Australia PR Cost and Fees: Complete Breakdown

Understanding the true cost of Australian permanent residency helps you plan your finances and avoid surprises. The journey involves multiple fees at different stages, and costs add up quickly.

Before investing in the process, check if you are eligible with our PR Points Calculator.

Main PR Costs at a Glance

Here is a summary of the major costs for a single applicant:

These figures are estimates. Actual costs vary by occupation, location, and individual circumstances. Additional costs apply for family members.

Visa Application Fee

This is the largest single expense. The fee structure is:

• Main applicant: Approximately $4,640 AUD
• Partner (over 18): Approximately $2,320 AUD
• Children (under 18): Approximately $1,160 AUD each

Example: A couple with one child would pay approximately $8,120 in visa application fees alone.

Important: Visa fees increase every year on July 1. Check the current fee on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Skills Assessment Fees

Each assessing authority sets its own fees. Common ranges:

• ACS (IT): $500–$550
• Engineers Australia: $800–$1,200
• VETASSESS: $600–$1,000
• CPA/CA/IPA: $400–$600
• ANMAC (Nursing): $500–$800
• TRA (Trades): $300–$800

Some authorities offer priority processing for an additional 50–100% of the standard fee.

English Language Test Fees

Most applicants need to take an approved English test:

• IELTS Academic: Approximately $340–$400 AUD
• PTE Academic: Approximately $350–$400 AUD
• TOEFL iBT: Approximately $300–$350 AUD

If you need to retake the test (common), budget for multiple attempts. Many applicants take the test 2–3 times to achieve their target score.

Health Examinations and Police Checks

Health Examinations

All applicants must undergo health checks with an approved panel physician. Costs vary by country and examination requirements:

• Standard medical: $200–$400
• Chest X-ray: $50–$150
• Blood tests: $50–$100

Additional tests may be required depending on age, country of origin, and medical history.

Police Clearances

You need police certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years:

• Australian Federal Police: $42
• International clearances: Vary by country ($50–$200 each)

State Nomination Fees (190/491)

If applying for a 190 or 491 visa, states may charge nomination fees:

• New South Wales: $300–$800 (varies by stream)
• Victoria: Usually no fee
• Queensland: $200–$350
• Western Australia: $200
• South Australia: $330–$500

These fees are separate from the federal visa application fee.

Other Common Costs

Document Translations

Non-English documents must be translated by accredited translators:

• Approximately $50–$150 per document
• Complex documents (academic transcripts) may cost more

Migration Agent Fees

If you use a registered migration agent:

• Full service: $3,000–$6,000
• Document review: $500–$1,500
• Consultation only: $200–$500 per hour

While not required, agents can help complex cases and reduce refusal risk.

Certification and Notarisation

Some documents require certification or notarisation, adding $20–$100 depending on the document and provider.

Total Budget Planning

Single Applicant

Minimum realistic budget: $6,000–$7,000 AUD

Comfortable budget (including agent, multiple test attempts): $8,000–$10,000 AUD

Couple

Minimum realistic budget: $9,000–$11,000 AUD

Comfortable budget: $12,000–$15,000 AUD

Family with Children

Add approximately $1,500–$2,000 per child to the couple budget.

Tips to Manage Costs

Start Early

Spread costs over time. Skills assessment and English tests can be done months before the visa application fee is due.

Compare Assessing Authorities

If your occupation has multiple assessing authorities, compare fees and processing times. However, choose based on suitability, not just cost.

Prepare Documents Yourself

You can save on agent fees by preparing documents yourself, provided you are thorough and accurate.

Get English Right First Time

Invest in preparation courses to avoid multiple test fees. The cost of a preparation course is often less than retaking the test.

Budget for Extras

Always budget 10–20% more than your estimate. Unexpected costs inevitably arise.

Check Your Eligibility First

Before investing thousands in the PR process, ensure you have a competitive score and realistic chance of success.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about Australia PR costs and fees. Fees change regularly, especially on July 1 each year. Always verify current fees with the Department of Home Affairs and your relevant assessing authority.