New Australian Visa Charges: A Clear Cost Checklist Before You Apply
News · 2026-08-06 · 3 min read
If you are preparing an Australia work visa from Pakistan or anywhere else, update your budget now. The Australian Government has increased application charges for nearly every visa category, and the new rates apply to any application lodged from 1 July 2026 onward.
Who Pays the Old Rate and Who Pays the New One
Your lodgement date decides your fee:
- Lodged before 1 July 2026: the old fee still applies, even if the application has not been decided yet.
- Lodged from 1 July 2026: the higher charge applies.
Does this affect visas already lodged? No.
Charges for Work Visas Linked to an Employer
| Visa | Charge |
|---|---|
| Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) | $4,015 (previously $3,210) |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) | $6,140 |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) | $6,140 |
Including a spouse or children? A separate government charge is added for each extra family member, on top of the amounts above.
Charges for Points-Tested Skilled Visas
| Visa | Charge |
|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) | $6,135 |
| Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) | $6,140 |
| Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) | $6,140 |
Charges for Study and Post-Study Visas
Here is what student and graduate visas now cost:
| Visa | Charge |
|---|---|
| Student Visa (Subclass 500) | $2,500 |
| Student Guardian (Subclass 590) | $2,500 |
| Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) | $5,750 |
The Highest Charge on the List
The Partner Visa now costs $11,710. It is the single biggest government charge in the system.
Sample Budget for a Family Applying Together
As a quick example, take a family of three: the main applicant, a spouse and one child, applying for a Skilled Independent (189) visa. The government charges alone add up to $10,745. Other costs to plan for:
- English language testing (IELTS or PTE, where required);
- skills assessments;
- medical exams;
- police clearance certificates (in Pakistan, a police character certificate).
Before you travel, also complete Pakistan's emigration formalities, such as registration with the Protector of Emigrants, and check the latest requirements with the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment.
Skills Australia Still Needs
The good news is that demand has not changed. Australia is still short of skilled workers, particularly in carpentry, electrical, mechanics, welding, chef roles, butchery, HVAC, nursing, engineering and heavy vehicle mechanics. Thousands of employer-sponsored roles remain open to qualified overseas applicants, and that demand isn't going anywhere.
Moving Forward With Sponsorship
Employer Sponsored Jobs links skilled workers with accredited Australian employers offering genuine sponsorship, and its recruitment and migration team helps eligible candidates find working pathways into Australia. Ready to explore visa sponsorship? Review current vacancies, keep your profile and English CV ready, and budget for the full move, not only the visa charge. For anyone searching for jobs in Australia for Pakistanis, accurate budgeting is the first practical step.
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