If you’re considering immigrating to Australia, obtaining permanent residency (PR) is a major milestone. However, the cost of obtaining Australian PR can be significant. In this post, we’ll explore the various fees and expenses associated with the Australian PR process.
Visa Application Fees
The visa application fee is the primary expense associated with obtaining Australian PR. As of 2023, the cost of applying for most permanent skilled visas is around AUD 4,600 for the main applicant, approximately AUD 2,300 for the secondary applicant and almost AUD 1,100 for each child.
For a family of 4, it can cost almost AUD 9,000 in visa fees alone. These fees are subject to change, so be sure to check the Australian government’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Current Visa Fee Breakdown (2023):
- Main applicant: AUD 4,600
- Secondary applicant (spouse/partner): AUD 2,300
- Each dependent child: AUD 1,100
- Total for family of 4: AUD 9,000
Skill Assessment Fees
Before you can apply for most Australian skilled PR visas, you’ll need to have your skills assessed by a relevant authority. The cost of a skills assessment can vary depending on your occupation and the authority responsible for assessing your skills.
Common Skills Assessment Costs:
Australian Computer Society (ACS):
- Skills assessment fee: AUD 500
- Processing time: 6-12 weeks
- Additional fees may apply for priority processing
Engineers Australia:
- Assessment fees range from AUD 600 to AUD 1,200
- Depends on the level of assessment required
- Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) assessment: AUD 1,200
- Washington Accord assessment: AUD 600
Other Professional Bodies:
- Fees typically range from AUD 400 to AUD 1,500
- Processing times vary from 4-16 weeks
- Some assessments require additional documentation fees
English Language Test Fees
Most Australian PR visas require applicants to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. The most commonly recognized English language tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
Test Fees and Requirements:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
- Cost: Approximately AUD 330
- Valid for 3 years from test date
- Academic or General Training modules accepted
- Test locations available worldwide
PTE (Pearson Test of English):
- Cost: Approximately AUD 340
- Computer-based test with faster results
- Valid for 3 years from test date
- Generally faster booking availability
Other Accepted Tests:
- TOEFL iBT: Around AUD 300
- Cambridge English: Varies by test level
- OET (Occupational English Test): AUD 587 (for healthcare professionals)
The cost of these tests can vary depending on your location and testing center, so it’s important to check current pricing in your area.
Health Examination Fees
As part of the Australian PR application process, you will need to undergo a health examination by an approved panel physician. The cost of this examination can vary depending on the examination center and the tests required.
Health Examination Costs:
Standard Health Examination:
- Per person: Approximately AUD 400
- Family of 4: Around AUD 1,600
- Includes general medical examination, chest X-ray, and basic blood tests
Additional Tests (if required):
- HIV test: AUD 50-100
- Tuberculosis screening: AUD 100-200
- Specialist consultations: AUD 200-500 per consultation
- Additional X-rays or scans: AUD 100-300
Important Notes:
- Examinations must be conducted by approved panel physicians
- Results are valid for 12 months
- Some locations may have higher fees due to local costs
Migration Agent Fees
Furthermore, you may also need to pay for the services of a registered migration agent to help you navigate the Australian PR application process. The professional fee for a registered migration agent can vary depending on the agent and the level of support you require.
Migration Agent Service Costs:
Standard PR Application Services:
- Average range: AUD 3,500 to AUD 7,000
- Basic services: AUD 2,500 to AUD 4,000
- Comprehensive services: AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000
What’s Typically Included:
- Initial eligibility assessment
- Application preparation and lodgment
- Document review and compilation
- Liaison with Department of Home Affairs
- Updates and progress monitoring
- Response to department requests
Additional Services (may incur extra costs):
- Skills assessment assistance
- English test preparation guidance
- Health examination coordination
- Appeals or review applications
- State nomination applications
It’s important to do your research and choose a reputable migration agent to ensure your application is handled properly. Look for agents who are registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) and have good client reviews.
Other Expenses
In addition to the above fees, there may be other expenses associated with obtaining Australian PR. These costs can vary significantly depending on your individual circumstances.
Additional Costs to Consider:
Documentation and Certification:
- Police clearance certificates: AUD 50-200 per country
- Birth/marriage certificates: AUD 30-100 each
- Educational transcripts: AUD 50-150 per institution
- Employment references: May require notarization fees
Translation Services:
- NAATI certified translations: AUD 150-300 per document
- Multiple documents: Can total AUD 500-2,000
- Apostille/authentication: AUD 100-200 per document
Travel and Logistics:
- Health examination travel: Varies by location
- Document collection: May require travel to obtain certificates
- Interview attendance: If required (rare for skilled visas)
State Nomination Fees (if applicable):
- Most states: AUD 300-500
- South Australia: AUD 300
- Victoria: AUD 330
- New South Wales: AUD 330
Total Cost Summary
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of the total costs you might expect:
For a Single Applicant:
- Visa application fee: AUD 4,600
- Skills assessment: AUD 500-1,200
- English test: AUD 330-350
- Health examination: AUD 400
- Migration agent: AUD 3,500-7,000
- Additional costs: AUD 500-1,000
- Total range: AUD 9,830-15,050
For a Family of Four:
- Visa application fees: AUD 9,000
- Skills assessment: AUD 500-1,200
- English tests: AUD 660-700 (2 adults)
- Health examinations: AUD 1,600
- Migration agent: AUD 5,000-8,000
- Additional costs: AUD 1,000-2,000
- Total range: AUD 17,760-22,500
Cost-Saving Tips
While the costs can be substantial, there are ways to manage expenses:
Money-Saving Strategies:
Do Your Research:
- Compare migration agent fees and services
- Shop around for health examination providers
- Look for English test preparation resources
Timing Considerations:
- Plan ahead to avoid urgent processing fees
- Take English tests when you’re well-prepared to avoid retakes
- Get health examinations done efficiently to avoid expiry
DIY Options:
- Consider handling some aspects yourself if you have the knowledge
- Use free resources for test preparation
- Organize documents systematically to reduce agent time
Financial Planning:
- Budget for the full amount upfront
- Consider payment plans offered by some migration agents
- Factor in potential additional costs for contingencies
Conclusion
Obtaining Australian PR is a significant investment, both in terms of time and money. However, for many people, it’s a worthwhile investment that can lead to a better quality of life and greater opportunities. The total cost typically ranges from AUD 10,000-15,000 for a single applicant and AUD 18,000-23,000 for a family of four.
By understanding the costs associated with the Australian PR process, you can better prepare and budget for your immigration journey. Remember that these are estimates, and actual costs may vary based on your specific circumstances, chosen service providers, and current fee structures.
Planning Your Investment
Consider the long-term benefits of Australian PR:
- Access to Medicare and healthcare benefits
- Work rights without restrictions
- Path to citizenship after meeting residency requirements
- Education benefits for children
- Social security access (after waiting periods)
The initial investment in obtaining PR can provide returns through better employment opportunities, quality of life improvements, and long-term financial benefits.
Need Professional Guidance?
Given the complexity and costs involved, professional advice can actually save you money by avoiding mistakes and delays. Our team at Wisekangaroo specializes in helping clients navigate the PR process efficiently and cost-effectively.
We can help you:
- Assess your eligibility and choose the right visa pathway
- Budget accurately for all associated costs
- Avoid common pitfalls that lead to additional expenses
- Streamline your application process
Contact us today to discuss your Australian PR journey and get a personalized cost estimate based on your specific situation.
