Start Early, Save More: Why Acting Now on Australian Skilled Migration Could Save You Thousands
Priya Sharma
Expert in Skills Assessments for EA, ACS, IML, VETASSESS, KA02 & More | Helping Professionals Navigate the Path to Australian Immigration & Career Success
In recent months, a clear trend has emerged among assessing bodies responsible for Australian skilled migration: rising fees. Whether you're a skilled worker, a recent graduate, or someone planning to apply for permanent residency, this surge in fees could significantly impact your budget—and your timeline. Starting your application early is no longer just good advice; it’s a strategic advantage.
Why Are Fees Increasing?
Assessment authorities like VETASSESS, ACS, Engineers Australia, AHPRA, and others play a crucial role in evaluating whether your qualifications and experience align with Australian standards. These bodies are now updating their fee structures—often without much notice—citing rising operational costs, inflation, and increased demand for services.
For instance:
VETASSESS increased both its full skills assessment fees and review charges in early 2024.
Engineers Australia revised its CDR pathway pricing.
AHPRA and health-related authorities have annual fee hikes aligned with policy reviews.
ACS (Australian Computer Society) also updated its pricing structure for all assessment pathways, including RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning).
These changes are often effective immediately, leaving applicants who delay their submission footing a bigger bill.
How Much Could Delaying Cost You?
While fees vary between assessing bodies, here’s a general idea:
Before the hike: A full skills assessment might cost you AUD $500–$800.
After the hike: Expect to pay AUD $850–$1,200 or more.
Additional costs like fast-track fees, review applications, and updated assessments can further increase your expenses.
If you’re applying for a family or adding a partner’s skills assessment, the costs double—or even triple.
Why Starting Early Is Advantageous
Avoid Fee Increases: If your application is submitted before a fee change takes effect, you’ll usually pay the current (lower) rate, even if processing takes a few weeks.
Beat Processing Delays: As fees go up, many applicants rush to beat deadlines, which can create a bottleneck. Starting now gives you a head start before queues grow longer.
Plan Financially: Applying early helps you budget for other migration expenses like visa fees, English exams (IELTS/PTE), medicals, and police checks.
Secure Points for PR: Age points decrease after 33 and again at 40. Delays might not only cost more money—but more points too.
Buffer for Errors or Reviews: If your application needs revisions, extra documents, or a review, starting early gives you time to fix issues without racing against fee hikes or eligibility expiry.
Pro Tip: Stay Informed
Set alerts for your assessing authority’s website or follow official updates. Some fee hikes are announced only a few weeks in advance.
Here’s a quick list of major assessing bodies and their focus areas:
Assessing Body Fields Covered VETASSESS General occupations (e.g., HR, Marketing, Education Managers)ACS ICT and Computer Science Engineers Australia Engineering occupations AHPRA Health professions (e.g., Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medicine)TRA Trade occupations (e.g., Electricians, Chefs, Carpenters)AIQS, AACA, CPA, IPA Niche professions like Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Accounting
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Final Thoughts
Migration to Australia is a life-changing journey, but one that demands timely action. With almost every assessing body increasing fees—and with PR eligibility being so tightly tied to age, skills, and timing—the earlier you start, the better your chances of securing your future affordably.
If you're eligible today, don’t wait for tomorrow’s higher costs.
Feel free to reach out for your assessment