Australian Visa Fees 2026–27: Visa Application Charges Explained

5 days ago

2 min read

Australian visa application charges change over time and can differ by visa subclass, applicant type, age and family composition. Applicants should treat any static fee table as a snapshot, not a substitute for the Department of Home Affairs pricing tools at the date of lodgement.

What is the visa application charge?

Home Affairs describes the visa application charge as the amount payable in Australian dollars for a visa application. Some visas have no charge. The legal framework can divide the charge into a first instalment payable when the application is made and a second instalment payable before grant if one applies.

Additional applicants can increase the total

Many visa classes impose additional applicant charges when family members combine with the primary application. Amounts can differ for applicants aged 18 or over and those under 18. Some visa subclasses also impose a second instalment in particular circumstances, including certain English-language settings.

Other charges are separate

Nomination or sponsorship fees may apply to some employer-sponsored or nominated pathways.
Payment surcharges can apply depending on the payment method.
Health examinations, police certificates, biometrics, skills assessments and English tests may create separate costs.
Professional fees are separate from government visa application charges.

A current subclass 491 example

As at September 2026, Home Affairs lists the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 491 from AUD 6,140, with concessions applying in limited circumstances. This example shows why users should check the exact subclass rather than relying on a general migration-fee figure.

Pacific and Timor-Leste concessions from 1 July 2026

Home Affairs states that from 1 July 2026 lower visa application costs apply in specified circumstances to eligible citizens of certain Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. Eligibility depends on the relevant passport and visa settings, so applicants should verify whether a concession applies before lodgement.

Always verify the amount before lodging

Home Affairs warns that visa costs change from time to time and the applicable amount depends on when the Department receives the application. Use the current visa pricing table and estimator immediately before lodgement. The Department also explains the first and second instalment structure separately.