Permanent Residency Cost In Australia: 7 Essential Expenses

Securing your Australian permanent residency involves more than just settling the headline visa charge. Skills assessments, English tests, medical checks and a host of supporting services each carry their own fees—and overlooking any of them can stall your application or strain your budget.

To help you plan with confidence, we’ve detailed the seven essential expenses you must budget for: visa application fees, skills assessment fees, English language testing, medical examinations, police clearance certificates, document certification and translation, and migration agent services. For each category, you’ll see what the fee covers, typical price ranges and practical tips to keep your spending in check.

With a clear financial roadmap in place, you can focus on assembling a strong application rather than scrambling to cover unexpected charges. First up is the core visa application fee and how to budget for it.

1. Visa Application Fees

The visa application fee is the single largest government charge in your PR budget. Depending on the visa subclass, the fee is made up of a base application charge plus any additional applicant fees, and for certain visas, a second-instalment may also apply. These costs vary by applicant profile (adult, child, partner) and can change on an annual basis—so it’s vital to factor them in early and keep an eye on upcoming increases.

What the visa application fee covers

The base application charge grants you entry to the visa processing queue. If you include family members on your application, each adult (18+) and each child (under-18) incurs a separate additional applicant charge. Certain visa categories—like partner visas—require a second instalment of the visa application charge, payable before the final decision. This phased payment structure spreads out the cost but makes it all the more important to track due dates.

Current fee examples and where to confirm

Here are a couple of illustrative figures (correct as of July 2024; always double-check before you apply):

• Partner visa primary applicant: AUD 9,095 (Partner visa details)
• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): minimum AUD 4,765 base charge plus AUD 2,385 for each adult added and AUD 1,195 for each child under 18

For the full fee breakdown on any visa subclass, consult the Visa Pricing Table on the Department of Home Affairs website.

How to pay and schedule payments

All application charges are paid online via ImmiAccount, which accepts credit/debit cards, BPay and international money transfers. To avoid extra fees:

• Always submit and pay your application online—paper forms incur a non-internet surcharge.
• Track instalment due dates (for example, the second instalment on partner visas is due after you’ve met health and character checks but before final grant).
• Set reminders in your calendar well ahead of each payment deadline to prevent processing delays.

Budgeting strategies for fee increases

Visa fees typically adjust on 1 July each year. Historical increases range from 3–7%, so:

• Check the Department of Home Affairs “fees and charges” page for scheduled hikes.
• Aim to lodge your application and pay any due charges just before the next increase takes effect.
• Build a buffer of around 10% above current fees in your budget to accommodate any last-minute changes without stress.

With the core visa charges mapped out, you can move on to the other key expenses that shape your total PR outlay.

2. Skills Assessment Fees

A skills assessment is a mandatory step that verifies your qualifications and work experience against Australian occupational standards. The fees for this process can add a significant chunk to your PR budget, so understanding the range and factors that influence these costs will help you plan more accurately. Below, we break down typical charges, major assessing bodies, and strategies to keep your assessment costs under control.

Typical cost range and influencing factors

Most skills assessments fall in the AUD 500–1,000 range per applicant (source). This fee covers the authority’s review of your academic transcripts, employment references and any supplementary documents. If you opt for a priority or expedited assessment, expect surcharges—sometimes 20–30% extra on the base fee. Don’t forget to budget another AUD 50–100 for return postage or courier services, especially if you have to send original certificates back and forth.

Major assessing authorities and fee structures

Your nominated occupation determines which body evaluates your credentials. Common assessing authorities include:

• Australian Computer Society (ACS) for IT occupations: Base fee around AUD 650, plus optional competency demonstration reports if your degree doesn’t fully meet ACS criteria.
• VETASSESS for a wide range of trade and professional occupations: Standard charge near AUD 800, with extra fees for extended assessments or project‐based evaluations.
• Engineers Australia for engineers: Approximately AUD 1,000 for a Migration Skills Assessment, and an extra fee if you choose the fast-track pathway.

Always verify current pricing on each authority’s official site—fees can change without much notice.

Tips to minimise assessment costs

• Compile your documents in one batch. Submitting incomplete files usually means paying a re-lodgement fee later.
• Double-check which specific assessments you need. For instance, you might avoid an extra competency report if your qualification already aligns with the authority’s standards.
• Look for economy courier options or shared-rate services. Sending several documents together often costs less per page than multiple smaller shipments.

Common pitfalls and re-assessment fees

Submitting partial or unclear evidence is a quick way to incur extra charges. If an authority requests missing information, a second submission can attract re-assessment fees—often AUD 200–400. Delays in responding to document requests or missing payment windows for priority services may also lead to penalties. Avoid these setbacks by using detailed checklists, setting calendar reminders and confirming all requirements before hitting “send.”

3. English Language Testing Fees

Proving you have ‘Proficient English’ is a non-negotiable step in most PR pathways. The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of your ability to read, write, speak and understand English at a level that will support your work and daily life in Australia. Below, we break down the accepted tests, what they cost, and how to budget for preparation and possible retakes.

Approved tests and minimum score requirements

Australia’s key visa programs accept several English exams. To meet the Proficient English threshold, you’ll typically need:

• IELTS Academic or General Training: minimum 7.0 in each of the four bands
• PTE Academic: a minimum score of 65 in each communicative skill
• TOEFL iBT: usually 94 overall with no band below 24
• OET (Occupational English Test): a B grade in each sub-test
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly CAE): grade A, B or C

For the full list of accepted tests and exact score requirements, refer to the Department’s Proficient English page.

Cost comparison and booking tips

Most test centres charge between AUD 300 and 350 per attempt, whether you choose IELTS or PTE. Here are a few booking pointers:

• Book early in your target city to lock in the lowest available fee slot—late registrations can carry surcharges.
• Allow at least six weeks lead time before your expected invitation date, so you can re-sit if you miss the mark.
• Check cancellation and refund policies: switching test dates often incurs a 25–30% fee.

Test validity and impact on application timing

Test results remain valid for three years from the date of the exam. Given processing times and Expression of Interest windows, schedule your test as soon as possible after receiving your invitation to apply. That way, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and ensure results land in your ImmiAccount before any lodgement deadline.

Study and preparation budgeting

Preparation can make all the difference, and your study budget should cover both resources and potential retakes:

• Official preparation courses: AUD 200–600 for multi-session workshops or online bootcamps.
• Self-study materials: free practice tests from test providers, mobile apps and library e-resources.
• Buffer for one retake: set aside another AUD 300–350 in case your first scores fall short.

By planning for these testing costs and building in a margin for unexpected delays, you’ll keep your PR application on track and your budget intact.

4. Medical Examination Fees

Australian permanent residency applicants must satisfy strict health requirements to protect both individual and public well-being. A panel physician approved by the Department of Home Affairs conducts a series of medical checks, the costs of which vary depending on the scope of tests, your age and the clinic you choose. Planning ahead for these fees ensures your application isn’t delayed by missing medical clearance.

Components of the medical exam

The standard medical examination has three core elements:

• General health check: A physical examination covering blood pressure, vision, height and weight, plus a review of your medical history.
• Chest X-ray: Screens for respiratory conditions such as tuberculosis.
• Blood tests: Assesses overall health and screens for conditions like HIV and hepatitis.

If you’re over a certain age or have a medical history flag, the physician may request specialist tests—such as ultrasound scans or specialist referrals—at additional cost. Always check your panel doctor’s website or by phone for a full list of covered services before booking.

Cost breakdown per person

On average, you can expect to pay between AUD 150 and AUD 300 for a standard visa medical examination. Keep in mind:

• Clinics in metropolitan areas often charge at the upper end of this range.
• Regional providers or community health centres may offer lower rates.
• Additional specialist tests can add AUD 50–200 each, depending on the complexity.

Ask your panel physician for an itemised quote in advance and factor in any travel or incidental expenses if you live far from a major centre.

Finding an approved panel physician

Only medical practitioners listed on the Department of Home Affairs’ panel physician list can perform visa health checks. To locate one:

1. Visit the Home Affairs website and select your country of origin or residence.
2. Compare clinic fees, availability and patient reviews if available.
3. Book well in advance—popular clinics can have waiting periods of two to four weeks.

Pro tip: If you have a tight schedule, phone multiple panel doctors to find the earliest available slot rather than relying solely on online booking portals.

Timing and validity of medical reports

Your medical clearance is valid for 12 months from the date of examination. However:

• You should schedule your appointment after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) but early enough so results are in your ImmiAccount before your lodgement deadline.
• If your application is delayed beyond 12 months, you may need to repeat the exam, doubling your costs.

By aligning your health check timing with your application milestones, you avoid the hassle—and extra expense—of re-testing.

5. Police Clearance Certificates

Demonstrating good character is a non-negotiable part of your PR application. You’ll need police clearance certificates from Australia and every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more over the past decade. These certificates verify you haven’t been convicted of offences that could bar you from permanent residency.

Australian Federal Police Check

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) national police check is your domestic certificate:

• Fee: AUD 42.00
• Application: Complete the online form on the AFP NPC page.
• ID verification: Submit certified copies of identity documents under the 100-point ID rule.
• Processing time: Approximately 15 business days once your application is validated.

Tip: Have certified photocopies of your passport, driver’s licence or birth certificate ready before you start the online form to speed things up.

International police certificates

You must also secure clearances from other countries where you’ve resided:

• Philippines (NBI clearance): Around PHP 140 plus any courier costs to ship the document abroad.
• India: Obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from your local District Police (nominal fee) and have it apostilled or verified by an Indian consulate.
• United Kingdom: Apply for a DBS check (formerly CRB) online or via a registered umbrella body. Fees and turnaround vary by provider.

Because each country has its own process, always check the official police or immigration website. Note any requirements for authenticated / apostilled documents and English translations before ordering.

Coordinating multiple clearances

Juggling several certificates can eat up months if you’re not organised:

• Map out each country’s processing times—some take 4–8 weeks.
• Factor in extra days for embassy legalisation or apostille services.
• If certificates arrive in a language other than English, budget for NAATI-accredited translation (usually AUD 20–40 per page).
• Group your requests: submit for your highest-volume or slowest jurisdictions first, then overlap shorter applications.

A simple spreadsheet tracking request dates, fees paid and expected delivery can save you headaches (and unexpected priority-fee surcharges).

Tips to avoid certificate delays

• Start early: Lodge your AFP check and international requests as soon as you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA).
• Monitor progress: Use online tracking portals or contact helplines if a clearance stalls.
• Keep proof: Retain payment receipts, submission acknowledgements and courier waybills for each certificate.
• Verify validity: Most clearances are valid for 12 months—time your requests so they don’t expire before your visa decision.

By nailing your police clearances on time, you’ll tick the character-check box and keep your PR application moving smoothly.

6. Document Certification and Translation Fees

When you’re assembling your PR application, every non-English document and official copy usually needs to be either certified or translated—sometimes both. Budgeting for these services up front will help you avoid last-minute rush fees and make sure your paperwork meets the Department’s strict requirements.

Which documents commonly require services

Most applicants find they need certified copies or translations for:

• Birth, marriage or divorce certificates
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Employment references and professional licences
• Police clearance certificates from other countries
• Passport bio-data pages and identity documents

If an original document isn’t in English, you’ll need a NAATI-accredited translation alongside the certified copy. Even English originals sometimes require certification to prove they’re true copies of the official.

Certification vs notarisation costs

Certified copies and notarised documents aren’t the same, but both are widely accepted:

• Certified copy by a Justice of the Peace or commissioned officer: AUD 5–20 per document
• Notarial seal from a solicitor or notary public: AUD 30–60 per document

A certified copy simply confirms the copy matches the original; a notary public goes a step further, verifying the signer’s identity. If you live near a community legal centre or university campus, you may find lower certification fees or free services for students and low-income applicants.

Translation service pricing

Official translations must be done by a translator accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Typical rates are:

• AUD 20–40 per page for common language pairs (e.g., Tagalog ↔ English)
• Higher rates (up to AUD 60/page) for less-common languages or technical documents

Some translators charge a small extra fee for formatting and scanning. Always ask for a written quote that breaks down per-page, per-word and rush-service charges before you book.

Cost-saving tips for multiple documents

• Bulk orders: Many translators offer 10–20% discounts when you submit five or more pages at once.
• Family bundles: If several family members need the same set of documents (such as birth certificates), have them all translated and certified in one go.
• Package deals: Some notaries and translation agencies will negotiate a flat fee if you need both certification and translation under one roof—no multiple appointments, no duplicate service charges.
• Plan ahead: Group all required documents, get quotes for the full job, then schedule a single visit rather than piecemeal requests.

By understanding these certification and translation fees—and using bulk or package options where you can—you’ll streamline your document prep and keep your PR application on budget and on time.

7. Migration Agent Fees

Engaging a registered migration agent is optional but can be a game-changer for your PR journey. While adding this expense to your budget may feel like a splurge, expert guidance often pays for itself by minimising mistakes, speeding up decision-making and reducing the risk of costly delays or refusals.

Services included in agent fees

A full-service migration agent typically handles:

• Strategic visa subclass selection based on your skills, family situation and long-term goals
• Comprehensive document review to ensure completeness, accuracy and compliance
• Lodgment of your Expression of Interest (EOI) and visa application through ImmiAccount
• Ongoing liaison with the Department of Home Affairs, including responding to clarification requests
• Post-lodgment support, such as tracking application progress and interpreting government correspondence

Agents can also coordinate your skills assessments, English testing strategies and health or character requirement planning, bundling many steps under one professional roof.

Typical fee ranges and payment structures

Migration agent fees vary widely depending on experience, service level and case complexity:

• Flat-rate packages: From around AUD 2,500 for basic document lodgment up to AUD 8,000–10,000 for end-to-end PR case management
• Staged payments: Commonly split into an initial engagement fee (20–30%), a lodgment fee (40–50%) and a final grant fee (20–30%)
• A la carte services: If you only need specific support—say, a skills assessment review or appeal preparation—expect to pay AUD 500–2,000 per service

Always request a clear fee proposal outlining what’s included (and excluded), payment milestones and any potential surcharges for urgent processing.

Benefits of using an agent

The right migration agent can deliver measurable returns on your investment:

• Lower risk of visa refusal due to incomplete or incorrectly lodged applications
• Faster processing turnaround since complete, professionally managed applications attract fewer follow-up queries
• Peace of mind knowing a qualified professional is monitoring any changes to immigration policy that affect your case
• Access to specialist advice on complex issues, such as bridging visas, partner sponsorship or regional nomination

Ultimately, the time and stress saved—plus the reduced chance of repeated fee outlays for re-applications—can make migration agent fees a wise addition to your overall PR budget.

Choosing a qualified agent

Not all advisors are created equal. To find someone who can truly safeguard your application:

• Confirm they’re registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA)—registration numbers should be readily displayed on their website
• Look for at least 5–10 years’ experience handling the PR pathways you’re pursuing, and ask for client references or case studies
• Ask about their success rates and how they handle potential complications (e.g., medical waivers or bridging visa issues)
• Clarify communication protocols: Will you deal directly with your agent, or a junior caseworker? How often will you receive updates?

By doing your homework now, you’ll avoid under-qualified “consultants” and ensure your PR investment delivers the smoothest ride possible.

Planning Your PR Budget

Pulling together all the moving pieces of your PR application can feel like juggling numbers in the dark. Below is a consolidated overview of the seven key expense categories, complete with estimated cost ranges to help you set realistic targets:

Beyond listing costs, mapping out when you’ll pay each fee is crucial. Here’s a suggested timeline, aligned with typical PR application stages:

1. Expression of Interest & Skills Assessment
   • Skills assessment fee paid upon application to ACS, VETASSESS or Engineers Australia.
   • Document certification and translation for transcripts and references.

2. Invitation to Apply & Pre-Lodgment Preparations
   • English test fees (book at least six weeks before ITA).
   • Police checks (AFP and overseas) and any required translations.
   • Medical exam booked soon after ITA, with results entered in ImmiAccount.

3. Visa Lodgment
   • Visa application fee (first instalment) on lodgment day.
   • Migration agent lodgment or grant fee (if using full-service package).
   • Final certification and courier costs for any late-added documents.

4. Post-Decision
   • Visa application second instalment (for partner visas and certain skilled streams).
   • Any additional costs for bridging visas or follow-up requests.

To guard against unforeseen charges—think extra courier surges, document re-submissions or policy shifts—set aside a contingency fund of 10–15% above your total estimated budget. This buffer means you won’t be scrambling for last-minute funds if a panel physician needs extra tests or a translation unexpectedly exceeds your word count.

By tracking each category, aligning payment dates with application milestones and building in that contingency, you’ll keep your PR budget on course and avoid unwelcome surprises. Your focus can then stay where it belongs: putting together the strongest application possible.

Next Steps to Secure Your Australian PR

With a clear understanding of every component in your permanent residency australia cost, it’s time to turn numbers into action. Start by reviewing your personal budget against the seven expense categories—visa fees, skills assessment, English testing, health checks, police certificates, document services and any agent fees. Update your spreadsheet or budgeting app with the latest fee figures and note the payment deadlines for each stage.

Next, plot out a simple timeline that aligns your spending with application milestones. For example:

• Skills assessment and document certification in month one
• English test and police checks in month two
• Medical exam and visa lodgment in month three

Building this roadmap helps you spot gaps early—perhaps you need to free up cash for a priority assessment or schedule extra time for a slower police clearance.

Finally, if you’d rather lean on expert support, Simon Mander Consulting P/L offers a complimentary cost review and tailored strategy. Get a free assessment and personalised cost estimate at simonmander.com to ensure your application stays on track, on budget and sets you up for a smooth transition to life in Australia.

SMCadmin

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