Planning to visit, study, work, or live in Australia? One of the key aspects you need to consider is the cost of obtaining an Australian visa. The cost can vary significantly depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, your personal circumstances, and any additional services you may require. This article will break down the costs associated with different Australian visas, helping you budget effectively for your Australian adventure.
Visitor Visas
Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)
Standard Application Fee
The application fee for a Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) is currently AUD 150. This fee is non – refundable, regardless of whether your visa application is approved or not. It’s important to note that this fee is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official Australian government immigration website for the most up – to – date information.
Additional Costs
If you need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photo), there may be an additional charge. Biometric collection is usually required for certain visa applications, especially if you’re applying from outside Australia. The cost for biometric collection can vary, but it’s typically around AUD 80 – 100.
If you’re using a migration agent or consultant to assist with your application, they will charge a service fee. The fee charged by migration agents can range widely, from a few hundred to several thousand Australian dollars, depending on the complexity of your case and the services provided. For example, if your application has some unique circumstances, such as a history of travel refusals in other countries, the agent may charge a higher fee.
Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 – Business Visitor Stream)
Application Fee
Similar to the tourist visa, the application fee for a Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 – Business Visitor Stream) is AUD 150. This fee is for processing your application and assessing your eligibility to enter Australia for business – related activities.
Extra Expenses
If you’re required to provide supporting documents that need to be translated into English, you’ll need to pay for translation services. The cost of translation can vary depending on the length and complexity of the document. For a simple business letter, translation may cost around AUD 50 – 100, while a more complex legal or technical document could cost several hundred dollars.
If you need to attend an interview at the Australian embassy or consulate, there may be costs associated with traveling to the interview location. This could include transportation, accommodation, and meal expenses, depending on how far you need to travel.
Student Visas
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Main Application Fee
The application fee for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) is AUD 620. This fee covers the processing of your application, which includes assessing your educational qualifications, financial capacity, and other eligibility criteria.
Ancillary Costs
You’ll need to pay for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The cost of OSHC depends on the length of your course and the level of cover you choose. On average, for a single student, OSHC can cost around AUD 500 – 800 per year. If you’re bringing dependents, the cost will be higher.
Some educational institutions in Australia may charge an application fee. This fee can range from AUD 50 – 200, depending on the institution and the course you’re applying for.
If you need to provide a medical examination as part of your visa application, you’ll need to pay for the medical tests. The cost of a medical examination can vary, but it’s typically around AUD 200 – 300. This may include tests for tuberculosis and other health – related checks.
Work Visas
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
Application Fees
For the Short – term stream of the TSS visa, the application fee is AUD 1,260 for the first applicant. If you’re including dependents in your application, there are additional fees. For a partner, the fee is AUD 420, and for each child under 18, the fee is AUD 210.
For the Medium – term stream, the application fee for the first applicant is AUD 2,640. The fees for dependents are the same as in the Short – term stream.
Other Costs
The employer sponsoring you for the TSS visa may need to pay a sponsorship charge. This charge can vary depending on the size of the business and the stream of the visa. For small businesses, the sponsorship charge for the Short – term stream may be around AUD 450, while for larger businesses, it can be higher. In the Medium – term stream, the sponsorship charge for small businesses is around AUD 1,000.
You may need to obtain skills assessments for your occupation. The cost of skills assessments depends on the assessing authority and the type of occupation. For example, for some trades, the skills assessment may cost around AUD 500 – 1,000.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
Application Fee
The application fee for a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) is AUD 495. This fee is for processing your application to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months.
Potential Extra Costs
You may need to provide a police clearance certificate from your home country. The cost of obtaining a police clearance certificate varies depending on the country. In some countries, it may cost around AUD 50 – 100.
If you need to provide a medical examination, similar to other visas, you’ll need to pay for the medical tests, which can cost around AUD 200 – 300.
Permanent Residency Visas
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Application Fee
The application fee for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is AUD 4,045 for the first applicant. For a partner, the fee is AUD 2,025, and for each child under 18, the fee is AUD 1,015.
Accompanying Expenses
You’ll need to pay for skills assessments, which can be quite costly. Depending on the occupation and the assessing authority, skills assessments can cost anywhere from AUD 500 – 2,000.
Medical examinations are required for all applicants. The cost of medical examinations for a family of four (two adults and two children) can be around AUD 800 – 1,200.
English language test fees are also applicable. Tests like IELTS or PTE can cost around AUD 300 – 400 per attempt.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Fees Involved
The application fee structure for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is similar to the Skilled Independent Visa. The application fee for the first applicant is AUD 4,045, with additional fees for partners and children.
Additional Charges
Nominated state or territory governments may charge a nomination fee. This fee can vary widely. Some states may charge as little as AUD 100, while others may charge up to AUD 500 or more, depending on the state’s policies and the demand for the nominated occupation.
Similar to other permanent residency visas, skills assessments, medical examinations, and English language test fees apply.
Conclusion
As you can see, the cost of getting a visa to Australia can vary greatly depending on the type of visa you’re applying for. Visitor visas tend to be relatively less expensive, with the basic application fee starting at AUD 150. However, student visas, work visas, and especially permanent residency visas come with higher costs. It’s crucial to budget not only for the application fee but also for additional expenses such as biometric collection, translation services, skills assessments, medical examinations, and English language tests. Additionally, if you choose to use the services of a migration agent, you need to factor in their fees. By understanding these costs in advance, you can plan your Australian visa application more effectively and avoid any financial surprises. Whether you’re dreaming of a short – term visit or a long – term move to Australia, being aware of the financial implications of the visa application process is an important step in making your plans a reality.
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