Moving to Australia involves significant financial planning beyond just visa fees. The true migration cost to Australia includes government charges, professional services, and settlement expenses that can total tens of thousands of dollars.
We at Jameson Law see families underestimate these costs by 40-60%, leading to financial stress during their migration journey. Understanding every expense upfront helps you budget effectively and avoid costly surprises.
Visa Application Costs and Government Fees
Skilled Migration Visa Fees and Processing Times
Skilled migration visas carry the highest government fees in Australia’s immigration system. The Department of Home Affairs charges AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant’s Skilled Independent visa, with additional costs of AUD 2,320 for each adult dependent and AUD 1,160 per child.
Processing times stretch between 7-12 months for most skilled visas, which creates pressure to pay premium processing fees when available. Skills assessment fees vary dramatically by profession, with costs that range from AUD 500 for trades through TRA to AUD 1,350 for engineers via Engineers Australia.
English language tests add another AUD 395 for IELTS Academic, though PTE Academic costs slightly less at AUD 350. These mandatory tests often require multiple attempts (particularly for healthcare professionals), which doubles or triples the initial expense.
Family Visa Costs and Sponsorship Requirements
Family reunion visas demand substantial upfront investment beyond application fees. Partner visas cost from AUD 9,365 for most applicants, which makes them among Australia’s most expensive visa categories.
Parent visas present even steeper financial barriers. Contributory Parent visas let parents of settled Australian citizens or permanent residents move to Australia permanently. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that families typically underestimate these costs by 35%, particularly the ongoing financial commitments for health insurance.
Processing periods extend beyond 24 months for most family visas, which means applicants must maintain financial stability throughout extended waiting periods without work rights in many cases.
Student and Temporary Visa Pricing Structure
Student visas cost AUD 2,000 per application, but Overseas Student Health Cover represents the larger ongoing expense at AUD 600-2,000 annually depending on coverage level. International students must maintain this insurance throughout their entire study period.
Temporary work visas range from AUD 315 for Working Holiday visas to AUD 1,455 for Temporary Skill Shortage visas. Tourist visas appear affordable at AUD 145, yet multiple applications for extended stays quickly accumulate costs that exceed permanent visa fees.
These government fees represent just the foundation of your migration budget. Professional services and legal assistance add another significant layer of expenses that many applicants overlook when planning their Australian move.
Professional Services and Legal Assistance
Professional migration services represent the second largest expense category after government fees, with registered migration agents who charge between AUD 2,500 and AUD 7,150 depending on visa complexity and service level. The Migration Institute of Australia reports that 78% of successful visa applicants use professional assistance, yet many underestimate these costs during initial budget planning.
Migration Agent Fees and Service Packages
Full-service migration packages typically cost AUD 8,000-12,000 for skilled visas. These packages cover application preparation, document review, and ongoing communication with the Department of Home Affairs. Budget services start at AUD 3,500 but exclude critical elements like skills assessment guidance and English test preparation advice.
Premium packages that reach AUD 15,000 include family reunion coordination and post-arrival settlement support. Professional assistance proves valuable given the complexity of visa applications, which makes professional legal advice a worthwhile investment despite the substantial cost.
Skills Assessment Costs by Professional Bodies
Professional body assessments create unavoidable expenses that vary dramatically by occupation. Trades Recognition Australia charges AUD 500-800 for most trades, while medical professionals face costs that exceed AUD 3,000 through the Australian Medical Council.
Engineers Australia demands AUD 1,350 plus additional fees for Continuing Professional Development evidence. The Australian Computer Society charges AUD 500 for ICT professionals, though complex cases require additional documentation fees (particularly for those with non-standard qualifications).
Document Preparation and Translation Expenses
Document translation and certification adds AUD 100-200 per document through NAATI-certified translators. Complete application packages typically require 8-12 certified documents, which creates substantial cumulative costs.
Police clearance certificates cost approximately AUD 50 domestically but international certificates from countries like India or Philippines often exceed AUD 200 including courier fees. Medical examinations add another AUD 300-500 per person through panel physicians approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
These professional service costs accumulate quickly but remain essential for application success. The next major expense category involves your initial settlement costs once you arrive in Australia.
What Will Your First Year in Australia Actually Cost
Settlement expenses represent the financial reality that catches most migrants off guard after visa approval. Housing deposits alone consume AUD 8,000-15,000 in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where landlords demand four to six weeks rent upfront plus a security bond equivalent to four weeks rent. The Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that rental properties in Sydney require substantial upfront payments, which means your initial payment reaches AUD 10,000-15,000 before you spend your first night in Australia.
Initial Accommodation and Setup Costs
Temporary accommodation while you hunt for permanent housing adds another AUD 150-300 nightly in urban areas. Most migrants require 2-4 weeks to secure permanent housing, which creates substantial upfront costs. Serviced apartments cost less at AUD 100-200 per night but locations often require lengthy commutes to job interviews.
Airbnb rates fluctuate dramatically based on season and location, though weekly rates typically offer 20-30% savings over nightly bookings. International shipping for your belongings ranges between AUD 3,000-10,000 depending on volume and origin country (with insurance adding another 2-3% of declared value).
Health Insurance and Medical Requirements
Overseas Student Health Cover requires careful comparison between providers, while workers face private health insurance costs of AUD 2,000-6,000 yearly for family coverage. Medical examinations through panel physicians cost AUD 300-500 per person, though additional tests for specific health conditions can double these expenses.
Health insurance premiums vary significantly between providers. Basic hospital cover starts at AUD 80 monthly for singles but comprehensive coverage reaches AUD 400 monthly for families. The mandatory nature of health insurance makes this expense unavoidable for most visa categories.
Professional Registration and Employment Preparation
Professional registration fees create immediate employment barriers. Medical professionals face substantial costs through AHPRA, while trades workers pay AUD 500-1,500 for state-based licences. The Australian Taxation Office requires Tax File Number applications, which remain free but necessitate proof of identity documents that often require certification at AUD 50-100 per document.
Job search expenses include professional resume writers at AUD 300-800, LinkedIn Premium subscriptions at AUD 80 monthly, and attendance fees for professional events that accumulate to AUD 500-1,000 during active job searches. Professional clothing and interview preparation costs add another AUD 1,000-2,000 for most migrants who establish their Australian career presence. Understanding the benefits of migration to Australia helps justify these initial investments in your new life.
Final Thoughts
Migration cost to Australia varies dramatically based on your chosen pathway. Skilled migrants typically spend AUD 25,000-40,000 for visa fees, professional services, and first-year settlement expenses. Family visa applicants face costs between AUD 35,000-55,000 due to higher application fees and extended processing times.
Budget planning becomes essential given these substantial financial commitments. We recommend you maintain 20% additional funds beyond your calculated expenses to handle unexpected costs like additional document requirements or extended temporary accommodation. You should open an Australian bank account before arrival to avoid currency conversion fees and establish your financial presence early.
Professional legal assistance proves valuable when visa applications involve complex circumstances like health issues, criminal history, or non-standard qualifications (particularly for skilled professionals with overseas credentials). Jameson Law’s immigration team helps navigate these complexities while avoiding costly application mistakes that delay processing or result in refusal. The investment in professional guidance often saves thousands in reapplication fees and reduces stress throughout your migration journey.
