How much does an Australian visa cost? Complete fee breakdown (2025-26)

Australian visa costs range from free (eVisitor) to over $9,000 (partner visas), depending on the visa subclass, how many people are on the application, and whether you need additional services like health examinations or skills assessments. If you have been searching for a straightforward answer to what your visa will actually cost, you have probably noticed that most resources only list the government fee for one or two visa types, leaving you to piece together the rest.

This guide puts every Australian visa cost in one place. We cover the government fees (called the Visa Application Charge, or VAC) for every major subclass, the hidden costs that catch people off guard, and realistic total cost estimates based on what applicants actually spend. The government fee table below is pulled directly from the Department of Home Affairs published pricing and updated daily, so the numbers always reflect the current fees.

How do Australian visa fees work?

The Visa Application Charge (VAC) is the government fee you pay when submitting a visa application to the Department of Home Affairs. It is the single mandatory cost that applies to every visa application, and there are a few things worth knowing before you commit.

The VAC is non-refundable. This is the part that stings most. If your visa is refused, you do not get your money back. If you withdraw your application, you do not get your money back. The Department keeps the fee regardless of outcome. For a AUD $200 tourist visa, that is an annoyance. For a AUD $9,365 partner visa, it is a serious financial risk that makes getting your application right the first time genuinely important.

Fees increase on 1 July each year. The Department adjusts visa fees annually at the start of each financial year. Increases typically range from 2-5%, though some subclasses have seen larger jumps in recent years. If you are planning a visa application in May or June, it may be worth lodging before 1 July to lock in the current pricing.

Additional applicants cost extra. Most visa types allow you to include family members (a partner and dependent children) on the same application. Additional adults generally cost around 50% of the primary applicant fee, while children cost less. For expensive visas like skilled or partner categories, adding family members can increase the total by thousands of dollars.

Payment is due at lodgement. You cannot submit your visa application without paying the VAC upfront through ImmiAccount. Surcharges apply to most payment methods:

Card payments are processed immediately, meaning your application is formally lodged the moment you pay. BPAY avoids the surcharge but your application is not considered lodged until payment settles, which can take up to 3 business days. If timing matters (for example, you are close to a visa expiry), pay by card. For a detailed walkthrough of ImmiAccount and the payment process, see our ImmiAccount guide.

How do Australian visa fees compare globally?

Australia has some of the highest visa fees in the world, and in two major categories it charges more than any other country.

Student visa: the most expensive globally. Australia's student visa fee (AUD $2,000) is significantly higher than every other major study destination. The UK charges £490 (around AUD $950), the USA charges approximately USD $535 in combined SEVIS and visa fees (around AUD $820), and Canada charges just CA$150 (around AUD $170). Australia's fee is roughly double the next most expensive country.

Partner visa: the most expensive by far. At AUD $9,365, Australia's partner visa is the most expensive spousal/partner visa in the developed world. The UK charges £1,321-1,938 (AUD $2,500-3,700) depending on whether you apply onshore or offshore. The US K-1 fiancé pathway costs approximately USD $2,380 (AUD $3,650) in total government fees. Canada charges around CA$1,080 (AUD $1,200). Australia's fee is roughly three to four times higher than the UK and USA, and nearly eight times higher than Canada.

Visitor visa: comparable to other countries. For tourist visas, Australia's fees are broadly in line with other major destinations. The Subclass 600 tourist stream (AUD $200) is similar to the US B1/B2 visa (USD $185, around AUD $285) and the UK Standard Visitor visa (£135, around AUD $260). The Schengen visa for most of Europe costs EUR 80 (around AUD $135). Where Australia stands out is offering free (eVisitor) and near-free (ETA, AUD $20) options for eligible passports, which the US and UK do not.

Current government fees by visa type

The table below shows the current Visa Application Charge for every major Australian visa subclass, including fees for additional applicants. These figures are sourced from the Department of Home Affairs published visa pricing and updated daily, so you are always seeing the latest fees.

The fees above are the base government charges only. Most applicants will face additional costs depending on their visa type, which we cover in detail below.

Visitor visa costs (600, 601, 651)

The eVisitor visa (Subclass 651) is free and the ETA (Subclass 601) costs just AUD $20, making them the most affordable options for visiting Australia. Both are electronic visas that allow stays of up to 3 months per visit over a 12-month period.

The Subclass 600 visitor visa is where costs start to vary. There are five streams, each with different fees:

• Tourist stream: AUD $200 for a single visit of up to 3, 6, or 12 months. This is the most common stream
• Business Visitor stream: AUD $200 for attending conferences, meetings, or negotiations
• Sponsored Family stream: AUD $200, which requires an Australian sponsor and sometimes a security bond of $5,000-15,000
• Frequent Traveller stream: AUD $1,480 for a multi-entry visa valid up to 10 years
• Approved Destination Status stream: For Chinese citizens on registered tour groups

For the vast majority of visitors, the total cost is just the government fee. Visitor visas generally do not require health examinations (unless you are 75 or older, or staying 6+ months from a high-risk TB country), police checks, or any additional documentation beyond standard identity and travel documents.

Realistic total cost for a visit to Australia:

• Quick holiday with an ETA or eVisitor: $0-20
• Standard tourist visa (Subclass 600): $200
• Long-stay or sponsored family visitor visa: $1,100-1,500

Working Holiday visa costs (417 and 462)

The Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462) both cost AUD $670 for the primary applicant. There is no discounted rate for additional applicants because Working Holiday visas are individual only; you cannot add a partner or children.

If you qualify for a second or third year visa, you pay the same fee again for each renewal.

The main additional cost for Working Holiday makers is the health examination. Not everyone needs one, but applicants from high-risk tuberculosis countries or those who will work in healthcare or childcare will need to complete a medical exam. See our guide to health examinations for details on who needs one and what it involves. When you apply through Tern, we flag whether your situation requires a health examination and which specific tests you need, so you know before you pay for anything.

Realistic total cost for a Working Holiday:

• Government fee: AUD $670
• Health examination (if required): $400-600
• Police certificate (if required): $50-100
• Total: $700-1,400

Student visa costs (500 and 590)

The Student visa (Subclass 500) costs AUD $2,000 for the primary applicant. This is a flat fee regardless of whether you are studying a short English course or a multi-year degree. The Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590), for parents or guardians accompanying a student under 18, carries a separate fee.

What makes the student visa expensive is everything that comes on top of the government fee:

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory for the duration of your visa. Costs vary by provider and length of coverage, but expect $500-2,000+ per year
• Health examination: Required for most student visa applicants. Budget $400-600
• Genuine Student requirement: While not a direct cost, you need evidence of enrolment (your CoE) and financial capacity, which the Department defines as $29,710 per year for living costs plus $7,516 per year for each school-age child, on top of your tuition fees
• English language test: Required for many education sectors if you do not hold a passport from an exempt country. IELTS and PTE cost $400 each

Realistic total cost of a student visa (government fees and mandatory extras):

• Government fee: AUD $2,000
• OSHC (1 year): $500-700
• Health examination: $400-600
• English test (if required): $400
• Total (excluding tuition and living costs): $1,200-2,500

The student visa is one where the government fee is a relatively small proportion of the real cost. Tuition, living expenses, and health cover make up the bulk of what you will actually spend.

Partner visa costs (820/801, 309/100, 300)

The partner visa is one of the most expensive visa categories in the Australian immigration system. The combined application fee for both the temporary and permanent stages is AUD $9,365, depending on whether you apply onshore (Subclass 820/801) or offshore (Subclass 309/100).

The Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300) adds another layer of cost. It costs AUD $9,365 on its own, and after marrying in Australia, you then need to lodge a separate partner visa application. While the subsequent 820/801 fee is reduced to approximately $1,560 for Prospective Marriage visa holders, the total across both applications comes to around $10,925 in government fees alone.

Beyond the government fee, partner visa applicants face several additional costs:

• Health examinations: Required for all applicants and any dependants included. Budget $400-600 per person
• Police certificates: Required from every country where you have lived for 12+ months in the last 10 years. Costs vary by country ($50-100 each)
• NAATI-certified translations: All non-English documents must be professionally translated. Expect $50-200 per document, and partner applications often involve birth certificates, relationship registration documents, overseas police certificates, and other evidence from multiple countries
• Professional photos: Passport-style photos are needed, though this is a minor cost
• Migration agent or lawyer fees: Given the complexity and financial stakes, many partner visa applicants seek professional help. Traditional migration agents charge anywhere from $2,000-10,000+ for partner visa assistance

Realistic total cost of a partner visa:

• Government fee: AUD $9,365
• Health examinations (applicant + sponsor if required): $400-1,200
• Police certificates (2-4 countries): $100-400
• NAATI translations (5-15 documents): $250-2,000
• Professional assistance (optional): $1,500-10,000
• Total: $10,000-15,000+

These numbers can feel overwhelming. The partner visa is a significant financial commitment on top of an already emotional process. But here is the important thing to remember: the partner visa leads to permanent residency, and it has one of the higher grant rates of any visa category (around 92% for the 309/100 based on our FOI data). When your application is well-prepared, the investment leads to an outcome.

Skilled visa costs (189, 190, 491)

The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) both cost AUD $4,910 for the primary applicant. The Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491) is in a similar range. Additional adults are roughly 50% of the primary fee, and children cost less.

Skilled visas carry the heaviest load of additional costs beyond the government fee:

• Skills assessment: Before you can even apply, you must have your qualifications assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. Costs range from $500-2,000+ depending on the authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, ACS, ANMAC). Some require multiple stages of assessment
• English language test: Almost all skilled visa applicants need to demonstrate at least "Competent" English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent). Higher English scores earn more points. Tests cost $400 (IELTS, PTE) to $600 (OET). See our guide to English requirements
• Health examinations: Required for all applicants and dependants. Budget $400-600 per person
• Police certificates: Required from every country where you have lived for 12+ months in the last 10 years ($50-100 each)
• State nomination fees (190 and 491): Some states charge a separate fee for processing your nomination. This varies by state but can be $200-500
• NAATI translations: Any non-English supporting documents need certified translation
• Expression of Interest (EOI): Submitting an EOI through SkillSelect is free, but preparing a competitive EOI may involve professional advice

Realistic total cost of a skilled visa:

• Government fee: AUD $4,910
• Skills assessment: $500-2,000
• English language test: $400-600
• Health examinations: $400-600
• Police certificates: $100-400
• State nomination fee (if applicable): $200-500
• Translations: $100-500
• Professional assistance (optional): $1,000-5,000
• Total: $6,000-10,000+

The skilled visa pathway is a major investment, but it leads to permanent residency with full work rights anywhere in Australia (for the 189), or in nominated states/regions (for the 190 and 491). Many applicants see it as a long-term return on investment rather than a one-off cost.

Employer Sponsored visa costs (482, 186, 494)

Employer Sponsored visas have a unique cost dynamic because some fees are paid by the applicant and others are typically covered by the sponsoring employer.

The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) costs AUD $3,210 for the primary applicant, depending on the stream. The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186), which leads to permanent residency, costs AUD $4,910 for the primary applicant. The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (Subclass 494) has similar pricing.

Who pays what? This varies by employer and the terms of your employment agreement. Some employers cover all visa costs as part of their sponsorship package. Others expect the applicant to pay some or all of the visa fees. The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which employers must pay as part of the nomination, is a separate cost borne by the employer (ranging from $1,200-1,800 per year depending on business size).

Additional costs for employer-sponsored visas include:

• Skills assessment (for some streams): $500-2,000
• English language test: Required at "Competent" level for most streams ($400-600)
• Health examinations: Required for all applicants ($400-600 per person)
• Police certificates: Required from relevant countries ($50-100 each)

Realistic total cost (applicant-side, excluding employer costs):

• Government fee: AUD $3,210 (482) to AUD $4,910 (186)
• English language test: $400-600
• Health examinations: $400-600
• Skills assessment (if required): $500-2,000
• Police certificates: $100-300
• Total: $3,000-8,000+

Hidden costs most people forget about

Government fees are only the starting point. For most visa types beyond the basic visitor and Working Holiday categories, the additional costs can equal or exceed the visa fee itself. Here is what to budget for.

Health examinations ($400-600 per person)

Required for most visa types except short-stay visitor visas. The cost depends on which tests you need (a basic medical exam, chest X-ray, HIV test, hepatitis B screening) and where you take them. In Australia, Bupa Medical Visa Services handles most visa medicals. Overseas, you will need an approved panel physician.

Health examination results are valid for 12 months. If your visa takes longer to process, you may need to repeat (and repay for) the examination. Read our complete guide to health examinations for what to expect.

Police and character certificates ($50-100 per country)

Required for most visa types beyond short-stay visitor visas. You need a police certificate from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. If you have lived in multiple countries, this adds up quickly. Some countries charge more than others, and processing times vary widely, so start early.

English language tests ($400-600)

Required for student, skilled, and employer-sponsored visas. The most common tests are IELTS ($400), PTE Academic ($400), and OET ($600). You may need to take the test multiple times if you do not achieve the required score on your first attempt, doubling the cost. Check our English requirements guide to see if your visa requires a test and what score you need.

Skills assessments ($500-2,000)

Required for all skilled visa applicants (189, 190, 491) and some employer-sponsored streams. The cost depends on your occupation and the assessing authority. Some assessments involve multiple stages (e.g., a preliminary assessment followed by a full skills assessment), each with its own fee.

NAATI-certified translations ($50-200 per document)

All non-English documents submitted with a visa application must be accompanied by a certified English translation. NAATI-certified translators charge per document, with costs varying by language and document length. Partner visa applicants, who often need to translate birth certificates, relationship documents, and police certificates from multiple countries, can easily spend $500-2,000 on translations alone.

Biometrics

Most visa applicants need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a facial photograph). There is no separate biometrics fee charged by the Australian government, but if you are applying from a country where you need to visit an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in person, you may face travel costs to reach the nearest centre.

Migration agent or lawyer fees

Professional immigration assistance is not required for any Australian visa, but the complexity of some applications makes it a practical necessity for many people. Traditional migration agents and immigration lawyers charge $500-10,000+ depending on the visa type and complexity. Visitor and Working Holiday visas sit at the lower end; partner and skilled visas at the higher end.

What does an Australian visa really cost? Total estimates

Here is what applicants actually spend when you add up government fees and the most common additional costs. These are realistic ranges, not worst-case scenarios.

These figures are for the primary applicant only. Adding a partner or children increases the government fee and means additional health examinations and police certificates for each person.

How to save money on your Australian visa

You cannot negotiate the government fee, but there are legitimate ways to reduce the total cost of your visa application.

Time your application before 1 July

Visa fees increase on 1 July each year. If you are close to ready, lodging before the annual increase can save you money. On expensive visas, even a 3-4% increase means $100-400 extra.

Get your health exam right the first time

Health examination results are valid for 12 months. If your visa takes longer to process and your results expire, you will need to repeat the exam and pay again. Submit a complete application to minimise processing delays and reduce the risk of needing a second health exam.

Prepare English tests thoroughly

English tests cost $400 each attempt. Investing in preparation before your first attempt is cheaper than paying for a second or third test. Many free and low-cost preparation resources are available online for IELTS and PTE.

Submit a complete application

An incomplete application leads to delays, requests for additional information, and in some cases a refusal that costs you the entire fee. The most expensive mistake is a preventable refusal. The government fee is non-refundable, and a refusal on your record makes future applications harder.

Compare professional assistance options

Traditional migration agents charge premium fees for a service that includes a lot of manual back-and-forth. Platforms like Tern offer a more affordable alternative by automating the administrative work while still having applications reviewed before submission. For complex cases, getting a consultation before lodging can help you identify issues early, potentially saving thousands on avoidable refusals.

How Tern helps reduce visa costs

We built Tern because the traditional model of visa assistance, where you pay a migration agent thousands of dollars on top of already expensive government fees, does not make sense for most visa types. Our platform automates the repetitive administrative work (form-filling, document organisation, consistency checks) so you get a thorough application at a fraction of the cost.

Our platform flags inconsistencies between your documents before you submit, so a case officer does not find them first. For complex visa types like partner visas and skilled visas, applications involving complicated circumstances receive review by a licensed immigration lawyer. For more straightforward visas like visitor visas and Working Holiday visas, applications are reviewed for errors before submission.

The goal is simple: help you submit the strongest possible application the first time, because the most expensive outcome is a refusal that costs you the entire government fee and forces you to start over.

Australian visa costs can be significant, especially for partner and skilled migration pathways where the total investment easily reaches five figures. But here is what matters: your visa fee is an investment in an outcome, and the single biggest waste of money is a preventable refusal.

You cannot change the government fee. But you can control how well your application is prepared. A complete, consistent, well-documented application submitted the first time is always cheaper than a rushed application that gets refused, forcing you to pay the entire fee again.

If you are ready to start, explore our visa options or use our processing time tool to understand how long your visa is likely to take. And if you want to make sure your application is as strong as possible before you submit, that is exactly what Tern is built to help with.