Australia remains one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled migrants due to its high standard of living, strong economy, and excellent career opportunities. However, for families planning to move, understanding the Australia PR visa costs, skill assessment fees, and English language test score requirements is essential.
Applying for permanent residency (PR) in Australia involves multiple stages, each with its own fees and eligibility criteria. From visa application charges to skill assessments and mandatory IELTS/PTE tests, every step requires careful financial and academic planning.
This blog provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses, score requirements, and essential details you need to prepare for a successful PR journey in 2025.
When applying for an Australian PR visa, costs differ depending on the type of visa subclass, the number of family members included, and additional charges like medicals and police clearance certificates.
Primary Applicant: AUD $4,640
Additional Applicant (over 18 years): AUD $2,320
Additional Applicant (under 18 years): AUD $1,160
👉 Example: A family of four (2 adults + 2 children under 18) would pay:
AUD $4,640 + $2,320 + $1,160 + $1,160 = AUD $9,280
Medical Examination: AUD $300–$450 per person
Police Clearance Certificates: AUD $100–$200 per applicant
Biometrics (if required): AUD $80–$100 per applicant
| Expense | Primary Applicant | Spouse | Child 1 | Child 2 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | $4,640 | $2,320 | $1,160 | $1,160 | $9,280 |
| Medical Exams | $400 | $400 | $300 | $300 | $1,400 |
| Police Clearance | $150 | $150 | N/A | N/A | $300 |
| Biometrics | $85 | $85 | $85 | $85 | $340 |
| Total | $5,275 | $2,955 | $1,545 | $1,545 | $11,320 |
💡 Tip: Always budget for unexpected costs such as document notarization, courier fees, or translation services.
Before lodging your PR application, you must prove that your qualifications and work experience match Australian standards. This is done through a Skill Assessment, conducted by different assessing authorities depending on your profession.
Engineers Australia: AUD $1,200–$1,500
ACS (IT Professionals): AUD $530–$600 (initial)
VETASSESS (General Professions): AUD $1,000–$1,200
TRA (Trades Recognition Australia): AUD $1,000–$1,500
ANMAC (Nursing & Midwifery): AUD $515–$1,200
Document verification charges
Courier/postage charges
Resubmission fees (if documents are incomplete)
👉 On average, a family should expect skill assessment costs of AUD $1,200–$2,000 depending on the profession.
English proficiency is a critical requirement for Australian PR. The Department of Home Affairs accepts various English tests, with IELTS and PTE Academic being the most common.
Competent English (Basic Requirement for PR):
IELTS: 6.0 in each band
PTE: 50 in each band
Proficient English (Extra Points in PR Points Test):
IELTS: 7.0 in each band
PTE: 65 in each band
Superior English (Maximum Points in PR Points Test):
IELTS: 8.0 in each band
PTE: 79 in each band
| Test Level | IELTS Band | PTE Score | PR Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | 6.0 | 50 | 0 |
| Proficient | 7.0 | 65 | 10 |
| Superior | 8.0 | 79 | 20 |
💡 Tip: A higher English score not only boosts your PR points but also increases your employability in Australia.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the average costs involved for a family of four:
| Category | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fees | $9,280 |
| Medicals & Police Checks | $1,700 |
| Biometrics | $340 |
| Skill Assessment | $1,500 |
| IELTS/PTE Test (per person) | $410 x 2 adults = $820 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $13,640 |
How much does Australia PR cost for a family of four?
On average, the total cost is between AUD $13,000–$15,000, depending on medical exams, biometrics, and additional document expenses.
Is IELTS compulsory for Australia PR?
Yes, IELTS or another accepted English test (PTE, TOEFL, OET, Cambridge) is mandatory for all PR applicants.
Which is better for Australia PR, IELTS or PTE?
Both are accepted. PTE is considered slightly easier by many applicants, but choice depends on individual comfort.
How much does a skill assessment cost for Australia PR?
Skill assessment fees range from AUD $500 to $1,500 depending on the assessing authority.
Do children need to take IELTS/PTE for Australia PR?
No, children under 18 do not need to take English tests for PR applications.
Can PR visa fees change in the future?
Yes, the Department of Home Affairs updates fees annually, usually on 1st July. Applicants should always check the latest costs before applying.
Applying for an Australia PR visa as a family requires careful financial planning. With visa charges, skill assessment fees, and mandatory English test expenses, the total costs can range from AUD $13,000–$15,000 for a family of four.
By securing higher IELTS/PTE scores and ensuring accurate documentation, applicants can maximize their PR points and improve their chances of approval.
If you’re planning your Australian migration journey, it’s wise to start preparing your finances early and stay updated with the latest fee structures from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
