186 ENS Visa Cost Calculator 2024
186 ENS visa costs in 2024: mandatory Home Affairs fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a 186 ENS visa in 2024? 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 186 ENS
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a 186 ENS application in 2024.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base application charge (main applicant) | A$4,045 | — | Official ↗ |
Source: Visa Pricing Estimator. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
A$2,600 – A$6,500 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.
Other optional fees
- Skills assessment: A$800 — A$400–A$1,200 set by the assessing authority.
How to apply for the 186 ENS
- 1
Confirm eligibility stream
Temporary Residence Transition (for 482/457 holders), Direct Entry, or Labour Agreement.
- 2
Employer lodges nomination
Proving genuine need and financial capacity to pay the market salary for 2+ years.
- 3
Lodge the visa application
Submit identity, skills, qualification, English, health and character evidence.
- 4
Respond to requests
Provide additional evidence quickly if requested; a decision follows once nomination and visa are both assessed.
Typical processing time: For the period ending 30 June 2026, roughly 50% of TRT applications finalize within about 11 months (90% within 15 months); Direct Entry runs slightly faster.
Documents you'll need
- Positive skills assessment (unless exempt)
- Proof of relevant work experience
- English test results (or exemption evidence)
- Employer nomination evidence (financial capacity, genuine position, market salary)
- Health examinations and police clearances
Common mistakes to avoid
- Employer fails to demonstrate financial capacity to pay the nominated salary for at least two years
- Incomplete or inconsistent nomination documentation
- Adverse information about the nominating business
- English test result missing, expired, or below the required score
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | A$4,045 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | A$6,645 – A$10,545 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | A$7,855 – A$16,195 |
How to save money on your 186 ENS
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut A$2,600–A$6,500.
- 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.
186 ENS cost FAQ (2024)
How much does a 186 ENS visa cost in 2024?
The total estimated cost of a 186 ENS visa in 2024 ranges from about A$6,645 to A$16,195, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the 186 ENS 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 186 ENS 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 186 ENS 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 186 ENS 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 186 ENS 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.