Moving from India to Australia involves significant upfront costs. The Subclass 189 visa application fee of AUD 4,640 (approximately INR 2,55,000) is just the starting point. When you add skills assessment, English testing, flights, and initial settlement expenses, a single applicant should plan for a total outlay of AUD 12,000–18,000. This guide breaks down every cost category so you can plan accurately.
Visa and Application Costs
The largest single expense is the visa application fee. As of 2026, the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa costs AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant. Additional applicants add substantially to this: AUD 2,320 per adult dependent (spouse/partner aged 18+) and AUD 1,160 per dependent child under 18.
| Item | Cost (AUD) | Cost (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 189 visa fee (principal applicant) | $4,640 | 2,55,000 |
| Skills assessment (ACS/EA/ANMAC) | $550–690 | 30,000–38,000 |
| English test (PTE Academic / IELTS) | $400 | 22,000 |
| Health examination (panel physician) | $350 | 19,000 |
| Police clearance certificate (PCC) | $50 | 500 |
| Document translation & notarisation | $100–200 | 5,500–11,000 |
| Total pre-departure (single) | ~$6,100–6,330 | ~3,35,000–3,48,000 |
For a couple, add AUD 2,320 for the spouse’s visa fee plus a second health exam and PCC, bringing pre-departure costs to approximately AUD 8,800–9,100. A family of four (two adults, two children) should budget AUD 11,000–11,500 for visa-related expenses alone.
Flights and Shipping
One-way flights from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore to Sydney or Melbourne cost AUD 600–1,200 for economy class. Direct flights on Qantas or Air India sit at the higher end; budget carriers like AirAsia, Scoot, or IndiGo (connecting through Southeast Asia) can bring costs down to AUD 500–700.
Most Indian immigrants opt to ship personal belongings rather than checking excess baggage. A shared container shipment (approximately 2-3 cubic metres) from Mumbai or Chennai to Sydney costs AUD 1,500–2,500 and takes 4–6 weeks by sea. A full 20-foot container runs AUD 4,000–6,000. Many first-time movers skip shipping entirely and budget AUD 300–500 for excess baggage fees on their flight, then purchase essentials on arrival.
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Get Your Free Verdict →Settlement Costs by City
Your first month in Australia requires a significant cash buffer. Rental properties typically require 4 weeks’ rent as bond (deposit) plus 2 weeks’ rent in advance. Here is what to expect in Australia’s three most popular cities for Indian immigrants:
| Expense | Sydney (AUD) | Melbourne (AUD) | Brisbane (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city fringe) | 2,600 | 2,100 | 1,900 |
| Bond (4 weeks’ rent) | 2,600 | 2,100 | 1,900 |
| Groceries | 500 | 450 | 420 |
| Public transport (monthly pass) | 200 | 170 | 150 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | 250 | 230 | 220 |
| Mobile plan | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| First-month total (incl. bond) | ~6,180 | ~5,080 | ~4,620 |
Many Indian immigrants stay in temporary share accommodation or serviced apartments for the first 2–4 weeks while job-hunting and apartment-searching. Shared rooms in Indian-majority suburbs (Harris Park in Sydney, Dandenong in Melbourne, Sunnybank in Brisbane) cost AUD 150–250 per week, significantly reducing initial cash requirements.
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As a 189 visa holder (permanent resident), you are eligible for Medicare from the day you arrive. Medicare covers GP visits, public hospital treatment, and subsidised pharmaceuticals. However, it does not cover dental, optical, or private hospital stays. Many Indian immigrants take out private health insurance (AUD 100–250/month for singles) to avoid long public hospital waiting lists for elective procedures.
If you arrive on a temporary visa before your PR is granted (e.g., bridging visa), you will need private Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) at approximately AUD 120–180/month until Medicare eligibility begins.
Total Budget Summary
| Category | AUD (range) | INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa & pre-departure | 6,100–6,330 | 3,35,000–3,48,000 |
| Flights | 600–1,200 | 33,000–66,000 |
| First-month settlement (Melbourne) | 5,080 | 2,79,000 |
| Emergency buffer (2 months) | 3,000–5,000 | 1,65,000–2,75,000 |
| Total recommended | 14,780–17,610 | 8,12,000–9,68,000 |
This budget assumes you have a job lined up or expect to find employment within 4–6 weeks. If your profession has a longer job search timeline, add AUD 3,000–4,000 per additional month of runway. For a detailed salary comparison, see India vs Australia: Salary & Cost of Living 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move from India to Australia in total?
For a single applicant on the 189 visa, expect to spend AUD 12,000–18,000 (INR 6.6–9.9 lakh) covering visa fees (AUD 4,640), skills assessment (AUD 550–690), English test (AUD 400), flights (AUD 600–1,200), initial accommodation (4 weeks at AUD 1,200–2,400), and first-month living expenses. Couples and families should budget AUD 20,000–30,000 including additional visa fees and higher settlement costs.
Do I need to show proof of funds for the 189 visa?
Unlike Canada’s Express Entry, the Subclass 189 visa does not require a specific proof of funds amount. However, you must demonstrate that you can support yourself and your family upon arrival. Having at least AUD 10,000–15,000 in accessible savings is strongly recommended for a comfortable settlement. If applying for the 190 or 491 visa variants, some states may require evidence of settlement funds.
What is the cheapest Australian city for Indian immigrants?
Brisbane and Adelaide offer the lowest settlement costs among major Australian cities. A one-bedroom apartment in Brisbane CBD rents for AUD 1,800–2,200/month compared to AUD 2,400–3,000 in Sydney. Adelaide is even more affordable at AUD 1,400–1,800/month. Perth sits in between. However, job availability and salary levels vary by city, so the cheapest city may not offer the best overall financial outcome for your profession.
How much are flights from India to Australia?
One-way flights from major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) to Sydney or Melbourne typically cost AUD 600–1,200 (INR 33,000–66,000) for economy class. Budget airlines like AirAsia and Scoot offer cheaper options with layovers in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Booking 2–3 months in advance and flying mid-week can reduce costs by 20–30%. Excess baggage for a permanent move adds AUD 100–300.
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