The cost of Australian migration under the skilled stream is something every family needs to calculate carefully before starting, as it is a journey involving many costs spread across several stages. Understanding each cost helps you prepare finances proactively and avoid unexpected surprises.
In this article, the M2W team will list in full the items that make up the cost of Australian skilled migration: from the skills assessment, English test and visa fee to health examinations and initial settlement costs. Information is referenced from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
What groups make up the cost of Australian migration?
Overall, the cost of Australian skilled migration can be divided into two major groups. The first group consists of mandatory fees paid to authorities and organisations during the application process.
The second group consists of funds you need to prepare for yourself — not paid to anyone, but which must be readily available, such as money for initial settlement. Distinguishing between these two groups helps you plan more accurately.
It is important that official fees are published and updated periodically by Australian authorities, so you should always check the latest figures before submitting. This article focuses on clarifying what each cost item includes.
Skills assessment fee
The first expense in the journey is usually the skills assessment fee. Before lodging a skilled application, you must pass the assessment carried out by the authority designated for your occupation.
This fee varies by occupation and assessing authority, since each field has its own responsible organisation. Some occupations have multi-step assessment processes, which leads to higher costs.
This is a mandatory, non-refundable fee, so you need to be certain about your occupation and application before submitting, to avoid wasting money.
English test costs
English is both a requirement and a points-scoring factor, so the English test fee is a cost almost everyone must pay. Common tests include IELTS and PTE.
Many people take the test multiple times to achieve their desired score, especially when a high score is needed to add points to their application. Each attempt is an additional cost, so studying thoroughly before sitting the test can save a significant amount.
Because your English score directly affects your total points, you can view this as both a cost and a profitable investment in terms of points. You can see more in the article how Australian points-based migration scoring works.
Visa application fee
The visa application fee is usually the largest item in the entire cost of Australian migration. This is paid directly to the Australian Department of Home Affairs when formally applying for a skilled visa.
Theo the Department of Home Affairs, this fee applies to the main applicant and an additional amount is charged for each accompanying family member. Therefore, the larger the family, the higher the total visa fee.
The fee is adjusted periodically, so you need to check the current figure at the time of lodgement. This is an amount you need to have ready, as it must be paid in one lump sum when applying for the visa.
Health examination and police certificate costs
Every migration application requires a health examination and a police certificate, which come with corresponding costs. The health examination must be carried out at a designated medical facility.
The health examination cost is calculated per family member and can be higher if additional tests are needed. Police certificates also carry an issuance fee, sometimes from multiple countries if you have previously lived abroad.
Although these amounts are not as large as the visa fee, they still need to be included in your budget. Preparing early helps avoid delays at the final stage once your application has been invited.
Proof of funds and initial settlement costs
In addition to the fees, you also need to prepare finances for your initial life in Australia. This is not money paid to anyone, but funds you need to have on hand to support yourself before your income becomes stable.
Settlement costs include airfare, rent, living expenses, transport and a contingency fund until you secure stable employment. The amount you need to prepare depends on the number of family members and the city you are moving to.
Setting aside an extra contingency fund is highly advisable, as the cost of living in Australia’s major cities is quite high. This preparation gives your family peace of mind during the transition period.
Summary
In summary, the cost of Australian skilled migration includes the skills assessment fee, English test fee, visa application fee, health examination, police certificate and initial settlement costs. Among these, the visa fee and settlement costs are usually the two largest items.
The M2W team’s advice is to prepare a detailed budget for each stage and always check the latest fee figures before submitting. To understand the full picture of this pathway, you should continue reading the article Australia skilled migration.
Read more: Overview of Australian migration · The ANZSCO Occupation Code: the Key to Your Australian Migration Application
