Australian Visa Application Charges: July 2025 Update
Every year on 1 July, the Australian Government updates its visa application charges. In 2025, the fees have increased again, affecting students, skilled workers, families, and employers. In this guide, we’ll outline the most common visa fees as of July 2025, explain what the charges include, and give you tips for planning your migration budget.
Why Do Visa Fees Change Every Year?
- Fees are indexed to inflation and government policy.
- Increases reflect higher processing costs and demand management.
- Some categories, like family and parent visas, have significantly higher fees compared to student or skilled visas.
Australian Visa Application Charges (As of 1 July 2025)
Note: These are base application charges only. Additional applicants (partner, children) attract extra fees.
| Visa Type | Primary Applicant | Additional Applicant (18+) | Additional Applicant (under 18) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (Subclass 500) | AUD $2000 | AUD $1225 | AUD $400 | Lower cost for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens |
| Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) | AUD $2300 | AUD $1150 | AUD $580 | – |
| Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) | AUD $4910 | AUD $2455 | AUD $1230 | – |
| State-Nominated (Subclass 190) | AUD $4910 | AUD $2455 | AUD $1230 | Same as Subclass 189 |
| Regional Provisional (Subclass 491) | AUD $4910 | AUD $2455 | AUD $1230 | Same as Subclass 189 |
| Employer Sponsored (Subclass 482) | AUD $3210 | Varies | Varies | Skills in Demand visa |
| Employer Nomination (Subclass 186) | AUD $4910 | AUD $2455 | AUD $1230 | – |
| Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309) | AUD $9365 | N/A | N/A | – |
| Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) | AUD $9365 | N/A | N/A | – |
| Parent Visa (Subclass 143) | AUD $48640 | Varies | Varies | Contributory parent visa |
Other Costs to Consider
- Biometrics
- Medical exams
- Police clearances
- Health insurance (OSHC/OVHC)
- Skills assessments
- English language tests
- Migration agent fees
These additional costs are required for most temporary visas and can add significantly to the total application cost.
Comparison of Visa Fees by Category
| Visa Category | Average Primary Applicant Fee | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visas | AUD $2,000 | Low |
| Skilled Visas | AUD $4,910 | Medium |
| Employer-Sponsored | AUD $3,210 – $4,910 | Medium |
| Partner Visas | AUD $9,365 | High |
| Parent Visas | AUD $48,640 | Very High |
PMEC Tips for Applicants
- Budget carefully – include hidden costs like health checks and insurance.
- Avoid re-application fees – mistakes can cost thousands if your visa is refused.
- Apply early – July fee increases happen every year, so applying before the change may save money.
- Use a payment plan – some visa subclasses allow staged payments (e.g., parent visas).
- Check eligibility first – ensure you meet all requirements before paying application fees.
Conclusion
The July 2025 visa fee update impacts all applicants, from students to parents. While the costs are significant, careful planning ensures you won’t face unexpected financial stress.
At PMEC, we help clients prepare complete applications the first time, avoiding costly delays and reapplications.
