When applying for an Australian visa, many people focus only on the “visa fee”. In reality, the total cost consists of several components. Understanding how these fees are calculated will help you plan your budget more accurately.
1. What is the Visa Application Charge (VAC)?
The Visa Application Charge (VAC) is the official fee set by the Australian Government, payable in Australian dollars (AUD), and is required for your application to be processed.
Key points:
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This is a processing fee and is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused
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The amount varies depending on the visa type and the time of application
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In some specific cases, the VAC may be zero (depending on visa conditions)
2. Visa fee structure: Two instalments
In some cases, visa fees are divided into two stages:
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First instalment: paid at the time of application
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Second instalment: paid before visa grant (if applicable)
Not all visas require a second instalment. For example:
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Some visas require an additional payment if the applicant does not meet English language requirements
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Others only require a single payment
3. Factors affecting the total visa cost
The total fee is not fixed and depends on several factors:
• Visa type
Each visa category (student, work, migration, etc.) has a different fee level.
• Number of applicants
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Additional applicants (spouse, children) incur extra charges
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Fees vary depending on age and visa subclass
• Time of application
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The applicable fee is based on the date the application is lodged, not when it is prepared
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If fees increase before submission, the new rate applies
4. Payment surcharges
When paying the visa fee, additional transaction charges may apply:
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Payments made by credit card or PayPal may incur a surcharge
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The surcharge rate depends on the payment method
Although relatively small, these costs are often overlooked.
5. Costs outside the visa fee (important)
In addition to the government fee, applicants should consider other related expenses:
• Health examination
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Required for many visa types
• Police clearance certificate
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Issued in Vietnam or other countries where you have resided
• Biometrics
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Fingerprints and photograph collection
• Translation and notarisation
• Skills assessment
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Applicable for skilled migration visas
• Service fees (if using an agent)
These are not included in the VAC but can represent a significant portion of the total cost.
6. Sponsorship and nomination fees (if applicable)
For employer-sponsored or certain migration visas:
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The sponsoring business or organisation may be required to pay additional fees
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These may include nomination or sponsorship charges
7. How to estimate visa costs accurately
The Australian Government provides an official tool:
👉 Visa Pricing Estimator
This tool allows you to:
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Calculate fees based on the visa type
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Include additional applicants
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Access the most up-to-date fee information
Note: This is an estimate only and does not include external costs such as health checks or document preparation.
8. General cost formula
You can understand the total visa cost as:
Total cost = Visa fee (first + second instalment, if any)
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Additional applicant charges
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Payment surcharges
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Document-related costs (health checks, paperwork, translations, etc.)
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Service fees (if applicable)
Conclusion
Australian visa costs are not a single fixed figure but a combination of multiple components. Focusing only on the base visa fee can lead to underestimating your budget.
Understanding each cost element helps you:
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Plan your finances more accurately
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Avoid unexpected expenses
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Better prepare for your study or work plans in Australia
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