Australia is one of the most popular destinations for people looking to travel, study, work, or even settle down permanently. It offers beautiful landscapes, high-quality education, and a good standard of living. But before you can enjoy what Australia has to offer, you need a visa.
One of the most common questions people ask is: How much money do I need for an Australian visa? The answer depends on the type of visa you’re applying for. Different visas come with different requirements, and the cost can vary a lot. It’s not just about the visa application fee — there are also other expenses like health checks, English tests, travel costs, and proof of funds.
This article explains all of that in simple terms. Whether you are a student, tourist, skilled worker, or someone who wants to join family in Australia, we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
Why Does Australia Ask for Financial Proof?
Australia wants to make sure you can support yourself when you arrive. The government doesn’t want visitors to become a financial burden. That’s why they ask for proof that you have enough money.
For some visas, this is just a requirement to prove you can cover your stay. For others, like permanent visas, they want to make sure you can settle and live without needing help from the government right away.
Types of Australian Visas and Their Costs
Australia offers many types of visas. The cost and financial requirements will depend on what kind of visa you are applying for. Below are the most common visa categories:
1. Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)
If you’re planning a vacation, visiting friends or family, or going for a short business trip, you’ll likely apply for a tourist visa.
Visa fee: Around AUD 190
Funds needed: You need to show you can pay for flights, accommodation, and daily expenses. A good amount is around AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000 depending on the length of your stay.
Other costs: You may also need to pay for travel insurance, health checks, and extra documents like flight bookings or hotel reservations.
2. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
This visa is for people who want to study in Australia for more than three months.
Visa fee: Around AUD 710
Funds needed: You must show that you can pay for tuition, living costs, travel, and school-related expenses.
Living cost estimate: As of 2024, the Australian government expects you to show at least AUD 24,505 for one year of living expenses.
Additional funds: If you bring family, you need more. For a spouse, add about AUD 8,574. For a child, add about AUD 3,670 per child.
Other costs: OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory and can cost AUD 500 to AUD 1,000 per year. You also need funds to pay your course fees, which can range from AUD 10,000 to AUD 35,000 per year.
3. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 and 462)
This visa is for young adults (usually 18–30 or 35 depending on country) who want to work and travel in Australia for up to a year.
Visa fee: Around AUD 635
Funds needed: You must show at least AUD 5,000 for your stay, plus the cost of a return ticket or enough money to buy one.
Other costs: Travel insurance, possible health checks, and visa document processing fees.
4. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
This is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member.
Visa fee: Around AUD 4,640 for the main applicant
Funds needed: You are not required to show a specific amount, but you should be able to support yourself and your family during the settlement period.
Family additions: Each family member adds extra to the visa cost (about AUD 2,320 for partners and AUD 1,160 for children).
Other costs: Skills assessment (AUD 300–1,000), English language tests like IELTS (AUD 410–AUD 500), and health checks.
5. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This is similar to the 189 visa, but you need a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
Visa fee: Same as 189 – around AUD 4,640
Funds needed: States may ask for proof of funds in your application. This can range from AUD 15,000 to over AUD 30,000 depending on your family size and where you are going.
Other costs: As with the 189 visa — language tests, health checks, and skills assessments.
6. Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482 and 186)
These are for people who are nominated by an Australian employer.
Visa fees: Can range from AUD 1,330 (short-term 482) to AUD 4,640 (permanent 186)
Funds needed: There is no official proof of funds, but you should still be able to support yourself before your first paycheck.
Other costs: Health insurance, medical exams, and sometimes travel costs.
7. Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 and 309/100)
This is for people who are married to or in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Visa fees: Very high — around AUD 8,850 for the main applicant
Funds needed: No official requirement, but you should still show you can support each other. Joint bank accounts, shared bills, and combined finances are often used as proof of a real relationship.
Other costs: Relationship evidence, police checks, and medical exams.
8. Parent Visa (Subclass 103 or 143)
This is for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Visa fees: Can be very expensive — up to AUD 47,825 for Contributory Parent Visa
Funds needed: There are no strict financial proofs required, but your sponsor (your child) may need to show income and commit to supporting you.
What Other Costs Should You Plan For?
Besides the visa fees and required funds, here are other costs that often surprise applicants:
Health Checks
Most long-term visas require a health exam. These can cost AUD 300 to AUD 500 per person depending on where you live.
Police Certificates
You might need to get a police certificate from each country you’ve lived in. These vary in cost, but expect to pay around AUD 50 to AUD 100 each.
English Tests
If you need to take an English test like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, the cost is usually between AUD 300 and AUD 500.
Document Translation
If your documents are not in English, you will need certified translations. This can cost between AUD 20 and AUD 50 per page.
Agent or Lawyer Fees
Using a migration agent is optional. But if you do, expect to pay anywhere from AUD 1,500 to AUD 5,000 depending on the visa and the complexity.
How Do You Prove You Have Enough Money?
Australia usually accepts the following types of proof:
Bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months
Proof of income (like payslips or a job letter)
Tax returns
Financial support letters from sponsors (family or employer)
Scholarship letters (for students)
Proof of prepaid travel or accommodation
Make sure your documents are clear, recent, and show that you have full access to the funds.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Financial Requirement?
If you cannot prove that you have enough money, your visa application might be refused. This is especially true for tourist and student visas. That’s why it’s important to prepare well and include strong evidence of your finances.
If you are applying for a skilled visa or partner visa, lack of financial proof may not cause a rejection, but it could raise questions or delays.
Tips to Prepare Financially for an Australian Visa
Start saving early
Keep your finances clean and traceable
Use a personal bank account, not shared or cash-based accounts
Avoid large unexplained deposits
If someone is supporting you, get a formal letter with evidence
Conclusion
The amount of money you need for an Australian visa depends on your visa type, how long you plan to stay, and whether you’re going alone or with family. While some visas only ask for basic financial proof, others come with high fees and living cost requirements.
Always check the latest guidelines from the official Australian immigration website. It’s also a good idea to plan for unexpected expenses. Immigration is a big step, and being financially ready is one of the best ways to increase your chances of success.
If you’re unsure, speaking with a migration agent or legal expert can help you understand your specific situation and what’s needed for your application.
Being honest, prepared, and well-organized can make your visa journey to Australia smoother and less stressful.
Related topics:
- How Long Can You Stay on a Student Visa?
- How Can I Get Permanent Residency in Norway After Studying?
- Can an Immigrant Get a Passport?
