Securing Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia is a dream for thousands of skilled professionals and students, but it is also a significant financial commitment. The cost of Australian PR in 2025 has increased due to annual government fee adjustments and rising service charges.
If you are planning to apply for a skilled visa (like Subclass 189, 190, or 491), knowing the exact costs—including the “hidden” ones—is critical for budgeting. This guide provides a complete, itemized breakdown of the Permanent Residency Australia cost in 2025, from visa fees and skills assessments to medicals and relocation expenses.
1. Visa Application Charges (Effective July 1, 2025)
The Department of Home Affairs increased visa fees on July 1, 2025. These fees are mandatory and non-refundable once your application is lodged.
Skilled Migration Visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491)
| Applicant Type | Fee (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Applicant | $4,910 | Up from $4,765 previously. |
| Secondary Applicant (18+) | $2,455 | Spouse or partner. |
| Child (Under 18) | $1,230 | Per dependent child. |
Total for a family of 3 (Couple + 1 Child): AUD $8,595 (approx. INR 4.7 Lakhs).
Other Common PR Pathways
- Partner Visa (820/801 or 309/100): AUD $9,365 (Primary applicant).
- Employer Sponsored (186 ENS): AUD $4,910.
2. Skills Assessment Fees (Mandatory)
Before applying for a skilled visa, you must prove your qualifications and work experience match Australian standards. Fees vary by assessing authority.
| Occupation Group | Authority | Estimated Fee (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| IT Professionals | ACS | $500 – $1,450 (depending on pathway) |
| Engineers | Engineers Australia | $900 – $1,350 |
| General Professionals | VETASSESS | $1,070 – $1,450 (Full assessment) |
| Tradespeople | TRA | $3,000 – $4,000 (Job Ready Program) |
| Nurses/Midwives | ANMAC | $600 – $900+ |
| Accounting | CPA / CA ANZ | $550 – $600 |
Note: Prices often increase annually. Expedited processing (Fast Track) usually costs an extra $800 – $900.
3. English Language Tests (Mandatory)
Unless you hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, or NZ, you must provide English test results. Even native speakers often take these to claim superior points (20 points).
- PTE Academic: AUD $445 (approx. INR 26,600).
- IELTS (General/Academic): AUD $445 (approx. INR 26,600).
- OET (Health Professionals): Approx. AUD $587 (for 4 sub-tests).
Budget Tip: Most applicants take the test at least twice to get a high score. Budget AUD $900.
4. State Nomination Fees (State-Sponsored Visas)
If you are applying for a Subclass 190 or 491 visa, you must pay a fee to the state government for nomination processing.
| State / Territory | Fee (AUD) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | ~$330 | Payable upon invitation. |
| Victoria (VIC) | Free | Currently no charge. |
| Queensland (QLD) | $220 – $550 | Higher for offshore applicants. |
| South Australia (SA) | ~$381 | Recent increase. |
| Western Australia (WA) | ~$200 | For nomination application. |
5. Health & Character Checks
Every applicant (spouse + children included) must undergo these checks.
- Medical Exam:AUD $350 – $500 per person.
- Includes general checkup, chest x-ray (for TB), and HIV test.
- Cost varies by country and clinic.
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC):AUD $20 – $50 per country.
- Required for every country you lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
6. The “Hidden” Costs You Might Forget
These costs are often overlooked but can add thousands to your budget.
1. Second Installment (Language Charge)
- Cost: AUD $4,885.
- Who pays? You ONLY pay this if your dependent partner (aged 18+) has less than Functional English (IELTS 4.5 overall).
- Solution: Ensure your partner prepares for and passes a basic English test to save this money.
2. Professional Year (PY) Program
- Cost: AUD $8,000 – $15,000.
- Who needs it? IT, Engineering, and Accounting graduates in Australia who need 5 extra PR points.
3. NAATI CCL Test
- Cost: AUD $814.
- Benefit: Gives 5 extra PR points for community language credential.
4. Migration Agent Fees (Optional)
- Cost: AUD $3,000 – $6,000 (Service fee only).
- Benefit: Professional handling of your case to minimize refusal risk.
Total Estimated Cost Scenarios (2025)
To help you plan, here are three realistic budget scenarios.
Scenario A: Single Applicant (Independent 189)
- Visa Fee: $4,910
- Skills Assessment: $1,200
- English Test: $445
- Medicals/PCC: $450
- Total: ~AUD $7,005 (+ Agent fees if used)
Scenario B: Couple (State Nominated 190)
- Visa Fees: $4,910 + $2,455 = $7,365
- Skills Assessment: $1,200
- English Tests (x2): $890
- State Nomination: $330
- Medicals/PCC (x2): $900
- Total: ~AUD $10,685 (Assumes partner has functional English)
Scenario C: Family of 4 (Regional 491 – Offshore)
- Visa Fees: $4,910 + $2,455 + $1,230 + $1,230 = $9,825
- Skills Assessment: $1,200
- English Tests: $890
- State Nomination: $550
- Medicals/PCC: $1,500
- Relocation (Flights/Shipping): ~$15,000
- Total: ~AUD $29,000+
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I pay the visa fee in installments?
A: No. The primary visa application charge must be paid in full upfront via credit card, PayPal, or BPAY.
Q: Is the Professional Year fee mandatory?
A: No, it is optional. However, it is highly recommended for onshore graduates in IT, Accounting, and Engineering as it provides 5 vital points for PR.
Q: Do I get a refund if my PR is refused?
A: No. The Department of Home Affairs does not refund visa fees for refused applications. This is why having a “decision-ready” application is crucial.
Q: How much money do I need to show for PR?
A: For Skilled Visas (189/190), there is no mandatory “proof of funds” requirement like student visas. However, some states (like South Australia or Queensland) may ask for financial capacity declarations for Subclass 491 nominations to ensure you can settle.
Don’t Let Costs Surprise You
Budgeting for Australian PR requires accuracy. A small mistake—like failing to budget for a partner’s English test—can cost you nearly $5,000 extra.
At Ausizz Migration Consultants, we provide a Transparent Fee Structure before you start. We outline every government charge, professional fee, and potential hidden cost so you can plan your finances with confidence.
Get Your Personalized PR Cost Assessment Today!
Contact Ausizz Migration Consultants:
- Website: www.ausizzmigrationconsultants.com
