How much does an Australian PR cost?

It is not a surprise that for every big dream there is a cost one has to pay. And if you have been dreaming of making Australia your home, it has its own cost too, quite literally. 

Moving to Australia is a life changing even and that is why every question is valid. Read along and let us examine this breakdown of hidden and upfront costs behind the Australian PR.

A Breakdown: Hidden Costs & Everything

There are multiple things to take into consideration, such as whether you are planning to move on your own or with your family, or if you’re choosing to pay for third-party services, then there are medical checks and miscellaneous costs that may add up to the total cost. Hence why I have summarised the cost breakdown to the best of my ability in three phases. 

Phase 1: The Essential Upfront Costs

Please be attentive, as here we will discuss the necessary and upfront costs included in the application process that need to be paid before the process even begins in a formal sense. There are two mandatory steps that you must take before submitting your PR application/Expression of Interest and you must pay for them upfront. 

• Skills Assessment: This is a formal evaluation process that evaluates your profile on the basis of your qualifications, work experience and other relevant aspects. This is deemed a necessity by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The cost can be estimated at an approximate amount of AUD 500 – AUD 1,500+, but the fees usually depend strictly on your profession.  
• English Language Proficiency Test: As you may already know, you must take a language proficiency exam as well. It could be the PTE or the IELTS exam, which add points to be considered before you receive an invitation. The cost can be estimated at an approximate amount of AUD 300.  

Phase 2: The Visa Application Charges (VAC)

Soon after receiving an official Invitation to Apply from the Australian authorities, you will have to pay your processing fee and complete the process within 60 days. It also depends on the applicant whether he has decided to migrate alone or take along someone else. 

• Primary Applicant: AUD 6,135-AUD 6,140 
• Spouse: AUD 3,070
• Dependent Children (Under 18): AUD 1,535 per child

Note: You must pay these non-refundable fees all at once via online card transaction, which incurs a standard 1.32% to 1.99% bank surcharge.

Phase 3: Hidden Fees That Add Up

Towards the end of the timeline, applicants complete localized verifications: 

• Third-Party services: If you opt for any third-party services, your total cost is bound to increase as well. Be it consultation, accommodation, or job assistance through agencies, the cost for that depends entirely on your choice of service. Hiring a professional consultation can add roughly AUD 2,000 to AUD 5,000 to your total bill.
• Medical Checks & Police Clearances: Medical checks and a police clearance check on your background are very much included in the whole process and a necessity in the eyes of authority. The cost is estimated at approximately AUD 350 – AUD 500. 
• The Language Penalty: If your spouse is coming along with you but has failed to prove basic English proficiency, that may end up charging you a Second Installment fee of AUD 4,890 before the visa is granted.

Note: These listings are not rigid, as the Department of Home Affairs updates its application rates annually on July 1st. It is better to check and stay updated with the current costs and terminology so that it does not hinder your process later on.