Thinking about moving to Australia to pursue your career or reunite with your family or spouse, but you are confused about how to go through the process, requirements, expected budget, and required visa to migrate to Australia, then you have come to the right place.
The country has a stable economy and offers a high standard of living, numerous job opportunities, and a very good education system. However, one of the most important questions potential migrants ask is: “How much will it cost to migrate to Australia?
This and many more like expected travel expenses, visa application fees to the cost of settling in once you arrive are the things you are going to learn in this post, Also we will discuss potential job opportunities for immigrants in the country.
How Much Will It Cost To Migrate To Australia
On average, migration costs are between $10,000 to $20,000 AUD, depending on your visa type and other personal circumstances, this includes visa fees, medical exams, English language tests, and living expenses during the transition period. But don’t worry, we will walk you through each cost component in detail so that you can understand better.
Overview Of Migration Costs
When planning your migration to Australia, you should consider both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are those that can be quantified, such as visa fees and travel expenses. Indirect costs, on the other hand, are ongoing expenses that you will incur after arriving in Australia, such as living expenses and education costs.
- Visa Application Fees: This is usually the largest upfront payment you will make. Depending on the type of visa you apply for, visa fees start from around $600 AUD for a student visa to over $7,000 AUD for partner visas. Skilled migration visas cost between $4,000 to $5,000 AUD.
- Migration Agent Fees: Although it Is optional, but If you hire a migration agent to assist with your application, you are expected to spend between $2,000 and $5,000 AUD. This fee is for their help in managing your visa process.
- Skill Assessment Fees: If you’re applying for a skilled migration visa, you’ll need a skills assessment, which can cost between $500 and $1,000 AUD depending on your profession and the assessing authority.
- English Proficiency Tests: Most migrants need to prove their English proficiency by taking tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, which cost around $300 to $400 AUD per test.
- Medical Exams and Police Checks: As part of the visa requirements, you may need a medical examination and police clearance, which together can cost between $250 and $700 AUD, depending on where you are applying from.
- Health Insurance: Some visas, like student visas, require mandatory health insurance coverage, which ranges from $60 to $150 AUD per month, depending on the policy.
- Flights to Australia: The cost of flying to Australia depends on your departure location. But flight ticket prices can cost between $600 AUD (from Asia) to $2,500 AUD (from Europe or North America).
- Temporary Accommodation: Upon arrival, you will need temporary accommodation until you secure a permanent place to live. This can cost around $70 to $150 AUD per night.
- Living Expenses: Once settled, your ongoing living costs, including rent, food, utilities, and transportation, will average around $2,000 to $3,000 AUD per month for a single person, and up to $6,000 AUD for a family.
Types Of Australian Visas Available For Migrants
Australia has many visa options designed for different purposes of your visit, work, or long-term stay. Here are the primary types of visas you can apply for when migrating to Australia:
1. Skilled Migration Visas
These visas are designed for individuals with skills that are in demand in Australia. They often require a points-based system that evaluates factors like age, work experience, English proficiency, and education.
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): This visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): This is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory. It’s a permanent visa that allows you to live and work in that specific region.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491): This visa is for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member. It allows you to live and work in designated regional areas for up to 5 years.
2. Family and Partner Visas
These visas allow family members or partners of Australian citizens and permanent residents to join their loved ones in Australia.
- Partner Visa (subclass 820/801): This visa is for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident. It provides a path to permanent residency, starting with a temporary visa (subclass 820) and then transitioning to permanent residency (subclass 801).
- Parent Visa (subclass 103): This visa is for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. It’s a permanent visa, but processing times can be long.
- Child Visa (subclass 101): This visa allows the dependent child of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to migrate to Australia permanently.
3. Student Visas
A student visa allows international students to live and study in Australia for the duration of their course.
- Student Visa (subclass 500): This visa allows you to study in Australia at an accredited educational institution. You can also work part-time while studying. After completing your studies, you may be eligible for post-study work visas or skilled migration visas.
4. Employer-Sponsored Visas
These visas are for individuals who have a job offer from an Australian employer.
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): This visa allows an employer to sponsor a skilled worker to fill a labor shortage in Australia.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): This is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by their employer.
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (subclass 187): This is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an employer in regional Australia.
5. Business and Investor Visas
Australia offers several visa options for business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs who wish to invest in or establish a business in the country.
- Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188): It is a provisional visa for individuals who want to own and manage a new or existing business or make a designated investment in Australia.
- Business Talent Visa (subclass 132): This permanent visa is for high-caliber business owners or entrepreneurs with a history of success in business or investment.
6. Humanitarian and Refugee Visas
These visas are for individuals seeking for protection due to persecution in their home country.
- Refugee Visa (subclass 200): For individuals referred by the UNHCR or another agency who need resettlement due to persecution.
- Global Special Humanitarian Visa (subclass 202): This visa is for people who have experienced substantial discrimination or human rights violations in their home country and are sponsored by an eligible person or organization in Australia.
7. Working Holiday Visas
This visa is designed for young people who want to live and work in Australia for a limited time.
- Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417): This visa allows young people (aged 18-30) from eligible countries to work and live in Australia for up to one year.
- Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462): Similar to subclass 417 but for people from different eligible countries. Both subclasses allow extensions if you meet specific conditions.
8. Temporary Graduate Visa
For students who have completed their studies in Australia and wish to stay longer.
- Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): This visa allows international students to stay in Australia after they have completed their studies to gain work experience. It is available to students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia.
9. Regional Visas
These visas encourage migration to regional parts of Australia, where there are often skills shortages.
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 489): This is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia.
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494): This visa allows employers in regional Australia to sponsor skilled workers when they can’t find suitable local workers.
Visa Application Fees
Visa application fees for migrating to Australia depend on the type of visa. Below is a quick overview of some of the fees:
- Skilled Migration Visas
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): $4,240 AUD for the primary applicant.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): $4,240 AUD.
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491): $4,240 AUD.
- Family and Partner Visas
- Partner Visa (subclass 820/801): $8,085 AUD.
- Parent Visa (subclass 103): $4,755 AUD, or up to $47,955 AUD for contributory visas.
- Child Visa (subclass 101): $2,790 AUD.
- Student Visa
- Student Visa (subclass 500): $650 AUD.
- Employer-Sponsored Visas
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): $1,330 to $2,770 AUD.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): $4,240 AUD.
- Business and Investor Visas
- Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188): From $6,270 AUD.
- Working Holiday Visas
- Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417/462): $635 AUD.
- Temporary Graduate Visa
- Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): $1,895 AUD.
These are general estimates and the actual fees may change over time. It is recommended to check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa application fees:
Job Opportunities In Australia For Immigrants
Now you have learned about the expected expenses for you to migrate to Australia. Let’s talk about job opportunities in key industries, positions in demand, and expected salaries for immigrants in the country:
- Healthcare
- In Demand: Nurses, doctors, aged care workers.
- Salary: $70,000 – $150,000 AUD.
- Information Technology (IT)
- In Demand: Software engineers, cybersecurity experts, data analysts.
- Salary: $80,000 – $140,000 AUD.
- Engineering
- In Demand: Civil, mechanical, electrical engineers.
- Salary: $75,000 – $120,000 AUD.
- Construction
- In Demand: Project managers, electricians, carpenters.
- Salary: $60,000 – $130,000 AUD.
- Education
- In Demand: Primary and secondary teachers, early childhood educators.
- Salary: $70,000 – $110,000 AUD.
- Trades and Services
- In Demand: Electricians, plumbers, mechanics.
- Salary: $60,000 – $100,000 AUD.
- Hospitality and Tourism
- In Demand: Chefs, hotel managers, tour guides.
- Salary: $45,000 – $90,000 AUD.
Conclusion
Migrating to Australia could be a dream come true for you, but it comes with heavy expenses that might cause a hole in your pocket, carefully plan yourself and make a good budget that will cover all required expenses involved.
FAQs
What are the main costs to consider for migrating to Australia?
Visa fees, medical exams, English proficiency tests, and relocation expenses are some of the main costs.
Can I migrate to Australia without a migration agent?
Yes, it’s possible, but using a migration agent can make the process smoother, especially if your case is complex.
How long does it take to save for migration to Australia?
It depends on your financial situation, but it’s recommended to start saving at least 1–2 years in advance.
Are there any ways to reduce the costs of migrating to Australia?
Yes, applying for the right visa type, avoiding unnecessary services, and planning in advance can help reduce costs.
What happens if my visa application is rejected after paying the fees?
Unfortunately, visa application fees are generally non-refundable, so it’s essential to ensure your application is complete and accurate before submitting.