2026-02-24 · NextMigrate Team
The Real Cost of Migrating Abroad: A Breakdown for Applicants from Developing Countries
Migration is an investment. Before you commit to the process, you need an honest understanding of what it will cost, not just the government visa fee, but the full picture: credential assessments, language tests, medical exams, agent fees, flights, and the settlement funds you will need in your bank account before you even board the plane.
This guide breaks down the real costs for applicants migrating from developing countries to the most popular destinations: Canada, Australia, the UK, Germany, and the United States. All figures are in US dollars (USD) for easy comparison and are current as of early 2026.
Cost Category 1: Language Tests
Almost every skilled migration pathway requires a standardised language test. You may need to take the test more than once if you do not achieve the required score on your first attempt.
| Test | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| IELTS (General or Academic) | $230 - $260 |
| PTE Academic | $200 - $250 |
| CELPIP (Canada only) | $265 - $290 |
| TEF / TCF (French) | $200 - $350 |
| TOEFL iBT | $200 - $230 |
Budget tip: Most applicants take the test 1 to 2 times. Budget for at least $500 to cover a possible retake. Some countries now offer single-skill retakes (IELTS One Skill Retake), which costs around $100 to $130 and can save you from paying for a full retest.
Cost Category 2: Credential Assessment
Foreign degrees and work experience must be evaluated by an approved organisation.
| Service | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| WES (Canada) - Document-by-document | $160 - $220 |
| WES - Course-by-course evaluation | $200 - $270 |
| VETASSESS (Australia) - Skills assessment | $500 - $700 |
| Engineers Australia - CDR assessment | $600 - $900 |
| UK ENIC Statement of Comparability | $200 - $250 |
| Transcript courier and notarisation fees | $50 - $150 |
For Australia, the cost varies significantly by occupation. Trade assessments through TRA can cost $300 to $500, while medical and nursing board assessments can exceed $1,000.
Budget for credential assessment: $200 - $1,000 depending on your destination and profession.
Cost Category 3: Government Visa Fees
These are the fees paid directly to the immigration authority when you submit your application.
Canada
| Visa Type | Fee (USD approx.) |
|---|---|
| Express Entry (PR application) | $1,150 per adult |
| Biometrics | $65 per person |
| Right of PR fee | $405 (included in above) |
| Open Work Permit (spouse) | $165 |
A couple applying together for Canadian PR through Express Entry will pay approximately $2,500 - $2,800 in government fees alone.
Australia
| Visa Type | Fee (USD approx.) |
|---|---|
| Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | $4,300 per adult |
| Subclass 190 (State Nominated) | $4,300 per adult |
| Subclass 491 (Regional) | $4,300 per adult |
| Additional applicant (adult) | $2,150 |
| Additional applicant (child under 18) | $1,075 |
Australian visa fees are notably higher than other countries. A family of four (two adults, two children) applying for a subclass 189 visa can expect government fees approaching $11,000 - $12,000.
United Kingdom
| Visa Type | Fee (USD approx.) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years) | $800 - $1,500 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | $800/year |
| Biometrics | Included |
The Immigration Health Surcharge is a major hidden cost. A 5-year visa requires $4,000 in IHS alone, per person. A family of four on 5-year visas pays $16,000 just for healthcare access.
Germany
| Visa Type | Fee (USD approx.) |
|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | $80 - $100 |
| Residence permit (after arrival) | $100 - $150 |
Germany is significantly cheaper in terms of government fees, which is one reason it has become an increasingly popular destination for skilled workers.
United States
| Visa Type | Fee (USD approx.) |
|---|---|
| H1B (employer-sponsored) | $460 (petition) + $500 (fraud fee) + $1,500 (ACWIA fee for large employers) |
| EB-2/EB-3 (employment-based green card) | $700 (I-140) + $1,225 (I-485 adjustment) |
| Diversity Visa (DV lottery) | $330 (if selected) |
Note that most US work visa costs are paid by the sponsoring employer, not the applicant. However, if you are applying for the DV lottery or a family-based petition, the costs fall on you.
Cost Category 4: Medical Examinations
| Country | Approximate Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Canada (panel physician exam) | $150 - $300 |
| Australia (Bupa medical) | $200 - $400 |
| UK (TB test for some nationalities) | $80 - $150 |
| US (civil surgeon exam) | $200 - $500 |
If additional tests are required (such as specialist evaluations or extra lab work), costs can increase. Vaccinations that are not up to date will also add to the bill.
Cost Category 5: Police Clearance Certificates
| Country of Origin | Approximate Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | $30 - $50 |
| India | $10 - $20 |
| Pakistan | $15 - $30 |
| Egypt | $20 - $40 |
| Kenya | $10 - $20 |
These are relatively inexpensive but can involve significant time. Factor in transportation costs if you need to visit a specific office in person.
Cost Category 6: Immigration Agents and Lawyers
This is one of the most variable costs and one of the most important decisions you will make.
| Service | Typical Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Licensed immigration consultant (RCIC for Canada) | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Registered Migration Agent (MARA for Australia) | $3,000 - $7,000 |
| UK immigration solicitor | $2,000 - $6,000 |
| Full-service agency (developing country) | $1,500 - $10,000+ |
Critical warning: Many agents in developing countries charge excessive fees for services you can handle yourself, or worse, they are unlicensed and provide incorrect advice. Always verify that your agent is registered with the relevant regulatory body:
- Canada: Check the CICC (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants) registry
- Australia: Check the MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) registry
- UK: Check the OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) registry
Cost Category 7: Flights and Initial Settlement
| Expense | Approximate Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| One-way flight (economy, from most developing countries) | $500 - $1,500 |
| Shipping personal belongings | $500 - $3,000 |
| First month's rent (shared accommodation) | $500 - $1,500 |
| Initial groceries and essentials | $200 - $400 |
| Local transportation setup | $100 - $300 |
| Winter clothing (for Canada, Northern Europe) | $200 - $500 |
Cost Category 8: Proof of Settlement Funds
This is not a fee you spend, but money you must have in your bank account:
| Country | Required Funds (USD approx.) |
|---|---|
| Canada (single applicant, Express Entry) | $10,500 - $11,000 |
| Canada (family of 4) | $19,000 - $20,000 |
| Australia (student visa, annual) | $16,000 - $17,000 |
| UK (Skilled Worker) | $1,600 (28 consecutive days) |
Total Cost Estimates by Country
Here is a realistic total for a single applicant from a developing country, including all mandatory costs:
| Destination | Low Estimate (USD) | High Estimate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Express Entry) | $3,500 | $7,000 |
| Australia (Subclass 189) | $6,500 | $13,000 |
| UK (Skilled Worker, 3 years) | $3,000 | $8,000 |
| Germany (EU Blue Card) | $1,500 | $4,000 |
| US (DV Lottery, if selected) | $1,500 | $3,500 |
These figures do not include settlement funds (which you keep), flights, or agent fees. Add those, and the full out-of-pocket cost for a single applicant migrating to Canada or Australia can reach $15,000 to $25,000.
How to Reduce Costs
- Apply without an agent if your case is straightforward. Express Entry and many points-based systems are designed for self-application.
- Prepare thoroughly for language tests to avoid costly retakes.
- Compare credential assessment fees across approved organisations.
- Apply for fee waivers where available (some countries offer them for low-income applicants).
- Book flights during off-peak seasons (January to March and September to November are often cheapest for long-haul routes).
Plan Your Budget With NextMigrate
Understanding the full cost upfront helps you avoid financial surprises and plan your savings timeline realistically. NextMigrate provides personalised cost breakdowns based on your specific situation, destination, and family size. We also help you identify where you can save money and where cutting corners could cost you more in the long run. Get your free assessment today and start planning with clarity.
