If you’re considering applying for permanent residency (PR) in Australia, one of the first questions likely on your mind is: How much will this cost? In this detailed breakdown we’ll examine the major cost components for obtaining an Australian PR—covering skill assessment fees, English test (like IELTS), visa application fees, medical/character checks, and other hidden costs. By the end you’ll have a clearer budget and better preparedness for the journey.
Before you lodge your visa application, most skilled-migration pathways require a skills assessment from a recognised assessing body in Australia (such as ACS Australia, VETASSESS, Engineers Australia etc.).
Your qualifications (degree, diploma) and how they compare to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Your employment experience: years, relevance, level of skill, tasks done.
Whether your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list and meets the requirements.
The cost varies widely depending on your occupation, the assessing authority, whether you’re applying from within Australia or overseas, and whether the assessment is simple or complex. Here are some indicative figures:
For example, ACS charges for “General Skills” assessment – AUD 1,450.
For trade occupations via VETASSESS: Stage 1 documentary evidence alone can cost AUD 1,120; Stage 2 technical interview AUD 2,000; Stage 3 practical assessment AUD 2,200.
A breakdown article shows skill assessment for Indian applicants ranging from AUD 250 to AUD 4,000 depending on assessing body and occupation.
Another fee schedule: AASW (social work) shows assessment fees of AU $2,123 for overseas applications.
If you’re in India (or a similar currency context), based on recent conversions you might estimate:
Lower‐end occupations / simple assessments: perhaps ₹15,000-₹30,000 (AUD ~300-600)
More complex occupations, needing practical tests/interviews: could go up to ₹2,00,000 or more (AUD ~4,000+)
Always factor in possible re-assessment or appeals, which also incur fees.
Start your skills assessment early, because delays in document verification or gaps in evidence can lead to extra rounds, and perhaps extra cost. Also check whether your occupation requires specialist assessment (like engineering, trades) which might push up costs.
A strong command of English is a mandatory requirement for most skilled migration routes to Australia. The most common test for Indian applicants is IELTS (General Training or Academic, depending on pathway).
The official IELTS fee in India for 2025 is INR ₹18,000 for both paper and computer versions.
Other sources list English test costs for Australian PR as AUD 350-450 (which translates to roughly ₹18,500-₹24,000) for India.
Depending on test (PTE, OET) or resits, costs may vary upwards.
Plan for at least one full‐test attempt: ~₹18,000 or more.
If you need to retake to improve your score (e.g., to achieve higher band for points), budget for one or two extra attempts.
Factor in preparation costs (courses, mock tests) though these are not mandatory but often helpful.
The band score you achieve in the test can affect your points under the points test for skilled migration (higher band = more points). So investing time and possibly a second attempt may pay off.
The core cost of applying for PR is the visa application charge you pay to the Australian Government via Department of Home Affairs (DHA). This depends on visa subclass (189, 190, 491 etc) and number of applicants (main applicant + partner + children).
For the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189: For main applicant, one source lists AUD 4,045; additional adult over 18 years AUD 2,020; under 18 years AUD 1,015.
Another breakdown: Main applicant AUD 4,765; additional adult AUD 2,385; child under 18 AUD 1,195. (Conversion to INR given)
According to True Blue Migration, for main applicant cost ~AUD 4,910; dependent adult ~AUD 2,455; child under 18 ~AUD 1,230.
Given conversion rates vary, but using approximate figures:
Main applicant: ~₹2,30,000-₹3,00,000 (or more) depending on AUD/INR rate.
Partner/adult dependent: ~₹1,15,000-₹1,45,000
Child under 18: ~₹56,000-₹70,000
Some visa routes might require a “second instalment” if dependents don’t meet certain conditions (e.g., functional English) – extra charge may apply.
Visa fees can change over time (DHA updates periodically) so always check the current pricing table.
The fee you pay when you lodge may not include health check, police clearance, biometrics – these are separate costs.
Health and character requirements are mandatory for Australian PR. These incur additional costs.
You’ll need to undergo medical checks (possibly chest X‐ray, blood tests, general physical).
Cost: one blog suggests AUD 100-250 (~₹6,000-₹15,000) for Indian applicants.
Another source states medical exams typically around AUD 400-500 per adult in Australia.
Applicants must provide PCC from all countries they have lived in for specified period.
Cost in India is modest (~₹500-₹1,000) as per one breakdown.
If you have lived in multiple countries, you’ll incur one PCC per country.
Document translation (if your degree/employment documents are not in English).
Biometric collection (fingerprints/photo) if required by DHA or country of residence.
Possible additional health checks (specialist) if you have certain medical conditions.
For a single adult, plan for ₹15,000-₹30,000 extra (health + character + translation/biometrics).
For spouse & children you’ll need additional budget accordingly.
Beyond the major headings above, a few more cost categories often take applicants by surprise.
Submission of EOI via SkillSelect is generally free.
Some states charge a nomination application fee (if you apply under a state-nominated subclass like 190 or 491). For example, one source lists ~AUD 300 (~₹17,000) for state nomination.
Not all states charge the same and some may waive fees or vary them.
If you hire a migration agent or consultant to manage your application, you’ll incur professional fees.
One article estimates migration agent/consulting fees between ₹50,000 and ₹1,50,000 for Indian applicants.
Another source (in AUD) lists full management for skilled visa around AUD 7,950.
Although outside the direct application fees, when you’re granted PR and move, you should budget for relocation: flights, initial accommodation, deposit for rental, setting up utilities, local transport etc.
These costs vary widely depending on where in Australia you move.
Because many costs are in AUD, if you’re paying from India or another country, currency fluctuations matter.
When paying online via credit card or overseas transfer there may be additional bank/transaction fees.
Migration agent: ₹50,000-₹1,50,000 (or more depending on complexity).
State nomination: variable but budget ~₹15,000-₹30,000 if applicable.
Always add a buffer of 10-20% for unforeseen expenses or repeat tests/documentation.
To pull everything together, here’s a rough estimate of total cost – for a single applicant without dependents – applying under a skilled migration route. Use this as a guideline rather than an exact figure.
| Expense Category | Approximate Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Skills Assessment | ₹15,000 – ₹2,20,000+ |
| English Test (IELTS/PTE) | ~₹18,000+ |
| Visa Application Fee (main applicant) | ~₹2,30,000 – ₹3,00,000+ |
| Medical / Health Checks + PCC + biometrics | ~₹15,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Miscellaneous (translation, nom., agent) | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000+ |
| Estimated Total (Single Applicant) | ~₹4,00,000 – ₹7,00,000+ |
Multiple sources corroborate such ranges: one blog says single applicant costs between INR 4,00,000 and 7,00,000. For a couple or family with children the total jumps significantly (₹8,00,000 to ₹12,00,000+).
When you invest this kind of money, you naturally weigh whether the outcome is worth it. For many applicants, yes — obtaining PR for Australia means:
The right to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely (for most skilled PR visas).
Access to Australia’s healthcare system (Medicare) and social benefits (depending on time/residency).
Pathway to citizenship (if you meet further residency and other criteria).
Higher quality of life, stable economy, good infrastructure and global mobility.
On the flip side:
You must meet all eligibility requirements (points test, age, English, etc) — paying doesn’t guarantee approval.
Settling in a new country entails costs and adaptation (culture, weather, work environment).
Ongoing living costs in Australia (housing, transport, food) are higher than many countries.
So yes, with proper planning and accurate budget, the cost can be justified. But it’s crucial to treat it as a financial investment and plan accordingly.
Start early with skills assessment & English test so you avoid last‐minute rushed payments or repeated attempts.
Choose the right assessing authority for your occupation to avoid higher fees than needed.
Improve English on first attempt – reducing retake costs by dedicating time to prep.
Avoid unnecessary migration agent fees if your case is straightforward or you’re confident managing yourself.
Monitor visa fee changes via DHA’s official “Visa Fees and Charges” table.
Budget for buffer – set aside 10-20% extra for unexpected costs (exchange rates, document issues, translation).
Keep records of all payments, receipts, and document translations for audit or review.
What is the cost of skills assessment for Australia PR?
It varies widely depending on occupation and assessing body. For example, VETASSESS trade occupations can cost AUD 1,120 for documentary assessment + AUD 2,000 or more for technical interview/practical assessment. ACS “General Skills” assessment fee is AUD 1,450.
How much does IELTS cost for Australia PR from India?
The IELTS exam fee in India for 2025 is approximately INR 18,000 for the standard test.
What is the visa application fee for main applicant in skilled migration?
As of current available data, for example for subclass 189 the fee is around AUD 4,765 (or more) for main applicant.
Are there additional fees for dependents?
Yes. Additional adult dependents (18+) and children (under 18) attract extra visa fees. Eg: additional adult AUD 2,385; child under 18 AUD 1,195 in one breakdown.
Do I have to pay for state nomination?
It depends on the visa subclass and state. EOI is free, but some states charge nomination fees (e.g., one figure listed AUD 300).
Can costs change over time?
Yes—visa fees, exchange rates, assessment body fees may all change. Always check official sources before budgeting.
Applying for PR in Australia is a significant investment—financially, emotionally and logistically. Understanding the Australia PR cost breakdown across skill assessment, English test, visa charges, health/character checks and other hidden costs helps you plan with confidence. With a clear budget, buffer for contingencies and smart preparation, you’ll be well-positioned to take the next big step in your migration journey.
If you have a specific visa subclass in mind (for example 190 or 491), or want cost breakdown for a family (spouse + children), I can prepare a tailored table for you—just let me know!
