Australia Permanent Residency Costs in 2025 – Full Breakdown

Applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia can be life-changing, but it’s also a significant financial investment. Many applicants underestimate the total cost because they only look at the government visa fee and forget additional expenses like skills assessments, English tests, medicals, police checks, and migration agent fees.

This updated 2025 guide breaks down all the Australia PR costs, so you know exactly what to budget for.

Why Understanding PR Costs is Important

• Avoids unexpected expenses during the process.

• Helps you plan your finances before applying.

• Allows you to compare visa pathways (Skilled Migration vs Employer-Sponsored vs Partner Visa).

• Ensures you can complete your PR journey without running out of funds.

Australia PR Costs in 2025 – Complete Breakdown

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the main costs you’ll face when applying for PR in 2025:

1. Government Visa Application Fees

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): AUD $4,640 (main applicant).

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): AUD $4,640.

• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): AUD $4,640.

• Employer-Sponsored (Subclass 186/482): AUD $4,640–$4,890 depending on stream.

• Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100): AUD $8,850.

🔹 Additional Applicant Charges:

• Spouse/partner (over 18): AUD $2,320.

• Children (under 18): AUD $1,160 each.

2. Skills Assessment Fees

Every skilled migration applicant must complete a skills assessment with their relevant assessing authority. Costs vary by occupation:

• Engineers Australia: AUD $1,050–$1,200.

• Nursing & Midwifery Board (ANMAC): AUD $515–$1,050.

• TRA (Trades Recognition Australia): AUD $1,000–$2,500.

• IT Professionals (ACS): AUD $500–$600.

3. English Language Test (IELTS/PTE/OET)

Most applicants need an English test. Costs in 2025:

• IELTS Academic/General: AUD $410.

• PTE Academic: AUD $410.

• OET (for healthcare workers): AUD $587.

(You may need to take the test more than once if your score isn’t high enough.)

4. Medical Examination Costs

Mandatory for PR applicants. Prices vary slightly by country, but in Australia:

• Adults: AUD $350–$400.

• Children: AUD $200–$250.

5. Police Clearance Certificates

You must provide a police check from every country you’ve lived in for 12+ months since turning 16.

• Australia (AFP check): AUD $55.

• Overseas police checks: AUD $50–$200 (varies by country).

6. Migration Agent / Lawyer Fees (Optional but recommended)

While you can lodge your PR visa yourself, many applicants choose a registered MARA agent to reduce risks.

• Skilled PR visas (189, 190, 491): AUD $2,500–$5,000.

• Employer-Sponsored visas (482, 186): AUD $3,000–$6,000.

• Partner visas: AUD $4,000–$7,000.

7. Other Miscellaneous Costs

• Document translations: AUD $30–$100 per page (if not in English).

• Certification & notary fees: AUD $10–$50 per document.

• Travel for biometrics/appointments: depends on location.

Total Estimated Cost of Australia PR in 2025

Here’s what you should realistically budget:

Key Tips to Save Money on PR Applications

• Apply early – visa fees rise almost every July.

• Avoid re-takes – prepare properly for IELTS/PTE.

• DIY if confident – but only if you fully understand migration law.

• Bundle family applications – applying together is cheaper than separately.

• Check fee-free scholarships – some states sponsor nurses/teachers with waived fees.

Final Thoughts

Applying for Australia PR in 2025 requires not only preparation but also smart financial planning. On average, expect to spend between $6,000 and $12,000, depending on your visa pathway and whether you use an agent.

If you plan ahead and budget correctly, the costs become an investment in your future—opening the door to citizenship, job opportunities, healthcare, and education benefits in Australia.