How much does an Australian visa cost? Complete fee breakdown (2026-27)

Australian visa costs span a huge range. The eVisitor (651) is free. A family partner or skilled application can run into the tens of thousands once you add dependents, skills assessments, English tests, and health exams. What you pay depends on three things: the visa subclass, how many people are on the application, and which add-on services you need. If you have been searching for a straight answer to what your visa will cost, you have probably noticed that most sites list the government fee for one or two visa types and leave 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 estimates based on what applicants actually spend. Every government fee here is synced daily from official Department of Home Affairs pricing, so the figures are always current.

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 $250 tourist visa, that is an annoyance. For a AUD $11,710 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. In a normal year, the Department raises visa fees in line with inflation (CPI), which usually means a rise of about 2-5%. The standout exception was 1 July 2026, when most fees jumped about 25% in a single step. That was a one-off driven by politics and the federal budget, not a new pattern, and we break down what changed and why in our 2026 visa fee increase guide. In a normal year, expect only a small indexation rise, so if you are planning a visa application in May or June, applying before 1 July can still lock in slightly lower 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.

You pay when you apply. You cannot submit your visa application without paying the VAC upfront through ImmiAccount. Most payment methods add a surcharge:

Card payments clear straight away, so your application is formally submitted the moment you pay. BPAY avoids the surcharge, but your application does not count as submitted until the 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 $2,500) 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 $11,710, 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 $250) 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.

What are the current Australian government visa fees by subclass?

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.

How much does an Australian visitor visa cost (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:

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:

How much does an Australian Working Holiday visa cost (417 and 462)?

The Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462) both cost AUD $840 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:

How much does an Australian student visa cost (500 and 590)?

The Student visa (Subclass 500) costs AUD $2,500 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:

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

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.

How much does an Australian partner visa cost (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 $11,710, 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 $11,710 on its own, and after you marry in Australia you then have to submit a separate partner visa application. The follow-on 820/801 fee is reduced to about $1,955 for Prospective Marriage visa holders, but the total across both applications still comes to around $13,665 in government fees alone.

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

Realistic total cost of a partner visa:

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.

How much does an Australian skilled visa cost (189, 190, 491)?

The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) both cost AUD $6,135 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:

Realistic total cost of a skilled visa:

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.

How much does an Australian employer-sponsored visa cost (482, 186, 494)?

Employer Sponsored visas split the cost: you pay some fees, and the sponsoring employer usually covers the rest.

The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) costs AUD $4,015 for the primary applicant, depending on the stream. The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186), which leads to permanent residency, costs AUD $6,140 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:

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

What hidden costs do Australian visa applicants forget about?

Health exams, police certificates, English tests, skills assessments, and NAATI translations are the costs that catch most people off guard. 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.

How much do health examinations cost ($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.

How much do police and character certificates cost ($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.

How much do English language tests cost ($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.

How much do skills assessments cost ($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.

How much do NAATI-certified translations cost ($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.

Do biometrics cost extra for Australian visas?

There's no separate biometrics fee, but you may need to travel to a Visa Application Centre. 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.

How much do migration agent or lawyer fees add?

Expect $500 to $10,000+ on top of the government fee, depending on visa type. 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. For a full breakdown of what agents charge by visa type and what drives the price, see our guide to migration agent costs in Australia, and if you are weighing whether you actually need one, our breakdown of when a migration agent is worth it walks through the cases where DIY is fine and where it is not.

What does an Australian visa really cost in total?

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 can I save money on my Australian visa application?

You can't negotiate the government fee, but three things can each save you hundreds to thousands: applying before 1 July, preparing well so you don't have to resubmit, and choosing the right level of professional help. Here are the legitimate ways to cut the total cost.

Should I apply before 1 July to avoid the fee increase?

Visa fees increase on 1 July each year. In a normal year the rise is small: a CPI-linked 3-4%, which on an expensive visa still means $100-400 extra. An exceptional year like 2026, when most fees rose about 25% at once, costs far more, but that kind of jump is rare. Either way, if you are close to ready, applying before 1 July can save you money.

How do I avoid paying for a second health exam?

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.

How do I avoid paying for English tests twice?

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.

Why does submitting a complete application save money?

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.

How do I 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 does Tern reduce Australian visa costs?

Tern automates the repetitive administrative work (form-filling, document organisation, consistency checks) so applications cost a fraction of agent fees. We built Tern because the traditional model, where you pay a migration agent thousands of dollars on top of already expensive government fees, does not make sense for most visa types. The software handles the routine work, 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 pathways where the total easily reaches five figures. But here is what matters: your visa fee buys an outcome, and the single biggest waste of money is a refusal you could have avoided.

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.