The 494 visa cost in Australia is an important consideration for skilled workers planning to live and work in regional Australia. The subclass 494 visa allows eligible skilled workers to work in designated areas for up to five years. The amount the main applicant has to pay is AUD 6,140. It also depends on the stream, the number of family members included and whether any additional charges apply.
Beyond the government application fee, applicants may also need to budget for skills assessments, English tests, medical examinations, police certificates and biometrics. Understanding these 494 visa charges beforehand can make financial planning much easier.
Streams and Application Fees of the 494 Visa
The visa subclass 494 for skilled migration in Australia has three relevant pathways: the Employer Sponsored stream, Labour Agreement stream and Subsequent entrant pathway.
Each has different circumstances for applying, although the standard application charges are based on the applicant and family members. The Department of Home Affairs advises applicants to use its Visa Pricing Estimator because visa application charges can change.
Employer Sponsored stream
The Employer Sponsored stream is for skilled workers nominated by an eligible regional employer to fill a position where an appropriately skilled Australian worker cannot be sourced. Applicants generally need relevant work experience, a suitable skills assessment unless exempt, competent English and other 494 visa requirements.
The current 494 visa application fee is:
- AUD 6,140 for the main applicant
- AUD 3,070 for each dependent aged 18 or over
- AUD 1,535 for each dependent under 18
The Department’s Visa Pricing Estimator can help calculate the applicable regional sponsored visa amount, but it does not include a possible second instalment or other application-related expenses.
The 494 visa cost for the primary applicant and family therefore depends on how many people are included.
Labour Agreement stream
The Labour Agreement stream is available to skilled workers nominated by employers that have an approved labour agreement with the Australian Government. Such agreements are used where an employer needs overseas workers, and the standard skilled migration arrangements may not meet its workforce requirements.
The subclass 494 visa fees are:
- AUD 6,140 for the main applicant
- AUD 3,070 for each dependent aged 18 or over
- AUD 1,535 for each dependent under 18
An additional AUD 4,890 is payable if a dependent applicant aged 18 or over does not have functional English. This is known as the second instalment and is separate from the initial 494 visa expenses.
This means the 494 visa total cost can be higher than the initial amount paid when the application is lodged.
Subsequent entrant
The Subsequent entrant pathway is for eligible family members of an existing subclass 494 visa holder who want to join the visa holder in Australia. The family member applies separately rather than being included in the original application. The 494 visa additional applicant charge can increase based on the number of applications that you file.
The current Australia 494 visa fees for a subsequent entrant are AUD 6,140. If the subsequent entrant is aged 18 or over and does not have functional English, an additional AUD 4,890 second installment applies. This is payable separately when requested by the Department.
Therefore, when asking “how much does a 494 visa cost in Australia?”, the answer should not be limited to the initial government application charge.
Cost concession for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste visa applicants
From 1st July 2026, eligible citizens of specified Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste can receive a lower visa application cost when they lodge a valid application. The reduced charge is applied through ImmiAccount during the application process. Eligibility is identified using the valid passport submitted with the application.
Family members can also qualify for the lower charge. Eligibility for family members is based on the passport of the primary applicant, or the visa holder who satisfies the primary visa criteria. The 494 visa cost for the primary applicant and family has also been reduced.
To meet 494 visa eligibility, the primary applicant must hold a valid passport issued by one of these countries:
Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Applicants should check the amount shown in ImmiAccount because the concession changes the standard subclass 494 visa cost for eligible applicants.
Other Costs Involved in a 494 Visa
The government visa application fees in Australia are only one part of the overall budget. Several additional expenses may arise depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
- Skills assessment cost: Most Employer Sponsored stream applicants need a relevant skills assessment unless an exemption applies. The skills assessment cost varies according to the occupation and assessing authority.
- English test cost: Applicants may need an approved English language test to demonstrate the required level of English. The English test cost depends on the test provider.
- Medical examination fee: Applicants may need a health examination in Australia with an approved medical provider. The medical examination fee varies according to the examinations required and the provider.
- Police clearance cost: Police certificates may be required to satisfy character requirements. The police clearance cost depends on the country issuing the certificate.
- Biometrics: Some applicants may be asked to provide biometric information. Any related charge is separate from the main visa application fee.
- Migration agent fees: Professional assistance is optional. Migration agent fees vary depending on the provider, services offered and complexity of the application.
Conclusion
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa cost starts at AUD 6,140 for the main applicant under the standard current charge. Additional applicant charges apply according to age, while a second installment may apply in specific circumstances. Other costs can include skills assessments, English testing, health examinations, police certificates, biometrics and optional professional assistance.
For personalised guidance, applicants can seek visa help Perth. Since immigration fees in Australia can change, applicants should confirm the applicable amount through the Department of Home Affairs before lodging an application.
FAQs
How much does a 494 visa cost in Australia?
The standard 494 visa processing fee is AUD 6,140 for the main applicant. Additional charges apply for eligible family members.
What is the government fee for a 494 visa?
The current 494 visa government fee is AUD 6,140 for the primary applicant, plus applicable charges for dependent applicants.
How much does a 494 visa cost for a family?
The nomination costs depend on family size and age. An adult dependent costs AUD 3,070, while a dependent under 18 costs AUD 1,535.
Is the 494 visa fee refundable?
Generally, 494 visa application fees in Australia are not refundable if an application is withdrawn or refused, except in specific circumstances.
What additional costs are involved in a 494 visa?
The 494 visa expenses after application may include skills assessment, English testing, medical examinations, police certificates, biometrics and migration agent fees.
How much does a skills assessment cost for a 494 visa?
The skills assessment fees vary by occupation and the relevant assessing authority. Applicants should check the authority’s current fee.
Do I need to pay migration agent fees for a 494 visa?
No. Migration agent fees are optional. Applicants can lodge their application themselves or engage a registered migration agent for assistance.
