Last updated: 30 March 2026

Australia PR Cost from India: Fees in INR and AUD

The cost of obtaining Australian permanent residency from India is significantly higher than the visa application fee alone. Between skills assessments, English tests, health checks, police clearances, and potentially a migration agent, the total investment for a single applicant typically reaches AUD 8,000 to AUD 14,000. For a family of four, total costs can exceed AUD 25,000.

This page breaks down every component cost with current figures in both Australian dollars and Indian rupees (using an approximate exchange rate of 1 AUD = 55 INR — check current rates before budgeting, as exchange rates fluctuate).

Visa Application Fees

Visa application fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and are updated periodically. Fees apply per applicant. The following are approximate current fees for the main PR pathways:

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)

• Primary applicant: AUD 4,640 (approx. INR 2,55,200)
• Secondary applicant 18+: AUD 2,320 (approx. INR 1,27,600)
• Secondary applicant under 18: AUD 1,160 (approx. INR 63,800)

Subclass 190 (State Nominated)

• Primary applicant: AUD 4,640 (approx. INR 2,55,200)
• Secondary applicant 18+: AUD 2,320 (approx. INR 1,27,600)
• Secondary applicant under 18: AUD 1,160 (approx. INR 63,800)

Subclass 491 (Regional)

• Primary applicant: AUD 4,640 (approx. INR 2,55,200)
• Secondary applicant 18+: AUD 2,320 (approx. INR 1,27,600)
• Secondary applicant under 18: AUD 1,160 (approx. INR 63,800)

Subclass 191 (Regional — transition from 491)

• Primary applicant: AUD 310 (approx. INR 17,050)
• Note: The 191 transition fee is substantially lower because the main visa fee was paid at the 491 stage

Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)

• Primary applicant: AUD 4,640 (approx. INR 2,55,200)
• Secondary applicant 18+: AUD 2,320 (approx. INR 1,27,600)

Always verify fees on the Department of Home Affairs website at the time of applying, as fees are reviewed annually.

Skills Assessment Fees

Skills assessment is mandatory for most skilled migration visas. The fee depends on which assessing body handles your occupation. For Indian applicants, common assessing bodies include:

Australian Computer Society (ACS) — IT occupations

• Skills assessment (standard): AUD 530 (approx. INR 29,150)
• Priority processing: AUD 200 additional (approx. INR 11,000)
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway: AUD 530 standard + additional component fee

Engineers Australia — Engineering occupations

• CDR (Competency Demonstration Report) assessment: AUD 880 (approx. INR 48,400)
• Priority processing available for additional fee
• Note: Many Indian applicants use professional assistance to prepare their CDR — this is an additional cost

VETASSESS — Most other professional occupations

• Professional Occupations assessment: AUD 715 (approx. INR 39,325)
• Trade Occupations assessment: AUD 480 (approx. INR 26,400)
• Review (if needed): AUD 300+ (approx. INR 16,500+)

CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ, or IPA — Accounting

• CPA Australia skills assessment: AUD 560 (approx. INR 30,800)
• CAANZ assessment: AUD 755 (approx. INR 41,525)
• IPA assessment: AUD 600 (approx. INR 33,000)

ANMAC — Nursing

• Registered Nurse assessment: AUD 505 (approx. INR 27,775)
• Initial registration: additional fees apply

Skills assessment is a one-time cost per application, though some assessments have a limited validity period (typically 3 years), so if your application is delayed significantly, you may need to renew.

English Test Fees

All skilled visa applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. The two most common tests for Indian applicants are IELTS Academic and PTE Academic:

IELTS Academic — India

• Test fee: approximately INR 16,500–17,500 per attempt (varies by test centre and city)
• Re-sit fee: same as initial — there is no discount for retaking

PTE Academic — India

• Standard booking: approximately INR 15,700–16,500 per attempt
• Rescheduling within 14 days: additional fee applies

TOEFL iBT — India

• Approximately INR 16,500 per attempt
• Less commonly used for Australian migration but accepted for some visa categories

Most Indian applicants sit the test 1–3 times before reaching their target score. Budget for at least 2 attempts: approximately INR 33,000–35,000 for two IELTS sittings or INR 31,400–33,000 for two PTE sittings.

Preparation costs: Many applicants use coaching academies in India for English test preparation. Fees range from INR 5,000 for online materials to INR 40,000 or more for classroom coaching programs. This is an optional but commonly incurred cost.

Health Examination Fees

All PR visa applicants and their family members must undergo a medical examination through a Department-approved Panel Physician. For applicants outside Australia, this is done in India before or after lodging the visa application (most commonly before or shortly after invitation).

Approved Panel Physicians in India are located in major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

Approximate fees for a standard adult health examination in India:

• Medical examination: INR 8,000–12,000 per person (varies by clinic and city)
• Chest X-ray: INR 1,500–2,500 (often included in the above)
• Additional tests if required (e.g., HIV test, tuberculosis follow-up): INR 2,000–5,000 additional

For a couple: approximately INR 18,000–28,000 total. For a family of four: INR 35,000–55,000.

Results are uploaded directly to the Department’s Medical Assessment Portal by the Panel Physician.

Police Clearance Certificate Fees

India — Certificate of Clearance (CoC) The Indian police clearance for Australian migration purposes is obtained through the Police Clearance Portal of the Ministry of External Affairs (Passport Seva). The standard fee is approximately INR 500 per applicant, though courier and processing fees apply. Total cost is typically INR 1,500–3,000 per applicant depending on the processing option chosen.

Processing times for Indian police clearance range from 2–8 weeks. Apply early.

Other countries: If you have lived in any other country for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, you also need a clearance from that country. Fees vary — UK DBS check (approx. GBP 18), US FBI background check (approx. USD 18 + channeling fee of USD 17–50).

State Nomination Application Fees

Most states charge a fee to apply for state nomination under the 190 or 491 program:

• Victoria: AUD 350 (approx. INR 19,250)
• New South Wales: No fee (as of recent policy)
• Queensland: AUD 350 (approx. INR 19,250)
• South Australia: AUD 330 (approx. INR 18,150)
• Western Australia: AUD 100–350 (approx. INR 5,500–19,250)
• Tasmania: No fee
• ACT: AUD 300 (approx. INR 16,500)

Fees change frequently. Always check the relevant state government immigration website for current figures.

Migration Agent Fees

Using a registered migration agent (MARA-registered) is optional but common for Indian applicants. A skilled migration agent handles EOI strategy, state nomination applications, visa lodgement, document compilation, and departmental correspondence.

Typical fee ranges (India-based and Australia-based agents):

• EOI + 189 or 190 application (full service): AUD 2,500–5,000 (approx. INR 1,37,500–2,75,000)
• EOI strategy consultation only: AUD 300–600 (approx. INR 16,500–33,000)
• Skills assessment assistance: Varies — some agents bundle this into the full-service fee

Note: Migration agents cannot guarantee visa outcomes. Their value lies in correct application preparation, not in influencing Departmental decisions.

Total Cost Summary

INR conversion at 1 AUD = 55 INR: single applicant with agent approximately INR 4.95–6.6 lakh; DIY approximately INR 3.3–4.1 lakh.

How to Manage Costs

Time your English test re-sits. Reaching Superior English (IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79) instead of Competent can add 20 points to your score. Those 20 points may be worth more to your application than any other investment.

Apply for skills assessment early. The assessment has a validity period. If it expires, you pay again. Apply as soon as you have the required work experience and qualifications — do not wait until you are ready to lodge the visa.

DIY the EOI where your case is straightforward. Many Indian applicants with clear-cut occupations, good English scores, and well-documented work experience can prepare their EOI and visa application without an agent. The Department’s website provides detailed guidance.

Use only one state nomination application at a time. Fees add up quickly if you apply to multiple states simultaneously. Research which states are actively inviting your occupation before paying multiple nomination fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any hidden fees in the PR process? The fees listed above cover the main components. Additional costs that sometimes arise include document translation fees (if any documents are not in English), certified copy fees, postage or courier costs for submitting physical documents, and additional Panel Physician fees if follow-up medical tests are required.

Does Australia charge any additional levy for Indian applicants? No. The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy applies to employers sponsoring workers on temporary and permanent employer-sponsored visas — not to skilled independent or state-nominated visa applicants. Indian applicants on the 189 and 190 do not pay the SAF levy.

Is there a way to reduce the visa fee for large families? Visa fees are per applicant with a standard fee schedule. There are no family discounts. Children under 18 pay a lower fee than adults, but each person must pay separately.

Next Steps

• Australia PR from India: complete pathway guide
• Fastest way to get PR in Australia
• Australian permanent residency overview