Moving & visas

Australian visas: a guide

The main visas on one page: who each one is for, the basic criteria and the charges from the official Home Affairs table for 2026–27. Tap a card to open the details.

Updated: 15 October 2026

The main visas

Nine of the most common options, from the visitor visa to permanent visas. This is an overview, not a visa match: whether a visa suits you depends on its criteria on the Home Affairs website.

About the charges

Charges are for the main applicant and apply from 1 July 2026, when most visa charges rose by about 25%. The amount depends on the date Home Affairs receives your application, so check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you apply. Visa Pricing Estimator ↗

Points by the official table

The estimator adds up points from the published Home Affairs table for the 189, 190 and 491. It's a guide, not an assessment of your chances: points only count with supporting evidence.

Points estimate: 189, 190, 491

Pick your options. Nothing is saved or sent: it all runs in your browser.

Table total0

Your total is below the formal minimum of 65 points for these visas.

An estimate based on the Home Affairs table (checked 15 October 2026). It can't tell whether your evidence will be accepted. Not migration advice. Official points table ↗ · Home Affairs points calculator ↗

Costs on top of the visa charge

A few verified prices as a guide.

A$1,034–1,261

Skills assessment

For example, Engineers Australia (CDR) is A$1,034 and VETASSESS for most occupations is A$1,260.60 when applying from Australia. The price depends on the authority and assessment type.

A$490

English test

IELTS in Australia. Overseas the price depends on the country, so check with the test centre.

from A$392

Health examination

Examination and chest x-ray at Bupa Medical Visa Services in Australia; blood tests are extra. Overseas you see a panel physician approved by Home Affairs.

A$57

Police certificates

The Australian AFP check. Certificates are usually requested from every country you've lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

FAQ

How many points do skilled visas need?

The formal minimum for the 189, 190 and 491 is 65 points. Invitations go out by ranking, though, and in SkillSelect rounds the cut-off for many occupations is higher. Home Affairs publishes round results on its website.

How much does a 189 application cost?

From 1 July 2026 the main applicant pays A$6,135, a partner A$3,070 and each child A$1,540. Skills assessment, English tests, health checks and police certificates are extra.

Why did charges go up so much?

From 1 July 2026 most visa charges rose by about 25%. The 189, for example, went from A$4,910 to A$6,135. The amount depends on the date Home Affairs receives your application.

Is there a pathway without a points test?

Yes, for example employer-sponsored visas (482, 186) and partner visas. They have their own criteria: the 482 Core Skills stream needs a job offer from an approved sponsor and a salary of at least A$79,423.

Who can advise on my situation?

In Australia, paid visa advice can only be given by registered migration agents and lawyers. You can check an agent on the OMARA register at mara.gov.au.

Important

This is general information, not migration advice. Criteria, charges and thresholds change, so check them on the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). This site is not a government website and is not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs.

Sources

Checked: 15 October 2026