Australia Work Visa Fees: An In-Depth Breakdown of the Costs

Planning to work in Australia? One of the first things you need to understand is how much the visa will cost. Australia offers many types of work visas, each with a different fee that is typically updated on July 1 each year. According to the Department of Home Affairs, all visa application charges are set in Australian dollars (AUD) and are subject to annual indexation. This guide breaks down the main costs involved so you can plan your budget with confidence.

Overview of Australia’s Work Visa Fees

Australia’s work visa fees depend on the type of visa you choose and can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The Department of Home Affairs sets these fees and usually updates them on July 1 each year. The base application fee is only one part of the total cost—you may also need to pay for health checks, English language tests, skills assessments, and other charges depending on your visa category.

For example, a Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) has a different fee structure from a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or an Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186). Short-term visas generally cost less than permanent ones, and the total expense also depends on whether you include family members, since each additional applicant adds to the fee.

Beyond government fees, you should also budget for migration agent services if you choose to use one, as well as document translation and certification costs. All fees must be paid in Australian dollars (AUD), and most payments are made online through the ImmiAccount portal.

Types of Australian Work Visas and Their Fees

Australia has several work visa categories designed for different situations and skill levels. The fee you pay depends on the visa subclass, the stream you choose, and how many people are included in your application. Below is a closer look at the most common work visas and their costs as of July 1, 2025.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) Fees

The subclass 482 visa, now officially called the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, is one of the most popular employer-sponsored work visas in Australia. The SID visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on December 7, 2024, introducing a new three-tiered system. It allows businesses to hire skilled overseas workers when they cannot find suitable local candidates. As of July 2025, the application fee for the primary applicant is AUD 3,210 (approximately ¥350,400, up from AUD 3,115). Each additional adult pays AUD 3,210, and each child under 18 pays AUD 805 (approximately ¥87,900).

On top of the visa fee, the employer must also cover sponsorship (AUD 420), nomination (AUD 330), and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy (AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,800 per year depending on business size). These employer-paid costs cannot legally be passed on to the worker. Applicants should also budget for health insurance, medical examinations, and English language testing, which can add AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,000 or more.

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) Fees

The subclass 186 visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers nominated by their employer. Since July 2025, the primary applicant fee is AUD 4,910 (approximately ¥536,200, up from AUD 4,770). Each additional adult costs AUD 2,455, and each child under 18 costs AUD 1,230. This visa is especially popular among 482 visa holders who have worked in Australia for at least two years and are transitioning to permanent status.

The employer must pay a nomination fee and meet the SAF levy requirements. The higher application cost compared to temporary visas reflects the permanent nature of this visa, which grants the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare, and eventually apply for citizenship.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Fees

The subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa that does not require employer sponsorship or state nomination. As of July 2025, the base fee is AUD 4,910 (approximately ¥536,200) for the primary applicant, AUD 2,455 for a partner, and AUD 1,225 per dependent child. While there is no charge to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, you should factor in skills assessment fees (AUD 500 to AUD 1,500), English proficiency tests (around AUD 350 to AUD 400 per attempt), and medical and police checks.

Because the 189 visa is highly competitive, most successful applicants score well above the minimum of 65 points. The total cost from start to finish for a single applicant, including all assessments and checks, typically falls between AUD 7,000 and AUD 10,000 (approximately ¥764,600 to ¥1,092,300). Families should expect a higher total due to fees for each additional member.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462) Fees

The Working Holiday visa is designed for young adults (generally 18 to 30, or up to 35 for certain nationalities including the UK, Canada, France, and Ireland) who want to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months. There are two subclasses: the 417 for passport holders from countries like the UK, Canada, and several European nations, and the 462 for citizens of countries such as the USA, Argentina, and various Asian nations. As of July 2025, the application fee for both subclasses is AUD 670 (approximately ¥73,200).

Unlike skilled visas, the Working Holiday visa has a simple fee structure with no need for employer sponsorship or skills assessments. The 462 visa may require proof of education and functional English. If you qualify and complete specified regional work, you can apply for a second or third year, each requiring a new application at the same fee. Budget also for health insurance, proof of funds (at least AUD 5,000), and return travel costs.

Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 400, 403 & 408) Fees

These temporary visas cover short-term work activities in Australia, from specialist roles to cultural exchanges. The subclass 400 is for highly specialised workers coming for up to six months, the 403 is for government or diplomatic arrangements, and the 408 covers activities such as entertainment, sports, religious work, and research. The application fee ranges from about AUD 325 to AUD 445, making them the most affordable work visa options.

Because these visas are short-term and activity-specific, overall costs tend to be much lower than skilled or permanent visas. The duration of stay varies by stream, from a few months to up to four years for government-endorsed events. These visas do not typically lead to permanent residency, so they are best suited for people with a specific, temporary purpose in Australia.

The table below provides a quick comparison of the main application fees for each visa type:

All fees are in Australian dollars (AUD) and reflect the rates effective from July 1, 2025 (1 AUD ≈ 109.23 JPY as of February 19, 2026). According to the Department of Home Affairs, fees are subject to annual updates.

Additional Costs Beyond the Visa Application Fee

The visa application charge is only the starting point. Most applicants face several additional expenses that can significantly increase the total cost. Understanding them upfront will help you create a realistic budget.

Skills Assessment Fees

A skills assessment checks whether your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. It is mandatory for most skilled migration visas (subclass 189, 190, 491) and some employer-sponsored visas. The cost depends on which assessing authority handles your occupation.

Most authorities offer priority processing for an additional fee (for example, AUD 825 extra at VETASSESS or AUD 395 at Engineers Australia). A positive skills assessment is usually valid for two to three years, and if your first assessment is unsuccessful, you may need to pay again for a review or new application.

English Proficiency Test Fees

Most Australian work visas require you to prove your English ability through an approved test. The most commonly accepted tests and their approximate fees as of 2025 are shown below.

These fees apply each time you sit the test, so if you do not achieve the required score on your first attempt, you will pay the full amount again. For points-tested visas like the 189, a higher English score earns additional points, which could make the difference in receiving an invitation to apply. It is a good idea to budget for at least two test attempts.

Medical Examination and Police Clearance Costs

Nearly all Australian visa applicants must complete a health examination conducted by an approved panel physician. In Australia, these are carried out by Bupa Medical Visa Services and typically cost AUD 300 to AUD 500. A standard examination includes a physical check-up and chest X-ray, though additional tests may be needed depending on your age, health history, or visa type. Costs vary by country if you take the exam overseas.

You will also need police clearance certificates. According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), an Australian national police check costs AUD 56. If you have lived in other countries for 12 months or more during the past 10 years, you will need police certificates from each of those countries as well. Both results are sent directly to the Department of Home Affairs.

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy

The SAF levy is a mandatory payment that applies to employer-sponsored visas like the subclass 482 and 186. It must be paid by the employer, not the visa applicant. Smaller businesses (annual turnover under AUD 10 million) pay AUD 1,200 per year per sponsored worker, while larger businesses pay AUD 1,800 per year. For a four-year temporary visa, the total levy can reach AUD 4,800 to AUD 7,200.

Australian law prohibits employers from recovering this cost from the worker. If an employer asks you to pay or reimburse the SAF levy, that is a violation of sponsorship obligations. While this cost does not come directly out of your pocket, understanding it helps you see the full financial picture of employer-sponsored pathways.

Migration Agent and Legal Fees

Hiring a registered migration agent is optional, but many applicants choose to do so because the process can be complex. A migration agent must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). For a straightforward skilled visa, agent fees typically range from AUD 2,000 to AUD 5,000, while more complex cases can cost AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000 or more.

An initial consultation usually costs AUD 100 to AUD 300, and some agents credit this toward their service fee. While using an agent increases upfront costs, it can reduce the risk of mistakes that lead to delays or refusals. A refused application means losing the government visa fee with no refund, which makes professional advice a worthwhile investment for many people. Always confirm your agent is MARA-registered by checking the official register before signing any agreement.

Who Pays for the Visa? Employer vs. Applicant Cost Breakdown

For employer-sponsored visas, who pays each fee is not just a matter of negotiation. It is governed by Australian migration law, and getting it wrong can lead to fines, visa cancellations, or even criminal penalties for the employer.

Government Visa Application Charges (VAC) for Applicants

The Visa Application Charge (VAC) is the government fee paid when you submit your application through ImmiAccount. For employer-sponsored visas, the VAC is legally the applicant’s responsibility, but many employers choose to cover it as part of a relocation package. Whether the employer pays depends on your agreement, so it is always a good idea to get this in writing before accepting a job offer.

For non-sponsored visas like the subclass 189 or Working Holiday visa, all costs fall entirely on the applicant. Since there is no employer involved, you are responsible for every expense from the application fee to the skills assessment and medical checks.

Sponsorship and Nomination Fees for Employers

Australian law is clear about which costs the employer must pay. For the subclass 482 and 494 visas, the employer must cover the sponsorship application fee (AUD 420), the nomination fee (AUD 330), the SAF levy, and all recruitment-related expenses. For the subclass 186, the employer pays the nomination fee (AUD 540 for positions outside regional areas) plus the SAF levy. These are non-negotiable obligations under migration legislation.

Employers are prohibited from passing these mandatory costs on to the worker in any form. They cannot deduct sponsorship fees from your salary, ask for reimbursement, or set up informal cost-shifting arrangements. However, employers are permitted to include a clawback clause in employment contracts for costs you were legally allowed to pay in the first place (not the sponsorship or SAF fees).

The following table summarises the typical cost responsibilities for employer-sponsored visas:

This table applies to employer-sponsored visas (subclass 482, 186, and 494). For independent visas, all costs are the applicant’s responsibility.

Factors That Affect Your Total Australia Work Visa Cost

Your final visa bill is rarely just the base application fee. Several variables can push the total cost significantly higher, and understanding them in advance will help you avoid budget shortfalls.

Visa Subclass and Stream Selection

The visa subclass you choose is the single biggest factor in determining your overall cost. Temporary visas like the subclass 400 or Working Holiday visa have base fees under AUD 700, while permanent visas like the 189 and 186 start at AUD 4,910. Within some subclasses, different streams carry different income thresholds. For instance, according to the Department of Home Affairs, the subclass 482 Core Skills stream requires a minimum salary of AUD 76,515, whereas the Specialist Skills stream requires at least AUD 141,210.

Different subclasses also carry different requirements that add to the total expense. A subclass 189 applicant must pay for a skills assessment, English test, and medical check, while a Working Holiday applicant may only need a medical exam and proof of funds. Choosing the right visa subclass from the start is therefore not only an immigration decision but also a financial one.

Number of Dependents Included in the Application

Adding family members to your application is one of the fastest ways to increase the total cost. For the subclass 482, each additional adult costs AUD 3,210 and each child costs AUD 805. For the subclass 186, additional adults pay AUD 2,455 and children pay AUD 1,230. A family of four applying for a 186 visa could face a combined government fee of over AUD 9,800 before any other expenses.

The cost extends beyond the application fee. Each dependent also needs their own medical examination, police clearance (if aged 16 or over), and health insurance. When planning your budget, multiply these additional costs by the number of family members rather than just considering the primary applicant’s expenses.

Subsequent Temporary Application Charges (STAC)

The STAC is an additional fee of AUD 700 per person that may apply when you lodge a temporary visa application while already in Australia. It is triggered when your most recent substantive visa was also applied for while you were onshore. For example, if you renewed a student visa within Australia and later applied for a 482 visa onshore, the STAC would apply to your 482 application.

The STAC applies to each person in the application, so for a family of three it could add AUD 2,100. It does not apply to permanent visa applications, bridging visas, or your first temporary visa applied for onshore. There is no waiver or exemption available, so if it applies to your situation, you must pay it at lodgement along with the base application fee.

How to Pay Your Australia Work Visa Fees

All Australian visa fees must be paid in Australian dollars (AUD) at the time you submit your application. The primary payment platform is ImmiAccount, the Department of Home Affairs’ official online system.

Accepted Payment Methods

ImmiAccount accepts major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club), Visa or MasterCard debit cards, PayPal, China UnionPay, and BPAY. A surcharge of approximately 1.40% applies to most card and PayPal payments (1.99% for Diners Club). BPAY has no surcharge but carries a timing risk explained below.

You must pay the full fee in a single transaction. If the total exceeds your card’s daily limit, contact your bank beforehand to request a temporary increase. International card payments may also incur foreign currency conversion fees of around 2–3%, so make sure your available funds cover both the fee and any additional charges.

Step-by-Step Guide to Paying Through ImmiAccount

First, create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website if you do not already have one. Registration is free and requires your name, email, and a password. Once logged in, start a new application by selecting the correct visa subclass. The system guides you through the form, where you enter personal details, upload documents, and declare relevant information. At the final step, ImmiAccount calculates your total fee automatically.

Select your payment method, enter your details, and confirm the transaction. Once processed, you will receive a transaction receipt number and your application is officially lodged. Keep a copy of this receipt as proof of your valid application.

Tips to Avoid Common Payment Issues

Before you begin, check that your card has enough credit to cover the visa fee plus the surcharge and any currency conversion fees. Contact your bank to raise your daily limit if needed, and let them know about the international payment to prevent the transaction from being flagged and blocked.

If you pay by BPAY, note that your application is not officially lodged until the payment is matched, which can take one to two business days. If your current visa expires during that window, you could find yourself without a valid visa. Credit card payment is generally the safest option because it provides instant confirmation. Always verify you are on the official ImmiAccount website before entering payment details, and never pay through unofficial third-party websites.

FAQ

Q. How Much Does an Australia Work Visa Cost in 2026?

A. Australian visa fees are updated on July 1 each year, so the exact 2026 fees will be confirmed after that date. As a guide, the current rates (July 2025) are AUD 3,210 for a subclass 482, AUD 4,910 for a subclass 186 or 189, and AUD 670 for a Working Holiday visa. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date fees before applying.

Q. What Is the 482 Visa Fee for Applicants and Employers?

A. The primary applicant pays AUD 3,210. Each additional adult also pays AUD 3,210, and each child under 18 pays AUD 805. On the employer side, the sponsorship fee is AUD 420, the nomination fee is AUD 330, and the SAF levy is AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,800 per year depending on turnover. The employer is legally required to pay sponsorship, nomination, and SAF costs and cannot pass them on to the worker.

Q. Can I Get a Refund If My Visa Application Is Refused?

A. In most cases, no. The Department of Home Affairs does not refund the visa application charge if your application is refused or withdrawn. Refunds are only possible in very limited circumstances, such as departmental error or when a 482 application is withdrawn because there was no approved nomination. If you believe you qualify for a refund, you can submit a written request using Form 1424.

Conclusion

Australia’s work visa fees involve more than just the base application charge. From skills assessments and English tests to medical examinations and employer levies, the total cost can add up quickly. By understanding the full range of expenses for your visa subclass and knowing who is legally responsible for each cost, you can avoid unexpected delays and budget with confidence. Always verify the latest fees on the Department of Home Affairs website before you begin your application.