Moving to Australia as a developer programmer can be a transformative step in your professional journey, but it’s essential to understand the financial commitments involved before you begin the process. Whether you’re applying for a skilled visa independently or seeking employer sponsorship, the cost of immigration to Australia includes more than just visa application fees. From skills assessments and English language testing to professional registration and relocation expenses, developer programmers must be prepared for a range of direct and indirect costs.
Although Australia continues to welcome highly skilled ICT professionals to address national workforce shortages, most employers do not offer relocation assistance as part of a standard job offer. This means that planning ahead and understanding your financial responsibilities when relocating is crucial. In this guide, we break down the key costs associated with migrating to Australia as a developer programmer, from application fees to incidental expenses, so you can make informed decisions at every stage.
When planning your move to Australia as a developer programmer, one of the first considerations is understanding the visa application costs. These fees vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and whether your application includes any dependents. If you are pursuing a skilled migration pathway, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), you will need to pay a base visa application charge, which currently starts at approximately AUD 4,640 (subject to change) for the primary applicant. Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application: around AUD 2,320 (subject to change) for a spouse or partner and AUD 1,160 (subject to change) for each dependent child. These visas are points-tested and offer a pathway to permanent residency, making them a strategic long-term option for qualified developer programmers.
If you are applying under the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), which is an employer-sponsored, temporary visa, the primary applicant fee is slightly lower (currently from AUD 1,455), but there may be additional nomination-related costs, such as the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy. This levy, which is paid by your employer, is calculated based on the size of the business and the duration of the sponsorship. For example, the SAF levy could range from AUD 1,200 to over AUD 7,000 (subject to change) depending on your employer’s turnover and the length of your employment contract.
For those eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186), a direct pathway to permanent residency, the base application fee is similar to GSM visas (approximately AUD 4,640 – subject to change), with the same dependent surcharges. This visa is not points-tested but requires a full-time job offer and employer nomination.
In addition to these visa charges, there may be fees for health assessments, police checks, and English language testing, all of which are commonly required for skilled migration visas. It’s also worth noting that the Department of Home Affairs adjusts visa fees periodically, so it’s essential to verify the current rates at the time of application.
Hitchcock & Associates can help you understand the cost implications of each visa pathway and assist in structuring your application to avoid costly delays or rejections. Whether you are applying as a single applicant or with your family, accurate fee planning is a critical part of your migration journey as a developer programmer.
Beyond the visa application fee, migrating to Australia as a developer programmer involves several key costs you’ll need to factor into your budget. These costs play a vital role in ensuring your application meets the Australian Government’s immigration requirements and are essential to completing the process.
Here’s what you can expect:
When planning your move to Australia, these additional expenses should be built into your overall migration budget. By understanding these cost areas early, you can better prepare for a smooth transition to your new life and career as a developer programmer in Australia.
The total cost of migrating to Australia as a developer programmer will depend on several key factors, including your visa type, the number of dependents included in your application, and any additional services you may require throughout the process. While costs can vary from applicant to applicant, it is important to understand the general categories of expenses you should expect and budget for.
In addition to visa application fees, such as those associated with the Subclass 482, Subclass 189, Subclass 190, or Subclass 186 visas, there are other compulsory expenses to consider. These may include a skills assessment through the Australian Computer Society (ACS), English language proficiency testing (such as IELTS or Pearson PTE), medical checks, police clearance certificates, and application charges for each accompanying family member.
Moreover, many applicants choose to engage a Registered Migration Agent to provide expert assistance with documentation, eligibility assessments, and submission of a complete application. Although professional services come at an additional cost, they can help minimise errors and delays, particularly when applying from overseas or dealing with complex circumstances.
In total, the full cost to migrate to Australia as a developer programmer can range from approximately AUD 7,000 to AUD 12,000 (subject to change) for a single applicant, with higher figures applying if dependents are included. These figures include government application fees, assessment costs, and necessary documentation expenses, but exclude lifestyle or relocation costs such as airfare and housing.
While the investment in your migration journey is significant, many developer programmers find the long-term value, such as possible permanent residency options, competitive salaries, and access to Australia’s robust tech industry, well worth the financial commitment. Hitchcock & Associates can help you understand the process, estimate your individual costs, and ensure your application is as strong and efficient as possible.
While the opportunity to work as a developer programmer in Australia is increasingly appealing to international candidates, it is important to set realistic expectations when it comes to employer-provided relocation assistance. Although some companies may offer some financial support for highly sought-after roles or senior-level appointments, relocation incentives are not guaranteed, particularly for mid-level or entry-level positions.
In most cases, relocation expenses such as flights, temporary accommodation, shipping of personal belongings, or initial living costs are the responsibility of the applicant. While larger multinational companies in the technology sector may have formal policies around relocation support, many employers, especially small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), do not include these benefits in their standard employment offers.
It is also important to note that visa sponsorship and relocation support are two separate considerations. An Australian company may be willing to sponsor your work visa, such as the Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) or Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186), without offering financial assistance for your move. In these cases, while the company facilitates your legal ability to live and work in Australia, the costs associated with relocation remain your own.
For developer programmers considering a move, it’s advisable to budget independently for all potential relocation expenses. Working with a Registered Migration Agent, such as Hitchcock & Associates, ensures that your sponsorship agreement aligns with Australian migration law and policy. While most relocation expenses fall outside the visa framework, we can help you understand what your sponsor is obligated to provide under migration legislation. Our experience supporting skilled professionals through the visa process ensures you receive guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
