Australia Visa Fee Breakdown: 482, 189, 190, 491, 186, 494 – Comprehensive Guide

Explore the complete Australia visa fee breakdown for subclasses 482, 189, 190, 491, 186, and 494. Get detailed costs, expert tips, and answers to common questions.

Introduction

Understanding the costs of Australian visas is a crucial step for skilled migrants, employers, and families planning to move to Australia. Visa fees can be significant and are updated regularly, making it essential to stay informed. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed Australia visa fee breakdown for subclasses 482, 189, 190, 491, 186, and 494, helping you plan your migration journey with confidence and clarity.

How Australia’s Visa Fee System Works

Australia’s visa fee structure is designed to reflect the complexity, processing requirements, and potential benefits of each visa subclass. The Department of Home Affairs sets fees based on several factors:

• Visa subclass: Each visa type has a unique fee structure.
• Applicant category: Fees differ for primary applicants, additional adults, and children.
• Visa stream: Some visas, like subclass 482, have multiple streams with different costs.
• Employer obligations: For employer-sponsored visas, businesses may pay additional levies.
• Annual updates: Fees are reviewed and updated every July.

Fees must be paid in Australian dollars, and payment is required at the time of application submission. Additional costs, such as medical exams, police checks, and translation services, are not included in the government fee schedule.

Detailed Fee Breakdown by Visa Subclass

Below is a comprehensive table outlining the main government charges for each key visa subclass:

All fees are subject to change. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.

Key Fee Components Explained

• Primary Applicant Fee: The main charge for the person lodging the visa application.
• Additional Adult Fee: Applies to partners or adult dependents included in the application.
• Child Fee: Reduced fee for dependent children under 18.
• Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy: Paid by employers for subclasses 482, 186, and 494. The amount depends on business size and visa duration.

In-Depth: Visa Subclass Overviews

Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa

• Streams: Short-term, medium-term, and labour agreement.
• Fees: Range from $1,455 (short-term) to $3,035 (medium-term/labour agreement) for the main applicant.
• Employer SAF Levy: $1,200 per year (small business) or $1,800 per year (large business).
• Additional Costs: Health insurance, English tests, skills assessments.

Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa

• Purpose: Permanent residency for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
• Fees: $4,640 for the main applicant, $2,320 for each additional adult, $1,160 per child.
• Employer SAF Levy: $3,000 (small business) or $5,000 (large business).
• Streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, Labour Agreement.

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

• Purpose: Points-tested permanent residency for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or state.
• Fees: $4,640 for the main applicant, $2,320 for each additional adult, $1,160 per child.
• No SAF Levy: All costs are paid by the applicant.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

• Purpose: Permanent residency for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.
• Fees: Same as subclass 189.
• State Nomination Fee: Some states/territories charge an additional nomination fee (varies by state).

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

• Purpose: Provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member in regional Australia.
• Fees: $4,640 for the main applicant.
• Pathway to PR: Leads to permanent residency via subclass 191.

Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

• Purpose: Provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by regional employers.
• Fees: $4,640 for the main applicant.
• Employer SAF Levy: $3,000–$5,000 depending on business size.
• Pathway to PR: Eligible for subclass 191 after three years.

Additional Charges and Considerations

Other Possible Costs

• Medical Examinations: Required for most applicants, costs vary by country and provider.
• Police Certificates: Fees depend on issuing country.
• English Language Tests: IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL fees apply if required.
• Translation and Certification: Non-English documents must be translated and certified.
• Migration Agent Fees: Professional advice and application assistance incur extra costs.

Fee Concessions and Exemptions

• Children under 18: Pay a reduced fee.
• Applicants with certain visas: Some humanitarian or protection visa applicants may be eligible for fee waivers.
• Government Concessions: Occasionally offered for specific groups or circumstances.

Practical Tips for Managing Visa Expenses

• Budget for All Fees: Include government charges, SAF levy, medicals, and other required expenses.
• Monitor Fee Updates: Check the Department of Home Affairs website before applying, as fees change annually.
• Plan for Exchange Rates: If paying from overseas, account for currency fluctuations.
• Check for State Nomination Fees: If applying for subclass 190 or 491, research additional state charges.
• Consider Processing Times: Delays may impact the validity of supporting documents, leading to extra costs.

Comparing Skilled and Employer-Sponsored Visa Costs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not budgeting for all applicants: Each family member incurs a separate fee.
• Overlooking employer levies: For employer-sponsored visas, the SAF levy is mandatory.
• Missing annual updates: Fees change every July; using outdated information can lead to underpayment and processing delays.
• Ignoring non-government costs: Health checks, English tests, and agent fees are not included in the government schedule.

Visa Fee Updates and Future Trends

• Annual Increases: Expect fees to rise each July in line with government policy.
• Digital Payment Requirements: Applications must be lodged online with electronic payment.
• Potential New Levies: The government may introduce additional charges for certain visa categories in future updates.

Conclusion

A thorough understanding of the Australia visa fee breakdown for subclasses 482, 189, 190, 491, 186, and 494 is essential for accurate planning and budgeting. By staying informed on the latest charges, additional costs, and best practices, you can avoid unexpected expenses and ensure a smoother migration process. Always consult the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information before submitting your application.