Top 5 Things to Know About the 491 Visa Fee [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Confused about the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa fee? Our 2025 guide breaks down the main application charge, additional costs for dependents, payment methods, and tips to budget effectively for your Australian visa journey.

Slug: 491-visa-fee-2025-guide

TL;DR
The current base Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa application charge is AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant. This fee is payable in full when you submit your application via ImmiAccount and is generally non-refundable if the application is refused or withdrawn. Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application, and you must also budget for costs like skills assessments, English tests, and health checks.

Navigating the financial aspects of an Australian skilled visa can be as daunting as understanding the points system. For the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa—a popular pathway to permanent residency—knowing the exact fees and associated costs is crucial for effective planning. This guide will demystify the 491 visa fee structure, helping you budget accurately and avoid unexpected financial surprises on your migration journey.

What is the Current 491 Visa Application Charge?

The current base application charge for a Subclass 491 visa is AUD 4,640. This is the fee paid by the primary applicant when lodging the visa application through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, this fee is subject to periodic indexation, typically on 1 July each year, so it’s essential to verify the exact amount on their website at the time of your application. The fee must be paid in full for the application to be valid and is processed in Australian dollars.

• Payment is made online via ImmiAccount using a credit or debit card.
• The fee is generally non-refundable if the visa is refused or you withdraw the application.
• Some applicants may be eligible for a subsequent temporary application charge if they are applying for a second or subsequent temporary visa while in Australia.

How Much Extra Do I Pay for Family Members?

You must pay an additional visa application charge for each family member included in your 491 application. The cost depends on the age of the dependent and whether they have functional English. As per the latest government schedule, the additional charges are:

• For dependents aged 18 and over: AUD 2,320 per person.
• For dependents under 18: AUD 1,160 per person.

If a dependent aged 18 or over does not have functional English, an extra English language charge of AUD 4,885 may also apply. This underscores the importance of ensuring all adult family members meet the language requirements. A tool like NovenAI’s English Level Guide can help you or your dependents accurately assess language proficiency against visa standards, potentially saving thousands in extra fees.

Are There Other Mandatory Costs Besides the Visa Fee?

Yes, the visa application charge is just one part of the total cost; mandatory pre-lodgement expenses often exceed the visa fee itself. A successful 491 visa application hinges on several upfront investments. Budgeting for these is non-negotiable.

• Skills Assessment: Ranging from AUD $500 to over $2,000 depending on the assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS).
• English Language Test: Tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL cost approximately AUD $400-$500 per attempt.
• Health Examinations: Medical checks and chest x-rays for you and all dependents can cost around AUD $300-$400 per person.
• Police Clearance Certificates: Fees vary by country, typically between AUD $50-$200 per certificate.

When planning your budget, consider using NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor. By analysing your profile against current criteria, it can help you gauge the strength of your application before you commit significant funds to skills assessments and tests, ensuring you invest wisely.

When and How Do I Pay the 491 Visa Fee?

The full visa application charge is payable at the moment you submit your application via ImmiAccount. The process is integrated into the online lodgement system. You will be prompted to enter your payment details before final submission. It’s advisable to have your credit card ready and ensure your daily transaction limit is high enough to cover the total amount.

• The Department of Home Affairs accepts most major credit and debit cards.
• Payment must be made in Australian Dollars (AUD). Your bank will handle the currency conversion if your card is in another currency, which may involve foreign transaction fees.
• Keep the payment receipt generated by ImmiAccount for your records, as it contains your unique Transaction Reference Number (TRN).

Can the Visa Fee Be Waived or Reduced?

Visa application charges are rarely waived or reduced, and there are no fee discounts for the 491 visa based on occupation or points score. The fees are set by legislation and apply uniformly. However, in very limited circumstances, such as compelling and compassionate reasons, you may apply for a fee waiver, but approval is exceptionally rare and not a reliable planning factor.

The most effective way to “save” on costs is to ensure your application is complete and accurate from the start to avoid refusal. This is where professional guidance is invaluable. While traditional migration agents charge high hourly rates, AI-powered solutions like NovenAI offer a cost-effective alternative. For a fraction of the cost of a single consultation with a lawyer, NovenAI’s 24/7 migration mentor can help you organise your documents, understand fee structures, and avoid common errors that lead to costly delays or refusals.

Plan Your Investment Wisely

Understanding the 491 visa fee is a critical step in your migration planning. Remember, the AUD $4,640 application charge is the final step in a financial journey that begins with skills assessments and English tests. By budgeting accurately for all components—primary fee, dependent charges, and mandatory upfront costs—you can approach your application with confidence and financial preparedness.

Ready to map out your entire visa pathway and get a precise estimate of your points and costs? Start your journey with a clear plan. Use NovenAI’s free EOI Points Calculator and Visa Success Predictor today to build a strong, financially sound application.