Australia PR Process & Cost 2026

From skills assessment to visa grant — the steps and what they cost.

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The steps

  1. Skills assessment with the relevant authority (ANMAC, ACS, EA, TRA, CPAA…).
  2. English test — MET or CELPIP General (DHA-approved).
  3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
  4. Get invited (189/190) or nominated by a state (190/491).
  5. Lodge the visa and complete health, police and character checks.
  6. Visa grant — permanent residency.

What it costs

ItemApprox. cost
Visa charge – main applicant (189/190/491)~AUD 4,765
Partner / dependent chargesadditional per person
Skills assessmentvaries by authority
English test (MET/CELPIP)per provider
Medical & police checksper person

Visa charges rise with indexation (notably from 1 July each year). Confirm current fees on the Department of Home Affairs site.

Timeline

Processing varies: independent 189 can be relatively quick when invited, while 190/491 depend on state nomination queues. Allow several months from EOI to grant, longer if documents or assessments are delayed.

Check your occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, then prep your English with free MET or CELPIP practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Australia PR cost in 2026?

The main-applicant visa charge is about AUD 4,765 plus dependants, assessments, English tests and medical/police checks. Fees rise each July.

How long does Australia PR take?

Anywhere from a few months to over a year depending on the stream (189 vs 190/491) and document readiness.

What are the 189, 190 and 491 visas?

189 is independent (MLTSSL), 190 is state-nominated, 491 is regional provisional with a PR pathway.

Do I need a skills assessment first?

Yes — a positive assessment from the relevant authority is required before you can be invited.

Related guides

PrepSettle is an independent practice site, not a migration agent. Visa rules, occupation lists, points and fees change frequently — always confirm the current details on the official sources linked below (canada.ca, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, studyaustralia.gov.au) before you decide.