Australian Visa Costs 2025: Complete Fee Guide

Overview of 2025 Visa Fee Changes

The Australian Government has implemented significant visa fee adjustments for 2025, with increases across most categories to reflect processing costs and policy priorities. This comprehensive guide covers all current visa application charges, additional costs, and fee structures.

Key Changes for 2025

Major Fee Updates

• Average Increase: 6-15% across most visa categories
• Student Visa Increase: Significant rise from $650 to $1,600 AUD
• Working Holiday Increase: From $510 to $635 AUD
• Partner Visa Increase: From $8,085 to $8,850 AUD
• Skilled Migration: Moderate increases of 5-8%
• New Fee Structure: Introduction of priority processing fees

Skilled Migration Visa Costs

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

Primary Applicant:

• Base Application Charge: $4,640 AUD (increased from $4,240)
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $2,320 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $1,160 AUD

Additional Costs:

• Skills Assessment: $300-$1,200 (varies by assessing authority)
• English Language Test: $395-$587 AUD
• Health Examinations: $300-$500 per person
• Police Clearances: $42-$100 per country
• Document Translation: $35-$70 per page

Total Estimated Cost (single applicant): $6,000-$8,000 AUD

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

Primary Applicant:

• Base Application Charge: $4,640 AUD (increased from $4,240)
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $2,320 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $1,160 AUD

State/Territory Nomination:

• Most States: No additional fee
• Some States: $200-$330 processing fee

Total Estimated Cost (single applicant): $6,000-$8,200 AUD

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

Primary Applicant:

• Base Application Charge: $4,640 AUD (increased from $4,240)
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $2,320 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $1,160 AUD

Regional Nomination:

• State/Territory Nomination: Usually no fee
• Family Sponsorship: No additional government fee

Total Estimated Cost (single applicant): $6,000-$8,000 AUD

Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)

Primary Applicant:

• Base Application Charge: $435 AUD (new visa category)
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $220 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $110 AUD

Eligibility: Must hold subclass 491 or 494 visa for 3+ years

Total Estimated Cost (single applicant): $1,000-$1,500 AUD

Employer Sponsored Visa Costs

Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

Short-term Stream (up to 2 years):

• Base Application Charge: $1,455 AUD (increased from $1,330)
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $1,455 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $365 AUD

Medium-term Stream (up to 4 years):

• Base Application Charge: $3,035 AUD (increased from $2,770)
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $1,520 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $760 AUD

Labour Agreement Stream:

• Base Application Charge: $3,035 AUD
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $1,520 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $760 AUD

Employer Costs:

• Nomination Fee: $540 AUD per nomination
• Sponsorship Fee: $420 AUD (new sponsors)
• Skilling Australians Fund (SAF): $1,800-$5,400 per year
• Training Benchmarks: 1-2% of payroll

Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme

Direct Entry Stream:

• Base Application Charge: $4,640 AUD (increased from $4,240)
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $2,320 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $1,160 AUD

Temporary Residence Transition Stream:

• Base Application Charge: $4,640 AUD
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $2,320 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $1,160 AUD

Agreement Stream:

• Base Application Charge: $4,640 AUD
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $2,320 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $1,160 AUD

Employer Costs:

• Nomination Fee: $540 AUD
• Sponsorship Fee: $420 AUD (if not already sponsor)
• Skilling Australians Fund: $5,000-$5,400 per nomination

Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional

Primary Applicant:

• Base Application Charge: $4,640 AUD (increased from $4,240)
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $2,320 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $1,160 AUD

Employer Costs:

• Nomination Fee: $540 AUD
• Sponsorship Fee: $420 AUD (new sponsors)
• Skilling Australians Fund: $3,000-$5,000 per nomination

Family Migration Visa Costs

Partner Visas

Subclass 820/801 – Partner Visa (Onshore)

• Base Application Charge: $8,850 AUD (increased from $8,085)
• Additional Child (under 18): $2,215 AUD
• Additional Child (18+ years): $4,425 AUD

Subclass 309/100 – Partner Visa (Offshore)

• Base Application Charge: $8,850 AUD (increased from $8,085)
• Additional Child (under 18): $2,215 AUD
• Additional Child (18+ years): $4,425 AUD

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

• Base Application Charge: $8,850 AUD (increased from $8,085)
• Additional Child (under 18): $2,215 AUD
• Additional Child (18+ years): $4,425 AUD

Additional Costs:

• Health Examinations: $300-$500 per person
• Police Clearances: $42-$100 per country
• Relationship Evidence: $200-$1,000 (documentation, photos, etc.)
• English Language Course: $510 AUD (if required)

Child Visas

Subclass 101 – Child Visa (Offshore)

• Base Application Charge: $3,055 AUD (increased from $2,790)

Subclass 802 – Child Visa (Onshore)

• Base Application Charge: $3,055 AUD (increased from $2,790)

Subclass 445 – Dependent Child Visa

• Base Application Charge: $3,055 AUD

Subclass 117/837 – Orphan Relative Visa

• Base Application Charge: $3,055 AUD

Parent Visas

Subclass 103 – Parent Visa

• Base Application Charge: $4,990 AUD (increased from $4,560)
• Second Installment: $2,495 AUD

Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa

• Base Application Charge: $4,990 AUD
• Second Installment: $45,420 AUD (increased from $43,600)

Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary)

• Base Application Charge: $3,055 AUD
• Second Installment: $31,130 AUD (increased from $29,130)

Subclass 884 – Aged Parent Visa (Onshore)

• Base Application Charge: $4,990 AUD
• Second Installment: $2,495 AUD

Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent (Onshore)

• Base Application Charge: $4,990 AUD
• Second Installment: $45,420 AUD

Other Family Visas

Subclass 116/836 – Carer Visa

• Base Application Charge: $3,055 AUD (increased from $2,790)

Subclass 114/838 – Aged Dependent Relative

• Base Application Charge: $3,055 AUD

Subclass 115/835 – Remaining Relative

• Base Application Charge: $4,990 AUD
• Second Installment: $2,495 AUD

Student Visa Costs

Subclass 500 – Student Visa

Primary Applicant:

• Base Application Charge: $1,600 AUD (significantly increased from $650)
• Additional Family Member (18+ years): $1,200 AUD
• Additional Family Member (under 18): $400 AUD

Subclass 590 – Student Guardian Visa

• Base Application Charge: $1,600 AUD (increased from $650)

Additional Student Costs:

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): $450-$650 per year
• English Language Test: $395-$587 AUD (if required)
• Health Examinations: $300-$500 per person
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Documentation: $100-$500

Total First-Year Cost (single student): $2,500-$3,500 AUD

Working Holiday and Work Visa Costs

Working Holiday Visas

Subclass 417 – Working Holiday Visa

• Base Application Charge: $635 AUD (increased from $510)
• Age Requirement: 18-30 years (35 for some countries)

Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday Visa

• Base Application Charge: $635 AUD (increased from $510)
• Age Requirement: 18-30 years

Second and Third Working Holiday Visas:

• Base Application Charge: $635 AUD each
• Work Requirements: 88 days specified work for second visa, 179 days for third

Other Work Visas

Subclass 408 – Temporary Activity Visa

• Base Application Charge: $395 AUD (increased from $365)
• Additional Applicant: $395 AUD each

Subclass 407 – Training Visa

• Base Application Charge: $395 AUD
• Additional Applicant: $395 AUD each

Subclass 403 – International Relations Visa

• Base Application Charge: $395 AUD
• Additional Applicant: $395 AUD each

Business and Investment Visa Costs

Business Innovation and Investment Visas

Subclass 188A – Business Innovation Stream

• Base Application Charge: $6,085 AUD (increased from $5,375)
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $3,045 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $1,520 AUD

Subclass 188B – Investor Stream

• Base Application Charge: $6,085 AUD
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $3,045 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $1,520 AUD

Subclass 188C – Significant Investor Stream

• Base Application Charge: $9,455 AUD (increased from $8,925)
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $4,730 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $2,365 AUD

Subclass 188E – Entrepreneur Stream

• Base Application Charge: $6,085 AUD
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $3,045 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $1,520 AUD

Permanent Business Visas

Subclass 888A – Business Innovation

• Base Application Charge: $2,590 AUD (increased from $2,390)
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $1,295 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $650 AUD

Subclass 888B – Investor

• Base Application Charge: $2,590 AUD
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $1,295 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $650 AUD

Subclass 888C – Significant Investor

• Base Application Charge: $2,590 AUD
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $1,295 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $650 AUD

Global Talent Visa

Subclass 858 – Global Talent (Permanent)

• Base Application Charge: $4,640 AUD (increased from $4,240)
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $2,320 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $1,160 AUD

Subclass 124 – Distinguished Talent

• Base Application Charge: $4,640 AUD
• Additional Applicant (18+ years): $2,320 AUD
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $1,160 AUD

Visitor and Tourist Visa Costs

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Subclass 600 – Visitor Visa

Tourist Stream:

• Base Application Charge: $190 AUD (increased from $150)
• Additional Applicant: $190 AUD each

Business Visitor Stream:

• Base Application Charge: $190 AUD
• Additional Applicant: $190 AUD each

Family Sponsored Stream:

• Base Application Charge: $190 AUD
• Additional Applicant: $190 AUD each

Subclass 601 – Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

• Base Application Charge: $20 AUD
• Service Fee: $20 AUD (when applying through app)

Subclass 651 – eVisitor

• Base Application Charge: Free
• Eligible Countries: European Union and other specified countries

Transit Visas

Subclass 771 – Transit Visa

• Base Application Charge: Free
• Duration: Up to 72 hours

Subclass 773 – Maritime Crew Visa

• Base Application Charge: Free
• For: Ship crew members

Additional Fees and Charges

Priority Processing

Available Visa Categories:

• Student visas: +$1,000 AUD (new for 2025)
• Partner visas: +$2,500 AUD
• Employer sponsored visas: +$1,500 AUD
• Business visas: +$2,000 AUD

Processing Time Reduction:

• Standard processing reduced by 50-75%
• Guaranteed timeframes for priority applications
• Limited availability – first come, first served

Health and Character Requirements

Health Examinations:

• Basic Health Check: $300-$400
• Comprehensive Medical: $450-$600
• Chest X-ray: $150-$200
• HIV Test: $100-$150
• Additional Tests: $50-$200 each

Police Clearances:

• Australian Federal Police: $42 AUD
• International Clearances: $50-$200 per country
• Apostille/Authentication: $50-$150 per document

Document Services

Translation Services:

• NAATI Certified Translation: $35-$70 per page
• Statutory Declarations: $50-$100
• Document Certification: $20-$50 per document

Migration Agent Fees:

• Initial Consultation: $200-$400
• Full Application Service: $3,000-$8,000
• Review and Lodgment: $1,500-$3,500
• Hourly Rate: $300-$600 per hour

Payment Methods and Options

Accepted Payment Methods

Online Applications:

• Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
• Debit cards
• PayPal (selected visa types)
• Bank transfer (for large amounts)

Payment Plans:

• Available for visas with second installments
• Parent visa payment plans
• Business investment visa installments

Currency and Exchange Rates

Payment Currency:

• All fees in Australian Dollars (AUD)
• Exchange rates applied at time of payment
• Bank conversion fees may apply
• Consider exchange rate fluctuations when budgeting

Fee Waivers and Reductions

Eligible Circumstances

Fee Waivers Available For:

• Victims of human trafficking
• Certain humanitarian cases
• Ministerial intervention cases
• Specific protection visa applicants

Reduced Fees:

• Some family violence cases
• Certain child visa applications
• Specific humanitarian circumstances

Application Process

Waiver Application Requirements:

• Detailed supporting documentation
• Evidence of financial hardship
• Relevant case circumstances
• Professional assessments where applicable

Refund Policies

Refund Eligibility

Full Refunds Available:

• Application withdrawn before processing begins
• Duplicate applications
• Incorrect fee payments
• Visa application refused due to invalid application

Partial Refunds:

• Second installment not required
• Application withdrawn during processing (limited circumstances)

No Refunds:

• Application refused after processing
• Application withdrawn after significant processing
• Priority processing fees (in most cases)

Refund Process

Application Requirements:

• Written refund request
• Original payment evidence
• Valid reasons for refund
• Processing time: 28-56 days

Cost Comparison by Visa Category

Most Expensive Visas (Single Applicant)

1. Contributory Parent (143): $50,410 AUD total
2. Contributory Aged Parent (864): $50,410 AUD total
3. Contributory Parent Temporary (173): $34,185 AUD total
4. Significant Investor (188C): $9,455 AUD
5. Partner Visas: $8,850 AUD

Most Affordable Visas (Single Applicant)

1. eVisitor (651): Free
2. Transit (771): Free
3. ETA (601): $20 AUD
4. Visitor (600): $190 AUD
5. Training/Activity (407/408): $395 AUD

Best Value for Permanent Residence

1. Skilled Independent (189): $4,640 AUD
2. Skilled Nominated (190): $4,640 AUD
3. Regional Skilled (491→191): $5,075 AUD total
4. Global Talent (858): $4,640 AUD
5. Employer Nomination (186): $4,640 AUD

Budgeting and Financial Planning

Total Cost Estimation

Skilled Migration (Single Applicant):

• Visa application: $4,640 AUD
• Skills assessment: $300-$1,200 AUD
• English test: $395-$587 AUD
• Health/police checks: $400-$600 AUD
• Migration agent: $3,000-$6,000 AUD
• Total: $8,735-$13,027 AUD

Family Migration (Couple):

• Partner visa: $8,850 AUD
• Health/police checks: $800-$1,200 AUD
• Documentation: $500-$1,000 AUD
• Migration agent: $4,000-$8,000 AUD
• Total: $14,150-$19,050 AUD

Student Visa (Single):

• Visa application: $1,600 AUD
• Health cover (OSHC): $450-$650 AUD
• Health checks: $300-$500 AUD
• English test: $395-$587 AUD (if required)
• Total: $2,745-$3,337 AUD

Payment Timeline Planning

Skilled Migration Timeline:

• Skills assessment: 2-4 months before application
• English test: 1-3 months before application
• Visa application: At time of lodgment
• Health/police checks: After invitation to apply
• Migration agent: Throughout process

Family Migration Timeline:

• Initial payment: At application lodgment
• Additional costs: Throughout 12-24 month process
• Health/police checks: When requested
• English course: If required after decision

Money-Saving Strategies

Cost Reduction Tips

DIY vs Professional Help:

• Simple visas: Consider self-application
• Complex cases: Professional assistance recommended
• Partial services: Use agents for review only
• Online resources: Utilize free government information

Timing Strategies:

• Apply before fee increases (usually July 1)
• Combine family applications where possible
• Plan English tests strategically
• Book health examinations in advance

Document Preparation:

• Organize documents yourself
• Use certified copies instead of originals
• Translate only required documents
• Maintain organized records

Alternative Pathways

Lower-Cost Visa Routes:

• Regional visas often have same fees but easier requirements
• State nomination may provide additional support
• Employer sponsorship shares costs with employer
• Student to skilled migration pathway

Future Fee Projections

Expected Changes 2025-2026

Likely Increases:

• Annual indexation of 3-6%
• Continued focus on cost recovery
• Premium service expansion
• Technology improvement costs

Policy Priorities:

• Skills-based migration incentives
• Regional development support
• Family reunion facilitation
• International education competitiveness

Planning Recommendations

Short-term (6-12 months):

• Apply before next fee increase cycle
• Budget for current fee levels plus 5-10%
• Consider priority processing if time-sensitive
• Prepare all documents to avoid delays

Long-term (1-3 years):

• Budget for 15-25% fee increases
• Consider pathway visa strategies
• Plan for additional service fees
• Monitor policy changes regularly

Conclusion

Australian visa fees in 2025 reflect significant increases across most categories, with student visas seeing the largest jump. Successful budgeting requires understanding not just the base application charges, but all associated costs including health checks, English tests, skills assessments, and professional services.

Key Budgeting Principles:

1. Plan Comprehensively: Include all associated costs, not just visa fees
2. Time Strategically: Apply before fee increase cycles when possible
3. Consider Alternatives: Explore different visa pathways and their relative costs
4. Prepare Thoroughly: Avoid additional costs from delays or mistakes
5. Seek Value: Balance DIY savings with professional expertise needs

Ready to start your visa application? Calculate your specific costs or consult with registered migration agents for personalized budgeting advice.