If you’re dreaming of working in Australia, one of the first questions you’ll likely have is, “How much money do I need?”
This blog post will break down the costs involved in obtaining a working visa for Australia, from visa application fees to living expenses. By understanding these costs, you can better plan and budget for your move.
Visa Application Fees
The cost of your visa will depend on the type of working visa you apply for. Here are some common work visas and their approximate costs:
– Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): This visa costs between AUD $1,290 and AUD $2,645, depending on the stream (short-term, medium-term, or labor agreement).
– Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): The application fee for this points-based visa is around AUD $4,115.
– Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Similar to the Subclass 189 visa, the application fee is also around AUD $4,115.
– Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417): This visa costs approximately AUD $510.
Skills Assessment Fees
Many skilled visas require a skills assessment to prove your qualifications and experience. The cost varies depending on the assessing authority and occupation but typically ranges from AUD $300 to AUD $1,000.
English Language Test Fees
Most work visas require proof of English proficiency. Tests like IELTS or TOEFL are commonly accepted, with fees around:
– IELTS: Approximately AUD $340
– TOEFL: Approximately AUD $300
Health Examination Fees
You will likely need to undergo a health examination as part of your visa application. The cost depends on the specific tests required and the country you’re in, but you can expect to pay between AUD $300 and AUD $500.
Police Clearance Fees
Applicants must provide police clearances from any country they’ve lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years. The cost of obtaining these clearances varies by country, ranging from AUD $50 to AUD $100 per certificate.
Airfare to Australia
The cost of your flight to Australia will depend on your departure location, airline, and time of booking. On average, you can expect to pay:
– From Europe: AUD $1,000 to AUD $2,000
– From Asia: AUD $500 to AUD $1,500
– From North America: AUD $1,000 to AUD $2,000
Initial Living Expenses
It’s crucial to have enough money to support yourself when you first arrive in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs recommends having at least AUD $5,000 for initial living costs. This should cover your accommodation, food, and other essentials until you start earning.
Total Estimated Costs
To summarize, here’s a rough estimate of the total costs you might incur:
– Visa Application Fee: AUD $510 to AUD $4,115
– Skills Assessment: AUD $300 to AUD $1,000
– English Language Test: AUD $300 to AUD $340
– Health Examination: AUD $300 to AUD $500
– Police Clearances: AUD $50 to AUD $100 (per certificate)
– Airfare: AUD $500 to AUD $2,000
– Initial Living Expenses: AUD $5,000
Total Estimated Costs: AUD $6,960 to AUD $13,055
Conclusion
Moving to Australia on a working visa involves several costs, from application fees to initial living expenses. By understanding and planning for these expenses, you can ensure a smoother transition to your new life down under. Always check the latest information on the official Australian government immigration website, as fees and requirements can change.
With proper budgeting and preparation, you can make your Australian dream a reality.
