Citizenship Visa Cost Calculator 2026
Citizenship visa costs in 2026: mandatory Home Affairs fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a Citizenship visa in 2026? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — Home Affairs filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory Home Affairs fees for the Citizenship
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Citizenship application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by conferral application (Form 1300t) | A$595 | Approximate — reflects the 1 July 2026 Home Affairs charge increase; confirm exact gazetted figure. | Official ↗ |
Source: Visa Pricing Estimator. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
A$1,950 – A$5,200 in Sydney. Typical cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
A$300 – A$700 — Bupa Medical Visa Services health examination.
Translation services
A$50 – A$200 — NAATI-certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the Citizenship
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Permanent resident meeting the residence requirement: 4 years lawfully present, last 12 months as PR, no more than 12 months' total absence over 4 years.
- 2
Prepare and lodge the application
Online or via paper form with identity, residence, and character evidence.
- 3
Sit the citizenship test
If required — 20 multiple-choice questions, 75% pass mark.
- 4
Attend a citizenship ceremony
After approval, typically within about 6 months.
Typical processing time: As of May 2026, roughly 90% of conferral applications are processed within about 8 months; total time from application through ceremony is typically around 14–21 months.
Documents you'll need
- Evidence of permanent residency status
- Passport and identity documents
- Evidence of physical presence/travel history in Australia
- Character evidence (police checks, disclosure of any criminal history)
- Proof of identity change, if applicable
Common mistakes to avoid
- Exceeding absence limits, especially the 90-day rule in the final 12 months before applying
- Undisclosed criminal history, ongoing charges, or repeated traffic offences
- Providing false or misleading information, even unintentionally
- Failing to demonstrate genuine intention to reside in or maintain association with Australia
Sources: Home Affairs — Become a citizen
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | A$595 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | A$2,545 – A$5,795 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | A$2,955 – A$10,645 |
How to save money on your Citizenship
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut A$1,950–A$5,200.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the Home Affairs website so you never overpay a third party.
Citizenship cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a Citizenship visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a Citizenship visa in 2026 ranges from about A$2,545 to A$10,645, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Citizenship application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. Home Affairs publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Citizenship visa?
Attorney fees typically add A$2,000–A$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Citizenship visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Citizenship visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the Home Affairs website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with Home Affairs before paying.
How often do Home Affairs fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Citizenship visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.