When my family and I decided to immigrate to Australia, we quickly realised that starting a new life came with more costs than we expected. While many people focus only on visa fees, the reality is that there are many other upfront and everyday expenses that can add up quickly once you begin the journey.
In this post, I’m sharing our experience and breaking down the real costs of immigrating to Australia including some expenses that often catch new immigrants by surprise so you can prepare ahead, budget more confidently, and avoid unnecessary financial stress.
Note that all costs mentioned in this blog are back in 2016.
Visa and Application Costs (Before You Arrive)
When my family and I made the leap to immigrate to Australia, we quickly realized that while the dream of starting anew in a beautiful country was thrilling, the journey was accompanied by a hefty price tag. Many people often focus solely on the visa processing costs when contemplating immigration, but the reality is much more complex and more expensive.
From my experience navigating this path, I learned that understanding the various costs associated with moving to Australia is crucial. Whether you’re bringing a spouse, children, or even just yourself, these expenses can add up quickly. Let’s dive into the details so you can prepare effectively for this exciting new chapter in your life.
The journey begins with the visa processing costs, which include several stages from assessment to the actual visa grant.
Migration Agents and Professional Fees
When we started our application, one of our first decisions was whether to hire a migration agency or go it alone. The agency fee is often seen as an unnecessary expense, but we quickly realized its value. In 2016, the fee was approximately AUD 4,000, but it was paid in installments at various stages of our application.
By opting for a migration agency, we had the peace of mind that came from knowing our application was in experienced hands. They handled everything from document verification to ensuring we were following all the correct procedures allowing us to continue with our busy lives without added stress.
Document Preparation Costs
Next came the inevitable document preparation. You may think you’re ready with your copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, and school transcripts, but don’t be surprised if you need official copies from authorized agencies, which come at an additional cost. For us, it was an unexpected budget item that added a few hundred dollars to our total.
English Language Tests: (IELTS/PTE)
If you’re like us and English isn’t your first language, be prepared for the costs associated with proving your proficiency. Depending on the visa you apply for, you may need to take the IELTS or PTE exams. The IELTS exam, for instance, cost AUD 395 when we applied, and the PTE was slightly less at AUD 385. This was just another step in demonstrating our readiness to contribute to Australian society.
Visa Application Fees
The most significant expense came with the visa application itself. The fees vary depending on the visa type, but here’s a rough breakdown based on current charges:
| Visa type | Visa subclass | Main Applicant | Additional applicant 18yo and over | An additional applicant under 18yo |
| Skilled Independent Visa | subclass 189 | $4,240 | $2,120 | $1,060 |
| Skilled Nominated Visa | subclass 190 | $4,240 | $2,120 | $1,060 |
| Student Visa | subclass 500 | $650 | $485 | $160 |
| Business Visa | subclass 188 / 888 | $3,025 – $9,455 | $1,515 -$4,725 | $755 – $2,365 |
| Global Talent Visa | subclass 858 | $4,305 | $2,155 | $1,080 |
Medical Examinations and Health Checks
As if the costs weren’t piling up already, we were also required to undergo a medical examination, which ranged from AUD 200 to AUD 450 per adult and AUD 85 to AUD 180 per child, depending on their age. If any health issues arose during the initial exam, we faced even more expenses for follow-up tests. It was one more step in the process that required careful budgeting.
Travel and Relocation Costs
Once we had our visas, the next significant expense was the actual move—airfare and related costs.
Airfare Costs for Individuals and Families
The cost of plane tickets can vary greatly depending on several factors, including how many people are traveling and your country of origin. We had the luxury of time, as we were given a year to enter Australia after our visa approval. This allowed us to hunt for the best deals, comparing airlines and routes to find the most affordable options.
Terminal and Airport Fees
Don’t forget about potential terminal fees. Some airlines include these in your ticket price, but we found out the hard way that not all do, especially when flying from the Philippines. It’s wise to double-check what’s included in your ticket price to avoid any surprises at the airport.
Living Costs When You First Arrive in Australia
Finally, once we arrived, we had to consider the cost of living until we settled into our new routine.
Your “pocket money” for initial expenses will depend largely on your situation. If you have a job lined up, that’s one less worry; but if you’re looking for work upon arrival, it’s essential to budget more.
Key Living Expenses to Budget For
Here’s what you should factor in when determining how much money to bring:
Miscellaneous: Set aside a bit for emergencies and unexpected expenses.
Rent: If you haven’t secured a place to stay, rent can be a major initial cost.
Groceries and Utilities: Basic living expenses that can quickly add up.
Transportation: Whether you plan to buy a car or use public transport, factor this into your budget.
Schooling: If you have children, consider potential school fees or daycare costs.
From my experience, a single person might need between AUD 7,000 to AUD 10,000, while a family of four could be looking at AUD 15,000 to AUD 20,000. However, every situation is unique, so tailor this budget to your needs.
A Realistic Start Matters
Immigrating to Australia is an exciting step, but it can also feel financially heavy when you’re faced with so many costs at once. The key is not to have everything perfectly planned, but to understand what’s coming so you can make calm, informed decisions.
Every journey looks different. Whether you’re moving on your own or with family, what matters most is starting with clarity and giving yourself permission to take things one step at a time.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, having a simple plan can make a big difference. You may find the Free Immigrant Money Roadmap helpful as a next step to organise your finances and focus on what matters first.
