2025, note the Student 500 now starts from AUD 2,000, and totals can rise with STAC, any second installment, card surcharges, FX, and third‑party costs. From the Philippines, pay in ImmiAccount in AUD; biometrics are paid locally at VFS.

• Use official totals: Rely on the current Visa Pricing Table and your ImmiAccount checkout.
• Count everyone: Add the per‑person additional‑applicant VAC for each family member.
• Check extras: Confirm onshore STAC and any subclass‑specific second installment.
• Minimize FX pain: Expect card surcharges; pay in AUD and avoid DCC.
• Budget beyond VAC: Biometrics, health, police, English tests, skills assessments.
• Employer add‑ons: Nomination fee and SAF levy sit outside the applicant’s VAC.
• Stay official: Pay only via ImmiAccount requests and keep all receipts.

Want a tailored cost map and subclass strategy before you lodge? Speak with the team at Simon Mander Consulting for expert, practical help.