Australia’s Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa remains one of the most sought-after permanent residency pathways in the world, and understanding what it actually costs is the first step toward a successful application. The Visa 189 price in 2026 is not a single flat figure — it is a combination of government charges, pre-application costs, and supporting expenses that every applicant must budget for carefully. This guide breaks down every fee in detail so you know exactly what to expect before you begin.
What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 visa, officially known as the Skilled Independent visa, is a points-tested permanent residency visa issued by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs. Unlike many other visa types, it does not require an employer sponsor, state government nomination, or a family member in Australia. Applicants must have an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and score a minimum of 65 points under the Australian points test. Upon grant, the visa allows the holder to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently.
Because the visa is invitation-only, applicants first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect portal. Those with the highest points scores are invited to apply in regular invitation rounds run by the Department of Home Affairs. Once an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is received, the applicant has 60 days to lodge the full visa application and pay all required fees.
Visa 189 Price in 2026: Government Application Fee
The largest single cost in any Subclass 189 application is the government Visa Application Charge (VAC) paid directly to the Department of Home Affairs at the time of lodgement. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application, which makes accurate budgeting essential from the outset.
In 2026, the base government application fee for the primary applicant on a Subclass 189 visa is AUD 4,640. Secondary applicants — meaning partners or dependents included on the same application — are charged additional fees based on their age.
| Applicant Type | Government Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Primary Applicant (main applicant) | AUD 4,640 |
| Secondary Applicant — Adult (18 years or older) | AUD 2,320 |
| Secondary Applicant — Child (under 18) | AUD 1,160 |
| Second Instalment (VAC2) — if adult dependent lacks Functional English | AUD 4,890 |
The Second Instalment charge (VAC2) is an important detail many applicants overlook. If a dependent partner aged 18 or over does not demonstrate Functional English proficiency, this additional charge must be paid before the visa can be granted. It covers the cost of English language tuition provided by the Australian government after arrival.
Pre-Application Costs: Skills Assessment and English Testing
Before an applicant can even submit an EOI in SkillSelect, two mandatory pre-application expenses must be covered: a skills assessment and an English language proficiency test. These costs are paid directly to the relevant assessing authorities and test providers — not to the Department of Home Affairs — and are separate from the government visa fee.
Skills Assessment Fee
A skills assessment evaluates whether an applicant’s qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for their nominated occupation. Each occupation is assessed by a specific authority, and each authority sets its own fee structure. As of 2026, there are 39 approved assessing authorities listed by the Australian Government’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Skills assessment fees typically range from AUD 500 to AUD 1,500 or more, depending on the authority and the complexity of the assessment required.
English Language Test Fee
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or OET. The standard cost for these tests generally falls between AUD 460 and AUD 480 per sitting. Since many applicants sit the test more than once to achieve the required score, it is reasonable to budget for two sittings when planning your total expenditure.
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Medical Examination and Health Check Costs
All applicants for the Subclass 189 visa must undergo a health examination conducted by an approved panel doctor. The medical assessment checks for conditions that could pose a public health risk or place an excessive cost burden on Australia’s healthcare system. Medical examinations for adult applicants generally cost between AUD 400 and AUD 500, while examinations for child applicants are approximately AUD 350.
In some cases, the Department of Home Affairs may request additional specialist tests or chest X-rays, which will incur extra charges. These additional tests are not predictable in advance, but it is wise to keep a contingency budget of at least AUD 100 to AUD 200 per adult applicant beyond the standard examination fee.
Police Clearance Certificate Fees
Applicants must provide police clearance certificates from every country in which they have lived for 12 months or more since turning 16. The cost of obtaining these certificates varies significantly by country. In Australia, the national police check costs approximately AUD 42 to AUD 56 per applicant. For international clearances, fees vary by issuing country and can range from very low to over AUD 100 per certificate in some jurisdictions. Applicants who have lived in multiple countries will need to budget for multiple clearances.
Biometrics Collection Fee
Depending on the applicant’s nationality and country of residence, biometric data collection may be required as part of the visa application process. Where applicable, this fee is approximately AUD 80 per applicant and is paid at an approved Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) or at designated overseas collection points.
Migration Agent Fees
Engaging a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) is not mandatory for a Subclass 189 application — the Department of Home Affairs accepts self-managed applications and provides detailed guidance through its ImmiAccount portal. However, many applicants choose professional assistance, particularly when their occupation, points situation, or document history is complex.
Migration agent fees for a full Subclass 189 application typically range from AUD 2,000 to AUD 8,000 or more, depending on the scope of service, the complexity of the case, and the agent’s experience level. Limited-scope assistance such as document review or EOI strategy tends to cost significantly less than full end-to-end management. If you are managing applications across multiple cities, it helps to understand how to plan for pricing across different services efficiently.
Document Translation Costs
The Department of Home Affairs requires that all non-English documents submitted with a visa application be translated by an accredited professional. In Australia, this typically means a NAATI-certified translator. Translation costs vary based on the number of documents, the language pair, and the complexity of the content. Budget approximately AUD 40 to AUD 80 per page for professional translation. Applicants with extensive employment histories, academic qualifications from multiple institutions, or documents in multiple languages should factor translation costs carefully into their total budget.
Complete 189 Visa Cost Breakdown Table for 2026
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Charge — Primary Applicant | AUD 4,640 | Non-refundable government fee |
| Visa Application Charge — Adult Dependent | AUD 2,320 | Per adult secondary applicant |
| Visa Application Charge — Child Dependent | AUD 1,160 | Per child under 18 |
| Second Instalment (VAC2) | AUD 4,890 | Only if adult dependent lacks Functional English |
| Skills Assessment Fee | AUD 500 – AUD 1,500+ | Varies by assessing authority |
| English Language Test (per sitting) | AUD 460 – AUD 480 | Budget for 2 sittings on average |
| Medical Examination — Adult | AUD 400 – AUD 500 | Per adult applicant |
| Medical Examination — Child | AUD 350 | Per child applicant |
| Police Clearance Certificate | AUD 42 – AUD 100+ | Per country; may need multiple |
| Biometrics Collection Fee | AUD 80 | Where applicable by nationality |
| Document Translation | AUD 40 – AUD 80 per page | NAATI-accredited translator required |
| Migration Agent Fee (optional) | AUD 2,000 – AUD 8,000+ | Full-service assistance |
Total Estimated Cost: What to Budget in 2026
Pulling together all the mandatory costs — government application fee, skills assessment, English test, medical, police clearances, and document preparation — the total expenditure for a single applicant managing their own Subclass 189 application in 2026 typically falls between AUD 6,500 and AUD 8,000.
For a couple where both partners are included on the application and both have their skills assessed, the combined total (excluding a migration agent) generally sits between AUD 10,000 and AUD 13,000. A family of four using a migration agent, with documents requiring translation from multiple countries, can expect total costs of AUD 20,000 to AUD 25,000 or more.
It is worth noting that the Expression of Interest (EOI) submission through the SkillSelect portal carries no fee. The government charges only begin at the point of lodging the formal visa application after receiving an ITA.
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Factors That Can Increase Your Visa 189 Total Cost
Multiple overseas police clearances: Living in several countries adds clearance fees per jurisdiction.
Repeat English test sittings: Scoring higher can earn more points, but each resit adds AUD 460 to AUD 480.
Specialist medical referrals: Additional tests beyond the standard panel examination incur extra charges.
VAC2 for a dependent partner: If your partner does not demonstrate Functional English, an extra AUD 4,890 is mandatory before grant.
Large families: Each additional dependent adds a proportional government fee plus their own medical and clearance costs.
Using a migration agent: Professional assistance adds AUD 2,000 to AUD 8,000 or more depending on the scope.
Complex occupation assessments: Some assessing bodies charge significantly higher fees for complex or senior-level occupations.
For those who are also researching cost-of-living comparisons across services in different countries, reading about why some services are priced differently across providers can offer useful context for understanding how pricing structures work at a broader level.
Is the Visa 189 Application Fee Refundable?
No. Visa application fees paid to the Department of Home Affairs are strictly non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Whether your application is granted, refused, or withdrawn after lodgement, the government charges are not returned. This makes it especially important to ensure your application is as strong as possible before submission — meeting all eligibility requirements, having a current and positive skills assessment, and lodging all required documents within the 60-day window following your ITA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base Visa 189 application fee in 2026?
The base government Visa Application Charge for the primary applicant on a Subclass 189 visa in 2026 is AUD 4,640. This is paid directly to the Department of Home Affairs at the time of lodging the visa application and is non-refundable.
Are skills assessment fees included in the Visa 189 application fee?
No. Skills assessment fees are separate from the government visa application charge. They are paid directly to the relevant assessing authority for your occupation and typically range from AUD 500 to AUD 1,500 or more, depending on which body assesses your skills.
How much does it cost for a couple to apply for the 189 visa in 2026?
If both partners are included on the same application, the combined government visa fees alone would be AUD 4,640 (primary applicant) plus AUD 2,320 (adult dependent) — totalling AUD 6,960 in government charges before any other costs are added.
Is there a fee to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect?
No. Submitting an EOI through the SkillSelect portal is completely free. Government fees only apply when you are invited to apply and formally lodge your visa application through ImmiAccount.
What happens if my Visa 189 application is refused? Will I get a refund?
Unfortunately, no. Visa application fees paid to the Department of Home Affairs are non-refundable in all circumstances, including refusals, withdrawals, or changes in eligibility after lodgement. It is critical to ensure your application meets all requirements before submitting.
The Visa 189 price in 2026 goes well beyond the headline government charge. While the base application fee of AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant is the largest single payment, the complete picture includes skills assessment, English testing, medical examinations, police clearances, biometrics, and — for many applicants — document translation and professional migration assistance.
A realistic total budget for a single self-managed applicant sits between AUD 6,500 and AUD 8,000, while families or those using a migration agent should plan for considerably more. Starting your budgeting process early, understanding every cost component, and ensuring your application is decision-ready from the outset are the most effective ways to manage the financial side of your Australian permanent residency journey.
