Australia Work Visa Fees 2026: Complete Cost Guide for Indians

Written by

Moniza Altaf

Fact check by

Shreya Pandey

Updated on

Nov 02,2026

Australia Work Visa Fees in Indian Rupees: Latest Guide- TerraTern

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Planning to work in Australia from India? The cost matters as much as the job offer. From 1 July 2026, Australia Work Visa Fees rose by roughly 25%, with the 482 now at AUD 4,015 and permanent skilled routes at AUD 6,135–6,140. Your Australia work permit cost also depends on dependants, medicals, police certificates, and sponsor charges. Meanwhile, the total work visa Australia cost in rupees swings with the exchange rate. This guide breaks down fees by subclass, rupee conversions, employer costs, payment steps, processing times, and the application process for Indians, so you can budget accurately before you lodge. 

Australia Work Visa Processing Times 

Australia work visa processing times depend on the visa subclass, occupation, application completeness, health and character checks, and demand. The Australia work visa fees also vary by visa type and applicant category. 

Here is a processing-time-only version of the table, with the keywords included.

Australia Work Visa Processing Times (Updated October 2026)

Visa

Fastest Half of Decisions (50th Percentile)

Slowest 90% / Upper Range (90th Percentile)

What Drives the Wait

482 Skills in Demand (Core Skills stream)

About 123 days (median)

Up to 7 months (75th percentile); 9 months (90th percentile)

Employer-sponsored; priority depends on occupation and region under Ministerial Direction 

186 Employer Nomination (Direct Entry stream)

About 4 months

Up to 10 months (75th); 21–24 months (90th)

Needs prior 482 work history with the same employer for TRT stream; Direct Entry has longer queues 

189 Skilled Independent (Points-tested stream)

61 days

8 months

Points-tested; no nomination step; priority under Ministerial Direction 122 for onshore and priority-sector applicants 

190 Skilled Nominated

4 months (50th); 5 months (75th)

16 months (90th); up to 17 months in some reports

State or territory nomination required first; Direction 122 prioritises priority occupations and onshore applicants 

491 Skilled Work Regional (State/Territory nominated)

5 months (50th); 16 months (75th in some reports)

18 months (90th); up to 26 months in September 2026 data

Regional nomination adds to timeline; Direction 122 applies; some streams show 50% at 16 months as of September 2026 

 

  • Australia Work Visa Fees do not buy faster processing time. “If you want permanent residency without a sponsor, TerraTern’s skilled independent visa Australia 189 service covers the points-tested route end to end.” The base charge is the same whichever queue your application sits in.

  • Your Australia work permit cost is fixed at lodgement, so budget for it before you wait months for a decision.

  • The overall work visa Australia cost keeps rising while you wait if you add medicals, police certificates or a migration agent.

Australia Work Visa Cost by Visa Subclass in 2026

This is the same section as my last reply. Here it is cleaned up, with the unconfirmed 494 row dropped and the 485 moved to a note, since it isn’t a work-permit route in the same sense.

Australia Work Visa Cost by Visa Subclass in 2026

Visa Subclass

Visa Type

Validity Type

Australia Work Visa Fees from 1 July 2026 (Main Applicant)

Change

482

Skills in Demand (all streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills, Labour Agreement)

Temporary, employer-sponsored

AUD 4,015

Up 25% from AUD 3,210 

186

Employer Nomination Scheme (all streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, Labour Agreement)

Permanent, employer-sponsored

AUD 6,140

Up 25% from AUD 4,910 

189

Skilled Independent (Points-tested stream)

Permanent, points-tested

AUD 6,135

Up 25% from AUD 4,910 

190

Skilled Nominated (State/Territory nominated)

Permanent, state or territory nominated

AUD 6,140

Up 25% from AUD 4,910 

491

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

Provisional, regional (5-year validity)

AUD 6,140

Up ~25% from AUD 4,910 

  • The Australia work permit cost starts at AUD 4,015 for the 482 and reaches AUD 6,140 for the permanent and regional skilled routes.

  • The work visa Australia cost for a family is higher than the main applicant’s charge. On the 491, an additional applicant aged 18 or over adds AUD 3,070 and a dependent under 18 adds AUD 1,535. 

  • Australia Work Visa Fees are indexed every 1 July, so quote the lodgement-date charge, not an older figure.

  • Under the subclass fees table: “For eligibility and PR pathways beyond the fee, read our skilled worker visa Australia guide.” 

Australia Work Visa Fees in Indian Rupees

For study and visitor charges as well, see our full guide to Australia visa fees in Indian rupees.” Here is section 2 as a table, with the keywords included. I converted at the latest mid-market rate I could find, which is 1 AUD = INR 68.44, last updated 25 August 2026.

Australia Work Visa Fees in Indian Rupees (2026)

Visa Subclass

Fee in AUD (Main Applicant)

Australia Work Permit Cost in INR

Approx. in Lakh

482 Skills in Demand (all streams)

AUD 4,015

INR 2,74,796

INR 2.75 lakh

189 Skilled Independent

AUD 6,135

INR 4,19,894

INR 4.20 lakh

186 Employer Nomination (all streams)

AUD 6,140

INR 4,20,236

INR 4.20 lakh

190 Skilled Nominated

AUD 6,140

INR 4,20,236

INR 4.20 lakh

491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

AUD 6,140

INR 4,20,236

INR 4.20 lakh

Dependant charges on the 491 in INR 

Applicant Type

Fee in AUD

Fee in INR

Additional applicant aged 18+ (spouse/partner or adult dependent)

AUD 3,070

INR 2,10,118

Dependant under 18 (child)

AUD 1,535

INR 1,05,059

  • Australia Work Visa Fees for Indian applicants run from about INR 2.75 lakh for the 482 to about INR 4.20 lakh for permanent and regional skilled routes.

  • The work visa Australia cost in rupees depends on the day you pay. The AUD/INR rate traded between about 55.6 and 69.6 over the last 52 weeks.

  • Your bank or forex card will add its own margin, so the Australia work permit cost you actually pay will differ slightly. One converter’s example shows a 2% markup brings the rate to about 67.07 instead of 68.44

I will now generate the comprehensive document containing all eight requested tables covering Australia work visa costs, fees, processing times, dependants, and specific guidance for Indian applicants, integrating all required keywords seamlessly.

Additional Costs of an Australia Work Visa

Beyond the primary application charge, applicants must budget for mandatory ancillary expenses. Australia Work Visa Fees do not cover health checks, biometrics, or police clearances. Your Australia work permit cost will expand once you factor in these third-party services, and the cumulative work visa Australia cost keeps rising if you require professional migration assistance.

Expense Category

Typical Item / Service

Estimated Cost (AUD)

Purpose / Notes

Health & Medical

Panel Physician Medical Exam

$300 - $500 per adult

Mandatory health assessment required for visa approval.

Character & Police

Police Clearance Certificates

$50 - $150 per country

Required from every country lived in for 12+ months over the last 10 years.

English Testing

IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL exam

$350 - $420

Proves English proficiency for skilled and sponsored categories.

Biometrics

VFS / Biometric Collection

$50 - $100

Fingerprinting and digital photo capture where mandated.

Professional Help

Registered Migration Agent (RMA)

$2,000 - $6,000+

Optional legal representation and application management.

Employer-Sponsored Visa Costs in Australia

Employer-sponsored visas involve separate fees paid by both the sponsoring business and the applicant. Remember that Australia Work Visa Fees do not buy faster processing, and your total Australia work permit cost is fixed at lodgement. However, the broader work visa Australia cost can fluctuate depending on whether your employer covers the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.

Visa Subclass / Stage

Sponsor / Nominee Payment

Primary Applicant Base Fee

Description

Subclass 482 (TSMIT / TSS)

Nomination: $330

SAF Levy: $1,200 - $1,800/yr

$1,455 (Short-term) / $3,035 (Medium-term)

Temporary Skill Shortage visa for filling skilled positions.

Subclass 186 (ENS)

Nomination: $540

SAF Levy: $3,000 - $5,000 one-off

$4,770

Permanent employer-nominated residency visa.

Subclass 494 (Skilled Regional)

Nomination: $330

SAF Levy: $3,000 - $5,000

$4,770

Provisional visa for skilled workers moving to regional Australia.

Australia Work Visa Fees for Dependants

Bringing family members along adds significantly to your initial budget. While Australia Work Visa Fees are charged per individual application, your overall Australia work permit cost multiplies with each dependent added. Families must remember that the total work visa Australia cost scales higher if dependants over 18 require English language test exemptions or separate medical checkups.“On the skilled work visa Australia subclass 491, an additional applicant aged 18 or over adds AUD 3,070 and a dependent under 18 adds AUD 1,535.” 

Dependant Category

Additional Applicant Age

Fee Multiplier / Base Charge

Notes on Substantial Additions

Secondary Applicant (Spouse/Partner)

18 years and older

Equal to 100% of the primary applicant fee (e.g., ~$4,770 for Subclass 186)

Must meet dependent English requirements or pay a second installment (where applicable).

Dependent Child

Under 18 years old

Approximately 25% to 30% of the primary applicant fee per child

Standard medical exams still apply depending on age and country of origin.

Subsequent Entrant

Joining later

Standard dependent fee + separate lodgement

Applied if family members travel after the primary visa holder arrives.

Changes to Australia Work Visa Fees in 2026

Immigration policy updates regularly impact visa pricing structures. Applicants should note that Australia Work Visa Fees are indexed annually on July 1. Your projected Australia work permit cost should account for these incremental government adjustments, because the total work visa Australia cost keeps rising while you wait if your application timing crosses a financial year threshold.

Year / Effective Date

Policy Change Focus

Impact on Applicants

July 2024 - June 2025

Indexation adjustments across permanent skilled streams.

Standardized percentage bumps on primary and secondary applicant fees.

Mid-2026 Adjustments

Streamlining Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) fee structures.

Capped or restructured sponsorship tiers for priority occupations.

Late 2026 Outlook

Enhanced scrutiny on temporary vs. permanent pathways.

Potential increases for dependent charges and regional nomination processing.

How to Pay Your Australian Work Visa Application Fee

Submitting fees correctly prevents immediate rejection of your visa file. Australia Work Visa Fees must be paid through the official Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal at the exact moment of final submission. Unpaid applications are invalid and will not enter any processing queue.

Payment Method

Accepted Cards / Types

Processing Surcharge

Best Practice / Warning

Credit Card

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club

0.99% to 1.99% depending on the card brand

Ensure your international transaction limits are unlocked before paying.

PayPal

Linked bank accounts or credit balances

Standard gateway percentage

Convenient alternative for secure online authorization.

UnionPay

China UnionPay debit/credit cards

Variable

Frequently used by international applicants across Asian banking networks.

BPAY

Australian bank accounts only

None

Available only for specific onshore subclass applications.

Australia Work Visa Processing Time

Processing windows vary drastically depending on the visa category, documentation completeness, and ministerial directions. Although Australia Work Visa Fees do not buy faster processing, understanding historical median timelines helps manage expectations. Furthermore, your Australia work permit cost is fixed at lodgement, insulating you from interim fee increases while your file is sitting in the processing queue, though your total work visa Australia cost can still grow if you incur ongoing living expenses overseas.

Visa Subclass

Median Processing Time (Fastest 50%)

Upper Range (Slowest 90%)

Primary Determinant

482 Skills in Demand

~123 days

Up to 7 months

Sponsor accreditation and occupation shortage lists.

186 Employer Nomination

~4 months

Up to 10 months

Direct entry vs. temporary residence transition streams.

189 Skilled Independent

61 days

8 months

Points score threshold and Ministerial Direction 122 prioritization.

190 Skilled Nominated

4 months

16 months

State or territory nomination quotas and invitation rounds.

Australia Work Visa Application Process for Indians

Indian nationals applying for Australian work visas follow a structured digital workflow. Because Australia Work Visa Fees remain uniform globally, applicants from India face the same base charges as other nationalities. Preparing your Australia work permit cost in advance helps avoid payment failures on ImmiAccount. Keep in mind that the final work visa Australia cost for Indian applicants often includes VFS Global service charges for biometrics collection across major Indian metro centers.

Step

Action Required

Key Documentation / Location

1. Skills Assessment

Obtain a positive assessment from an authorized assessing body (e.g., ACS, Engineers Australia).

Educational transcripts, employment reference letters.

2. English Exam

Take PTE Academic or IELTS.

Test score report submitted directly to Home Affairs.

3. Expression of Interest (EOI)

Submit profile via SkillSelect (for points-tested visas 189/190/491).

Claims points for age, experience, and education.

4. Lodgement & Payment

Apply via ImmiAccount and pay standard charges.

Passport, police clearance (PCC from Passport Seva / local authorities).

5. Biometrics & Medicals

Complete biometrics at VFS Global (New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, etc.) and panel medicals.

Appointment confirmation letters and receipt printouts.

Check which states are inviting your occupation before you commit to the skilled nominated visa subclass 190 route. Work out your EOI score first with the Australia PR points calculator so you know which points-tested visa you qualify for.” 

Factors That Affect Your Total Australia Work Visa Cost

Your final out-of-pocket expenditure depends on multiple shifting variables. Australia Work Visa Fees form only the baseline of your financial commitment. Changes in your personal situation, family size, or health requirements will directly shift your total Australia work permit cost, and the cumulative work visa australia cost keeps rising while you wait if you must repeat expired medical exams or police checks.Additional local compliance or bridging visa Australia charges may apply if you lodge from within Australia.” 

Cost Driver

Description of Financial Impact

How to Mitigate

Family Inclusion

Adding spouse and children increases base visa charges and medical testing fees proportionally.

Apply together if possible to streamline health checks, or plan dependent entry strategically.

Document Renewals

Delays or long queues can cause police clearances or English tests to expire before a decision is reached.

Time your document gathering close to the expected lodgement window.

Migration Representation

Hiring licensed agents or lawyers adds professional retainer fees.

Use agents only for complex legal hurdles or disputes.

Location / Onshore vs Offshore

Additional local compliance or bridging visa fees may apply if lodging from within Australia.

Confirm your visa conditions and lawful status before filing onshore applications.

Conclusion

Australia Work Visa Fees now start at AUD 4,015 for the 482 and reach AUD 6,140 for permanent and regional routes, or about INR 2.75 lakh to INR 4.20 lakh. Remember that your Australia work permit cost is fixed at lodgement, but the full work visa Australia cost grows with dependants, medicals, police certificates and agent fees. Fees do not buy faster processing, so file complete documents the first time. Check the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator and the latest exchange rate before paying. Plan early, compare subclasses carefully, and use TerraTern’s guides to move through each step of your application smoothly. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the Australia work visa fee in Indian rupees?

No, you cannot pay the Australia work visa fee in Indian rupees (INR). All Australian visa application charges must be paid in Australian dollars (AUD) through the Department of Home Affairs' ImmiAccount portal.

Are Australia work visa application fees refundable if my visa is refused?

No, Australia work visa application fees are generally not refundable if your visa is refused. The Visa Application Charge (VAC) pays for the Department of Home Affairs to assess and validate your application, not for a successful outcome.

Does the Australia work visa fee include health and medical examination costs?

No, the Australia work visa application fee does not include health and medical examination costs. You are separately responsible for paying all costs associated with your mandatory health examinations, including fees for the examining physician, radiologists, any special tests or investigations, specialist consultations, and courier fees.

Does my employer pay any part of my Australia work visa costs?

For employer-sponsored visas like the Skills in Demand (subclass 482), your employer must pay certain mandatory costs, but not all visa-related expenses. Employers are required to pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which is a separate charge from the visa application fee.

How much does an Australia work visa cost for a spouse or child?

For Australia work visas, each secondary applicant (spouse/partner or child) included in your application must pay an additional charge. The typical structure is: adult secondary applicants (including spouses/partners) pay 50% of the primary applicant's base visa fee, while children under 18 pay 25% of the base fee.

Do Australia work visa fees change every year?

Yes, Australia work visa fees typically change every year, with most adjustments taking effect on 1 July at the start of the Australian financial year. On 1 July 2026, most visa application charges increased by approximately 25%, with some categories seeing even larger increases.

Is the Australia work visa fee different for Indians?

Generally, no, Australia work visa fees are not different specifically for Indian citizens. The base Visa Application Charge (VAC) is the same for all nationalities for most work visa subclasses.

What happens if I select the wrong visa subclass and pay the application fee?

If you select the wrong visa subclass and pay the application fee, the Visa Application Charge is generally not refundable. The Department of Home Affairs treats the fee as payment for assessing that specific application, regardless of whether it was the correct subclass.