Migration cost guide · Updated May 2026
Partner visa $4,500–$10,000 in professional fees + $9,365 Department charge. Skilled visas $3,500–$8,000 + Department fees. ART review $12,000–$40,000 if refused.
Migration legal costs come in two layers: the Department of Home Affairs application charges (set by regulation) and the migration lawyer or registered migration agent’s professional fees.
| Visa | Department charge | Professional fees |
|---|---|---|
| Partner visa (820/801 or 309/100) | $9,365 | $4,500–$10,000 |
| Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) | $3,210–$6,690 | $3,500–$7,500 |
| Subclass 186 (ENS direct entry) | $4,770 | $5,500–$11,000 |
| Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | $4,640 | $2,500–$5,500 |
| Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) | $4,640 | $3,000–$6,500 |
| Subclass 491 (Regional) | $4,640 | $3,000–$6,500 |
| Subclass 600 (Visitor) | $190–$1,065 | $650–$2,200 |
| Australian citizenship (general) | $540 | $1,500–$3,500 |
Department charges are current at May 2026 and are reviewed periodically. Confirm at homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English language test (IELTS/PTE) | $420–$550 | Per attempt |
| Skills assessment | $300–$1,800 | Varies by authority |
| Medical examination | $350–$700 | Per applicant |
| Police checks (each country lived in) | $50–$150 each | Multiple if you’ve lived overseas |
| Document translation (NAATI) | $50–$120 per page | Required if not in English |
| Health insurance (482 visa) | $1,200–$4,000/year | Mandatory for some visas |
If a visa is refused, you can apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART, formerly the AAT) for merits review.
ART filing fee: $3,496 (current at May 2026).
Lawyer professional fees for ART review: $12,000–$40,000 depending on visa type and complexity.
Typical timeframe: 18–36 months from filing to decision.
Success rate: approximately 40–55% for partner visa cases where evidence is well prepared. Skilled visa reviews have lower success rates because eligibility is more rules-based.
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