Australia attracts a large number of visitors every year, whether it’s for tourism, business, or family visits. If you plan to stay in Australia for three months, you need to apply for the appropriate visa. Understanding the costs involved in getting a visa is an important part of your pre – travel planning. In this article, we will break down the expenses related to obtaining a three – month visa for Australia.
Types of Three – Month Visas in Australia
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is one of the most common visas for people who want to visit Australia for a short period, including tourism, business visitor activities, or to visit family and friends. It has different streams, such as the Tourist stream, Business Visitor stream, and Sponsored Family stream.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 and 462)
Although these visas are mainly for young people (usually between 18 – 30 or 35 years old depending on the country of origin) who want to work and travel in Australia, they also allow a stay of up to 12 months, but can be relevant if you plan to use it for a three – month period. Subclass 417 is for citizens of certain countries like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, etc., while Subclass 462 is for citizens of specific countries with which Australia has a working holiday arrangement.
Student Visa (Subclass 500 – Short – Term Courses)
If you are planning to study a short – term course in Australia that lasts for three months, you may need to apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This could be for courses such as English language courses, short – term vocational training, etc.
Costs Associated with the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Application Fee
The application fee for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is AUD 140 as of 2025. This fee is paid when you submit your visa application online through the ImmiAccount system. It’s important to note that this fee is non – refundable, regardless of whether your visa application is approved or not.
Health Insurance
While not a direct visa application cost, having health insurance is highly recommended when visiting Australia. If you get sick or injured during your three – month stay, medical costs can be extremely high. The cost of travel insurance can vary widely depending on your age, country of origin, and the level of coverage you choose. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from AUD 50 – 200 for a basic three – month travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Biometrics (if required)
In some cases, applicants for the Visitor Visa may be required to provide biometrics, such as fingerprints and a photo. The cost of providing biometrics is AUD 82. This is usually required for applicants from countries where there is a higher risk of identity fraud or security concerns. However, many applicants from Western countries may not need to provide biometrics as part of the visa application process.
Costs Associated with the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 and 462)
Application Fee
The application fee for both Subclass 417 and Subclass 462 working holiday visas is AUD 440. Similar to the Visitor Visa application fee, this is a non – refundable fee that you must pay when submitting your application online.
Health Insurance
As with the Visitor Visa, having health insurance is essential. Working holidaymakers are also at risk of medical emergencies during their stay. The cost of health insurance for working holiday visas is also in the range of AUD 50 – 200 for a three – month period, depending on the level of coverage. Some working holiday visa holders may also choose to get additional insurance that covers work – related injuries if they plan to take on jobs like fruit picking or working in the hospitality industry.
Police Clearance Certificate
Applicants for working holiday visas may need to provide a police clearance certificate from their home country. The cost of obtaining a police clearance certificate varies by country. In some countries, it may be relatively inexpensive, around AUD 20 – 50, while in others, it could cost up to AUD 100 or more. This is to ensure that the applicant has no criminal record and is eligible to enter Australia.
Costs Associated with the Student Visa (Subclass 500 – Short – Term Courses)
Application Fee
The application fee for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) is AUD 620. This fee is paid when you lodge your visa application through the ImmiAccount system. It is non – refundable in most cases.
Tuition Fees
The cost of tuition fees for short – term courses can vary greatly depending on the type of course and the educational institution. For example, a three – month English language course at a private language school may cost between AUD 1500 – 3000. A short – term vocational training course could cost even more, depending on the field of study. For instance, a three – month certificate course in hospitality may cost around AUD 3500 – 5000.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
All international students in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The cost of OSHC for a three – month period is approximately AUD 150 – 300. OSHC provides coverage for medical services, hospital treatment, and prescription medications. It is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a student visa.
Other Potential Costs
Visa Agent Fees (Optional)
If you choose to use a registered migration agent to assist with your visa application, there will be an additional cost. Migration agents’ fees can vary widely, but on average, they may charge between AUD 500 – 2000 depending on the complexity of your case. Some people may find it beneficial to use a migration agent, especially if their situation is complicated, such as having a history of visa refusals or complex family or work – related circumstances. However, it’s important to note that you can also apply for a visa on your own without using an agent.
Translation Costs
If any of your supporting documents, such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or educational transcripts, are in a language other than English, you will need to have them translated by an approved translator. The cost of translation can vary depending on the length and complexity of the document. On average, a simple one – page translation may cost around AUD 30 – 50, while a longer and more complex document could cost AUD 100 or more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of getting a three – month visa in Australia depends on the type of visa you apply for. For a simple Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), you are looking at a minimum cost of AUD 140 for the application fee, plus potential additional costs for health insurance and biometrics if required. Working holiday visas are more expensive, with an application fee of AUD 440, along with costs for health insurance and police clearance certificates. Student visas (Subclass 500 for short – term courses) have an application fee of AUD 620, and on top of that, you need to consider tuition fees and the cost of Overseas Student Health Cover. Additionally, there may be other costs such as visa agent fees if you choose to use one and translation costs for non – English documents. Before applying for a visa, it’s crucial to carefully budget for all these expenses to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process. Remember, each visa type has its own requirements and costs, so do your research thoroughly to find the most suitable and cost – effective option for your three – month stay in Australia.
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