Australia PR Cost & Requirements for US Residents. Everything you need to know.
Already living in the US? Get your exact cost breakdown, eligibility check, and PR pathway – built for North American applicants.
≈ USD 3,200–7,800
Total Cost
American Dollar
65+
Points
Required*
12-18
Months
Timeline
189 / 190
Visa
Types
Australia PR Cost
- Complete Breakdown
| Visa Subclass | Applicant Type | Cost (AUD) | Cost (USD Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | Primary Applicant | ＄4910 | $3,190 USD |
| Additional Adult (18+) | ＄2455 | $1,595 USD | |
| Child (<18) | ＄1230 | $800 USD | |
| Primary Applicant | Primary Applicant | ＄4910 | $3,190 USD |
| Additional Adult | ＄4910 | $1,595 USD | |
| Child | ＄1230 | $800 USD | |
| Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional) | Primary Applicant | ＄4910 | $3,190 USD |
| Additional Adult | ＄2455 | $1,595 USD | |
| Child | ＄1230 | $800 USD |
Additional Costs Beyond Visa Fees
| Component | Cost (AUD) | USD Approx |
|---|---|---|
| Skills Assessment | $300 – $3,000 | $195 – $1,950 USD |
| English Test (IELTS/PTE) | $350 – $450 | $230 – $295 USD |
| Health Examination | $150 – $300 | $100 – $195 USD |
| Police Clearance | $50 – $100 | $35 – $65 USD |
Australia PR Requirements
Occupation on skilled list
- Occupation must be on MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) for Subclass 189
- STSOL or MLTSSL accepted for Subclass 190 (state-nominated)
- Check your ANZSCO code before starting skills assessment
- List updated periodically – verify at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
English language requirement
TEST | MINIMUM SCORE | PROFICIENT (BONUS PTS) |
|---|---|---|
IELTS | 6.0 each band | 7.0 each band |
PTE Academic | 50 each | 65 each |
TOEFL | Standard equivalent | Higher = more points |
OET | B grade | B grade |
Minimum 65 points
- 65 points is the minimum eligibility recent invitation cutoffs are typically higher (80–95+ depending on occupation).
- Points awarded for: age, English, overseas experience, Australian experience, qualifications, partner skills, state nomination, community language
- Higher score = higher chance of invitation in monthly rounds
Skills assessment
- Must be completed by the relevant assessing body for your occupation
- Engineers: Engineers Australia – IT: ACS • Accountants: CPA/CAANZ • Nurses: AHPRA
- General: VETASSESS (trades, other professions)
- Positive outcome required before submitting EOl
- Assessment valid for 3 years from outcome date
Age limit
- Must be under 45 years of age at time of invitation to apply
- Age also affects your points score – 25-32 years earns maximum 30 points
- Submitting EOl earlier is advised as age affects both eligibility and points.
Health & character
- Medical examination by a panel physician (approved by Dept of Home Affairs)
- Police clearance certificate from each country lived in for 12+ months
- Must not have substantial criminal record
- Health checks typically done after receiving invitation to apply
Step-by-Step
PR Process
Skills Assessment
Key document: Qualification certificates, employment letters, job description
Submit EOI
Key document: Skills assessment outcome, English test results, myGovID account
Invitation Round
Key document: Invitation to Apply (ITA) sent via ImmiAccount
Visa Application
Key document: Passport, health checks, police clearance, all supporting documents
Visa Decision
Key document: Visa grant notification via ImmiAccount
Check if Your PR Points Score
Is Competitive
Are You Eligible to Apply for Australia PR?
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Our Success in Number
Common Questions
- Australia PR Cost & Requirements
What is the total cost of Australia PR for a US applicant?
Total cost typically ranges AUD 7,500–11,500 (approx. USD 4,800–7,400) depending on your profile.
This includes:
- Visa application fees
- Skills assessment
- English test (IELTS/PTE)
- Medical & police clearance
- Optional agent fees
I'm a US/Canada citizen - do I still need to take an English test?
No. If English is your primary language and you hold a US or Canadian passport, you’re generally exempt from the English test requirement and automatically qualify for the maximum English points under the points test.
Is the visa application fee refundable?
No, the visa application fee is non-refundable once you submit your application — even if the visa is refused.
That’s why it’s important to apply only when your profile is strong and complete.
Can I apply for Australia PR without a job offer?
Yes – you don’t need a job offer for popular visas like Subclass 189 and 190.
However, you must:
- Have your occupation on the skilled list
- Meet the points requirement (65+)
- Pass skills assessment & English test
What happens if my occupation is not on the skilled list?
If your occupation is not on the skilled list, you cannot apply directly for PR under standard skilled visas.
But you still have options:
- Apply through a different related occupation
- Consider state-sponsored visas (190/491)
- Explore study or alternative migration pathways
How often are invitation rounds held?
Invitation rounds are usually conducted every 1–3 months, but timing can vary based on:
- Occupation demand
- Government quotas
- Your points score
Can I include my spouse and children in the PR application?
Yes – you can include your spouse and dependent children in your PR application.
Benefits:
- They get the same PR status
- Access to healthcare, education, and work rights