How Much Is a Year's Visa to Australia? A Helpful Guide

At the Australian immigration services we have a lot of holiday makers who are in it not just to enjoy a brief holiday. Do you have family that you go and see term time? Would you like to work and travel in a year off? Are you willing to look at business opportunities? A question that will always be circulating is:

“How much is a year visa to Australia?”

This is dependent on the type of visa you choose. In this article we are going to tear downthe most common visa options that allow stays of up to 12 months or longer, depending on your circumstances and visa conditions, compare the cost and provide some real life tips that could make all the difference just to help you be successful, as we have served real successful applicants.

Which Visa Types Allow a 1-Year Stay in Australia?

If you're looking to stay in Australia for up to 12 months, several visa types may be suitable depending on your nationality and purpose of travel. Here are the most common options:

1. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 – Tourist Stream)

• Cost: From AUD $190 if applying outside Australia, or AUD $475 if applying inside the country (as of 2025).
• Stay duration: Up to 12 months, depending on your travel history and reasons
• Multiple-entry or single-entry options
• Commonly used by retirees, long-stay tourists, or those visiting family

2. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 / 462)

• Cost: AUD $670 (from July 2025 update)
• Eligibility: Citizens of eligible countries aged 18–30 (or 35 for some)
• Stay duration: Up to 12 months, with work and travel rights
• This is a popular choice for young travelers combining employment and tourism

3. Student Visa (Subclass 500)

• Cost: AUD $1,600 (as of July 2024). The fee may increase further in 2025
• Stay duration: The length of a Student Visa depends on the course duration. Some visas are valid for less than 12 months (e.g., a short English course), while university or multi-year programs can grant several years of stay.
• Additional costs may include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and school fees
• Suitable for those pursuing academic or vocational study

Each of these visas has unique eligibility rules, and some allow for extensions or visa switching once you’re in Australia.

View full Australia Visa fee

Real Experiences: What Applicants Should Know

From our day-to-day work at Australian Immigration Services, here are some practical examples:

• One applicant from the UK planned a year-long visit with her grandchildren. She applied for a Visitor Visa and was granted a 12-month validity. However, under her multiple-entry condition, she could stay a maximum of 3 months per visit — a rule that applies to many, but not all, applicants.
• A backpacker from Canada successfully applied for the Working Holiday Visa, but forgot to purchase travel insurance. While it’s not legally mandatory, it’s strongly recommended and sometimes required in practice by airlines or employers.
• A student from Malaysia enrolled in a language course and applied for a Student Visa but misunderstood the visa expiry date, thinking it was 12 months from issue instead of aligned with the course end date.

These situations remind us how important it is to read visa grant letters carefully and apply under the correct category.

What Does the Cost Really Include?

Here’s a breakdown of actual vs expected costs for a year visa to Australia:

Keep in mind that additional costs may apply if:

• Your application requires biometrics or health exams
• You submit incomplete documentation, requiring corrections
• You choose to use a support service for assistance and faster processing

To avoid unnecessary delays or extra fees, you can Apply for an Australia Visa online through our secure platform. Our team will guide you from start to finish.

Tips for a Successful 12-Month Visa Application

1. Plan early: Some visas take 4 to 6 weeks or more to process.
2. Be honest and accurate: Misrepresenting travel intentions may lead to rejections.
3. Check your passport validity: It must be valid beyond your intended stay.
4. Prepare supporting documents: Especially for long-stay or study visas.
5. Ask for help if unsure: Our advisors at Australian Immigration Services are here to assist.

Final Thoughts: How Much Is a Year Visa to Australia?

In 2025, a one-year visa to Australia typically costs between AUD 190 (Visitor Visa) and AUD 1,600 or more (Student or Working Holiday Visa), depending on the purpose of your stay. Every entry visa has its demands and restriction therefore it is very important to read the small print.

At the Australian Immigration Services, we will make this process easier and make few errors, and guide you during your application. Whether you are going to study, work or experience a full year in Australia we are here to help you get going with confidence.

Ready to begin?
Apply for an Australia Visa online with us today and travel smarter.

—
Australian Immigration Services Blog Team
Supporting your journey to Australia with trusted advice and professional service.

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