Simon Mander — Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0318058)
Australian Visa Application Fees 2026
Last updated: May 2026. Figures reflect the current Department of Home Affairs charges at the time of writing.
Australian visa application fees vary depending on the visa type, family composition, migration pathway and whether additional applicants are included.
However, the government application charge is only part of the real migration cost. Many applicants focus on the visa fee itself while underestimating:
- skills assessments
- English testing
- medical examinations
- police clearances
- translations
- state nomination fees
- professional migration assistance
The biggest mistake applicants make is assuming the visa application charge represents the total migration budget. In reality, the full cost can be significantly higher depending on the pathway and evidence requirements.
Important: visa application charges are reviewed regularly and are commonly indexed on 1 July each year. Always confirm current fees directly through the
Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator
before lodging an application.
Need a realistic migration cost plan?
At Simon Mander Consulting, we assess your likely pathway, government charges, evidence costs, timing and strategic risks before you commit to the wrong migration strategy.
Contents
Quick Australian Visa Fee Summary
| Visa type | Common subclass | Primary applicant fee from |
|---|---|---|
| Partner visa | 820/801 or 309/100 | AUD $9,365 |
| Skilled permanent visa | 189 or 190 | AUD $4,910 |
| 491 visa | 491 | AUD $4,910 |
| Employer-sponsored visa | 482 or 186 | AUD $3,210 to $4,910 |
| Student visa | 500 | AUD $2,000 |
| Visitor visa | 600 | From AUD $200 |
| Temporary Graduate visa | 485 | AUD $4,600 |
These figures are a general guide only and may not include additional applicants, second instalments, card surcharges or related costs.
1. Partner Visa Fees
Partner visas are among the most expensive Australian visas because they lead toward permanent residency and eventually citizenship eligibility.
Partner visa applicants should budget not only for the government application charge, but also:
- health examinations
- police clearances
- translations
- relationship evidence preparation
- professional migration assistance
| Applicant | Fee |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant | AUD $9,365 |
| Additional applicant 18 or over | AUD $4,685 |
| Additional applicant under 18 | AUD $2,345 |
Related guides:
2. Skilled Migration Visa Fees
Skilled migration visas are generally used by applicants who qualify through their occupation, qualifications, work experience, English level and migration points.
The government fee is only part of the total cost. Many applicants also require:
- skills assessments
- English testing
- state nomination fees
- translations
- medicals
| Visa | Subclass | Primary applicant fee |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent visa | 189 | AUD $4,910 |
| Skilled Nominated visa | 190 | AUD $4,910 |
| 491 visa | 491 | AUD $4,910 |
The 189 and 190 visas grant permanent residency.
The 491 visa provides access to Medicare and can lead to permanent residency after 3 years while living and working outside Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
Related guides:
3. Employer-Sponsored Visa Fees
Employer-sponsored visa costs vary depending on the visa stream, sponsorship structure and whether permanent residency is involved.
Many applicants misunderstand employer sponsorship. The visa fee itself is often not the biggest issue. The real issue is whether there is a genuine Australian employer willing and able to sponsor the applicant.
| Visa | Subclass | Primary applicant fee |
|---|---|---|
| Skills in Demand visa | 482 | From AUD $3,210 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme | 186 | Around AUD $4,910 |
Related guides:
4. Student Visa Fees
Student visa costs increased significantly in recent years as the Australian Government tightened migration settings.
| Visa | Subclass | Primary applicant fee |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa | 500 | AUD $2,000 |
Applicants should also budget for:
- Overseas Student Health Cover
- tuition fees
- living costs
- English testing
5. Visitor Visa Fees
| Visa | Subclass | Fee from |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa | 600 | From AUD $200 |
Visitor visas may appear inexpensive compared with permanent visas, but refusals can still occur where applicants fail to properly address:
- genuine temporary entrant concerns
- financial capacity
- travel history
- incentives to return home
6. Temporary Graduate Visa Fees
| Visa | Subclass | Primary applicant fee |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Graduate visa | 485 | AUD $4,600 |
The Temporary Graduate visa should not automatically be treated as a guaranteed pathway to permanent residency.
The real issue is whether the applicant’s occupation, points position and migration strategy support a long-term pathway.
7. Extra Migration Costs to Budget For
Additional migration costs commonly include:
- skills assessments
- English testing
- state nomination fees
- medical examinations
- police clearances
- translations
- professional migration advice
For many skilled migration applicants, the combined cost of English testing, skills assessments and government charges can become substantial before the visa is even lodged.
Strategic Migration Reality
The cheapest visa pathway is not always the best pathway.
Many applicants become fixated on visa fees while ignoring:
- competitiveness
- evidence quality
- occupation strategy
- state nomination realities
- English score positioning
The real issue is not simply:
“How much does the visa cost?”
The real issue is:
“Does this pathway realistically lead where you think it leads?”
Australian Visa Fee FAQs
Are Australian visa fees refundable?
Usually not. In most cases, visa application charges are not refunded if the application is refused or withdrawn.
Do Australian visa fees change every year?
Often, yes. Visa application charges are commonly indexed on 1 July each year.
Are migration agent fees included in the government visa fee?
No. Professional migration assistance is separate from the government application charge.
What is the most expensive Australian visa?
Partner visas are among the most expensive common visa pathways in terms of government application charges.
Is the cheapest visa pathway always the best option?
No. The real issue is whether the pathway is strategically realistic and aligned with your long-term migration goals.
Fee credited toward your visa process if you proceed