Planning your move to Australia means more than just choosing where to live or what to pack—it starts with understanding exactly how much your visa will cost. Each year, government fees for Australian visas can shift, with prices varying widely depending on whether you’re applying as a skilled worker, student, family member, or business sponsor. For Filipino applicants and other internationals, deciphering these costs—amidst application charges, surcharges, and regular indexation—can feel like navigating a maze.
This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion by bringing together the latest official fee tables, indexation updates, and practical tips for 2025. Whether you’re a skilled professional, a student, a sponsor, or someone dealing with a visa refusal, you’ll find clear answers and actionable steps here. Get ready to make your migration plans with confidence, knowing you have the most accurate, up-to-date fee information at your fingertips.
1. Understanding the Structure of Australian Visa Charges
When you apply for any Australian visa, you’re not just paying a single fee. Instead, the total cost usually combines several components: a base application charge, extra fees for dependents, surcharges for non-internet applications, possible subsequent temporary application charges, and payment processing fees. Knowing what each part covers helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
1.1 Base and Additional Applicant Charges
The Base Application Charge (BAC) is the primary cost for lodging a visa application. Every main applicant pays this fee. When you include family members, an Additional Applicant Charge (AAC) applies: adult dependents pay a higher AAC, while dependent children pay a reduced AAC.
2. How to Estimate Your Visa Fees Online
Estimating your visa fees before you start an application can save time and prevent surprises. The Department of Home Affairs offers a Visa Pricing Estimator that delivers a tailored fee breakdown based on your visa subclass, applicant ages, and application method.
3. Annual Indexation: Why and How Fees Change Each Year
Australian visa application charges aren’t static. Each year, on 1 July, the Department of Home Affairs adjusts fees according to movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This automatic indexation ensures that application charges keep pace with inflation.
14. Next Steps for Your Migration Journey
You’ve armed yourself with a clear breakdown of government charges, surcharges and extra costs—now it’s time to put it into action. First, revisit your chosen visa subclass and run the Department of Home Affairs’ Visa Pricing Estimator to confirm your specific fee obligations. With a solid budget in place, you’ll minimise last-minute surprises and lodge your application confidently.
For personalised advice, a migration adviser can help you avoid hidden costs, spot fee-concession opportunities and ensure you have all supporting evidence in place. Simon Mander Consulting P/L has over two decades of experience in Australian migration law. Visit Simon Mander Consulting P/L for personalised advice, up-to-date insights and hands-on support.