Working Holiday Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a Working Holiday visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a Working Holiday visa in 2026 — not just the government filing fee, but attorney costs, premium processing and every add-on too? Here's every number added up, plus what you can skip to spend less.
Total cost, everything included
A$3,850 – A$12,190
Mandatory Home Affairs fees, an attorney, premium processing, and dependents — the full price if you want every option covered. Filing without an attorney or premium processing costs less; see the scenario breakdown below.
Mandatory Home Affairs fees for the Working Holiday
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Working Holiday application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base application charge (main applicant) | A$840 | First application; $1,000 for a 2nd or 3rd Working Holiday visa. | 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.
How to apply for the Working Holiday
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Eligible passport, age under 31 (up to 35 for some countries from 1 July 2026); first application must be lodged from outside Australia.
- 2
Lodge online
With identity and financial evidence (~AUD 5,000+ recommended).
- 3
Complete health/character checks
If requested.
- 4
For extensions
Provide evidence of specified work (generally 88 days in eligible regional work) via payslips plus employer statutory declarations.
Typical processing time: First-time applications typically process within 1–4 weeks online, though high volumes have pushed this longer at times in 2026.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Recent bank statements showing sufficient funds
- Health and character declarations
- Employer statutory declarations and payslips, for extensions
- Proof of correct postcode/industry classification for regional work claimed
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting blurry scans, expired documents, or mismatched personal details
- Skipping sections thought to be "optional," triggering delays or refusal
- For extensions: payslips submitted alone without the required employer statutory declaration
- Incorrect postcode or industry classification for claimed regional work
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | A$840 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | A$3,440 – A$7,340 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | A$3,850 – A$12,190 |
How to save money on your Working Holiday
- 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.
Working Holiday cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a Working Holiday visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a Working Holiday visa in 2026 ranges from about A$3,440 to A$12,190, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Working Holiday 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 Working Holiday 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 Working Holiday 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 Working Holiday 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 Working Holiday 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
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