491 Regional Visa Cost Calculator 2028
491 Regional visa costs in 2028: mandatory Home Affairs fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a 491 Regional visa in 2028? 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 491 Regional
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a 491 Regional application in 2028.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base application charge (main applicant) | A$6,140 | — | 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 491 Regional
- 1
Skills assessment and occupation check
Confirm occupation is on the relevant regional/state skilled occupation list.
- 2
Secure nomination or family sponsorship
State/territory nomination (adds 15 points) or an eligible regional family sponsor.
- 3
Lodge the visa application within 60 days
Submit all supporting documents at once — this is a provisional 5-year visa requiring regional residence.
- 4
Complete health/character checks
Respond promptly to any information requests.
Typical processing time: As of April 2026, roughly 25% finalize in 3–7 months, 50% in 6–20 months, and 90% in 15–28 months — a notably wide spread. Decision-ready lodgement processes faster.
Documents you'll need
- Current positive skills assessment
- English test evidence
- State/territory nomination or regional family sponsorship evidence
- Evidence of skilled employment, if claiming points
- Health examinations and police clearance certificates
Common mistakes to avoid
- Lodging without a complete skills assessment or with mismatched occupation evidence
- Slow-arriving medical or police clearances holding up an otherwise complete file
- Missing the 60-day window to lodge after invitation
- Incomplete offshore lodgements flagged for extra scrutiny
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | A$6,140 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | A$8,740 – A$12,640 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | A$9,950 – A$18,290 |
How to save money on your 491 Regional
- 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.
491 Regional cost FAQ (2028)
How much does a 491 Regional visa cost in 2028?
The total estimated cost of a 491 Regional visa in 2028 ranges from about A$8,740 to A$18,290, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the 491 Regional 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 491 Regional 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 491 Regional 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 491 Regional 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 491 Regional 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.