Total Cost of Migrating to Australia: 2026 Budget Reality

Migratio Editorial · Last updated 24 September 2026

The total cost of migration combines government charges, pathway-specific assessments and evidence, any professional fees, and settlement costs. Many items vary by person and date. Build the total from primary-source charges and written quotes rather than a generic pathway total.

Visa application charges

From 1 July 2026, primary charges include AUD 6,135 for subclass 189; AUD 6,140 for subclasses 190, 491, 186 and 494; AUD 630 for subclass 191; AUD 4,015 for subclass 482; AUD 5,750 for subclass 485; AUD 2,500 for the main subclass 500 charge; and AUD 11,710 for combined partner subclasses 820/801 or 309/100. Additional applicants and later instalments can change the total. Use the Home Affairs pricing estimator at lodgement.

Assessments and English tests

Verified September 2026 examples include ACS AUD 1,498; Engineers Australia standard CDR AUD 1,034; VETASSESS AUD 1,146 offshore or AUD 1,260.60 onshore; CPA Australia AUD 514 offshore; ANMAC AUD 395 Modified, AUD 545 Direct Care or AUD 595 Full; and IELTS Australia AUD 490. Use the authority for the nominated occupation and the exact service selected.

Professional fees

There is no official full-service migration-agent tariff. Migratio’s 686 consultation quotes from 57 agents had a median of AUD 220 and an interquartile range of AUD 150 to AUD 275 at 24 September 2026. That describes consultations, not full representation. Obtain a written agreement for the exact scope.

Other application costs

Health examinations, police certificates, translations, document authentication, education and licensing depend on country and pathway. Use the provider or government body that owns each requirement. Do not assume multiple English-test attempts or optional points products are required.

Family and settlement costs

Additional-applicant charges depend on the subclass and age. Settlement costs depend on current travel, freight, housing, transport, education and insurance. Build a dated household budget from current listings and quotes rather than multiplying a single-person estimate.

Frequently asked questions

What is the total cost of migrating to Australia?

There is no standard total. Add the current visa charge, exact assessment and evidence costs, any written professional fee, and a household settlement budget.

What is the subclass 191 application charge?

The primary charge from 1 July 2026 is AUD 630.

Are migration-agent fees standardised?

No. Ask for a written agreement covering scope, fees, GST, disbursements and exclusions.

Can I rely on a cost table from an older year?

No. Government, assessment and provider charges change. Check every figure against the current primary source.

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