How much does an Australia work visa cost?

Government fees are about $3,200 for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and $2,000–$2,120 for the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) (USD equivalents; fees can differ by nationality). Translations, medicals, and courier costs come on top.

How long does an Australia visa take to process?

Typical processing is 24–52 weeks for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), 4–24 weeks for the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), and 4–12 weeks for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), plus the time needed to gather documents.

Can I move to Australia without a job offer?

Yes. The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Student Visa (Subclass 500) do not require a job offer from an employer in Australia.

What income do I need for an Australia visa?

Minimum income is about $52,000–$52,400 a year for the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) (USD equivalents of thresholds set in local currency).

Which Australia visas lead to permanent residency?

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) offer a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.

🇦🇺 Australia visas: requirements, costs, and processing times

Last verified: September 2, 2026

We track 3 Australia visa routes: Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), and Student Visa (Subclass 500). Each is verified against the official government source for Indians and Filipinos.

Compare Australia visa costs and processing times

Visa	Gov. fee	Processing	Min. income	Job offer
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)work	$3,200	24–52 weeks	—	Not required
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)work	$2,000–$2,120	4–24 weeks	$52,000–$52,400/year	Required
Student Visa (Subclass 500)study	$1,650	4–12 weeks	—	Not required

Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents. A range means the figure differs by nationality.

Australia visa types

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

work

Permanent residence from day one, with no employer, state or family sponsorship needed — which is why it is the most sought-after and most competitive Australian visa. You submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and wait to be invited. The advertised minimum is 65 points, but that is only the threshold to enter the pool: in the June 2026 round, 10,000 invitations went out at scores ranging from 65 to 100. Trades such as plumbers, electricians and carpenters cleared at 65, healthcare, education and engineering generally needed 80 to 90, and ICT and specialised technology needed 90 or more. If you are an Indian IT professional, plan for 90+ rather than 65. You also need a positive skills assessment, be under 45, and score at least competent English — superior English is worth 20 points and is usually the cheapest way to lift your score.

Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

work

Employer-sponsored work visa, renamed from the Temporary Skill Shortage visa in late 2024. Your occupation must appear on the Core Skills Occupation List, which holds 456 occupations, and your employer must be an approved sponsor. For nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026 the Core Skills Income Threshold is AUD 79,499, up 3.9 per cent — nominations lodged before that date keep the old figure. You need a skills assessment for many occupations, competent English, and at least one year of relevant experience. Family can accompany you with full work rights, and after two years with your sponsor you can generally be nominated for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

study

For enrolled students at CRICOS-registered institutions. Requires a Confirmation of Enrolment, the Genuine Student requirement, evidence of AUD 29,710/year living costs plus first-year tuition and travel, English test, and OSHC health cover. Application charge AUD 2,500 since July 2026.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does an Australia work visa cost?: Government fees are about $3,200 for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and $2,000–$2,120 for the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) (USD equivalents; fees can differ by nationality). Translations, medicals, and courier costs come on top.
How long does an Australia visa take to process?: Typical processing is 24–52 weeks for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), 4–24 weeks for the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), and 4–12 weeks for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), plus the time needed to gather documents.
Can I move to Australia without a job offer?: Yes. The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Student Visa (Subclass 500) do not require a job offer from an employer in Australia.
What income do I need for an Australia visa?: Minimum income is about $52,000–$52,400 a year for the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) (USD equivalents of thresholds set in local currency).
Which Australia visas lead to permanent residency?: The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) offer a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.

Always confirm requirements with the official government source linked on each visa page. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Browse visas for other countries.