“How much will my 186 visa really cost?” This question likely keeps you awake at night. Let’s face it: the A$4,770 application fee for primary applicants is just the beginning of your permanent residency journey. Yes, the 186 visa opens doors to Medicare benefits and future citizenship, but the total costs need careful consideration.
You’ve budgeted for the main application fee, but suddenly realise there’s more. Your employer needs to pay a nomination fee of A$540. Then come the dependent visa fees—anywhere from A$1,190 to A$2,385. Plus, there’s the Skilling Australians Fund Levy your employer must handle, ranging from A$3,000 to A$5,000 based on their yearly turnover. Ready to master these costs? This guide walks you through every expense and shows you clever ways to keep more money in your pocket while securing your visa approval.
Current 186 Visa Fees and Charges
Ready to understand exactly what you’ll pay? Here’s a clear breakdown of the 186 visa fees.
Primary applicants need to prepare AUD $4,770 for the base application charge. Family applications require additional payments:
- AUD $2,385 for each dependent aged 18 and over
- AUD $1,190 for each child under 18
Your employer shoulders specific costs too. The standard nomination fee sits at A$825.65. They must also handle the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which changes based on company size.
| Business Size | SID Visa | ENS/RSMS and SESR Visas |
| Small (annual turn over is less than $10 million) | AUD $1200 per year or part thereof | AUD 3000 one-off |
| Other businesses (morethan $10 million turnover annually) | AUD $1800 per year or part thereof | AUD 5000 one-off |
Good news for regional employers—they enjoy special benefits. Companies in regional Australia don’t pay the nomination fee. Remember though, the SAF levy still applies to all nominations submitted after 12 August 2018.
| Fee Type | Amount (AUD) |
| Primary Applicant | $4,770 |
| Adult Dependent (18+) | $2,385 |
| Child Dependent (<18) | $1,190 |
| Nomination Fee | $540 |
The Department of Home Affairs offers payment flexibility—either you or your employer can handle most fees. One important rule: employers must cover the SAF levy themselves and cannot ask you to pay it back. This rule protects sponsored employees and maintains proper sponsorship arrangements.
Hidden Costs You Need to Know
Think you’ve got all costs covered? Many visa applicants discover surprising expenses along their journey. Let’s uncover these hidden costs before they catch you off guard.
Medical examinations take a significant chunk of your budget.
- Adults: AUD $553.80 for a complete medical check and chest X-ray
- Children: AUD $214.67 for specialised paediatric chest X-rays
Your professional background shapes additional costs. Skills assessments might set you back AUD $178.89 for applications within Australia. Want to prove your English skills? Budget roughly AUD $504.57 for language testing.
Document preparations bring their own expenses. Those certificates in your native language? They’ll need proper translations. Your checklist might include:
- Academic qualifications
- Employment records
- Personal identification papers
Police clearances deserve special attention. Did you know you need certificates from every country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past decade (after age 16)? The costs multiply with each country in your travel history.
Watch out for payment methods too. The Department of Home Affairs adds extra charges for credit card and PayPal transactions. Plus, your regular health insurance won’t cover those visa medical checks—that’s straight from your pocket.
| Medical Examination Type | Cost (AUD) |
| Medical + Chest X-ray | $553.80 |
| HIV Test | $86.08 |
| Hepatitis B Screen | $99.54 |
| Hepatitis C Screen | $99.54 |
Smart Ways to Reduce 186 Visa Costs
Worried about mounting visa costs? Smart planning could save you thousands. Picture yourself confidently managing your visa budget while others struggle with unexpected expenses.
Regional opportunities sparkle with savings potential. Companies in regional areas enjoy nomination fee waivers. Plus, government support helps these employers handle immigration and training costs, making your sponsorship journey smoother.
Want to protect your investment? Start with a solid budget plan. Remember, rejected applications mean lost money, as the department doesn’t offer refunds. Quality migration advice early in your journey could save you from this costly mistake.
Money-saving strategies that work:
- Pack your application with all documents first.
- Book medical checks at the right time—they expire!
- Keep an eye on processing times to avoid visa gaps
- Look for jobs in regional Australia
- Time your application perfectly to dodge double costs
Most applications take 6–12 months to process. Clever applicants plan their health checks and police certificates around this timeline. Here’s a smart move: lodge your application just before your current visa ends to avoid paying for bridging visas.
Your employer plays a crucial role too. Make sure they know their responsibilities, especially the SAF levy—A$4,586.97 to A$7,644.95 depending on their size. Clear communication about these obligations keeps your visa journey on track and budget-friendly.
Conclusion
Ready to take control of your 186 visa journey? The A$7,293.28 base fee might look daunting on paper, but here’s the good news: smart choices put significant savings within your reach.
Picture yourself working in beautiful regional Australia. Not only do these areas offer amazing lifestyle opportunities, but they also come with practical benefits. Your employer pays no nomination fee, and extra government support makes the process smoother. Plus, careful timing means you’ll only pay once for health checks and police certificates. This partnership between you and your employer makes the visa process more manageable.
Success comes down to three key actions:
- Start your preparations early.
- Gather documents methodically.
- Consider regional opportunities.
Most importantly? Get it right the first time. A complete, well-prepared application saves you from the heartache of rejection and the burden of extra costs. Don’t forget to speak to a registered migration agent if you need more professional advice. Your Australian dream deserves this careful attention to detail.