189 Visa Costs 2026–2027: Fees and Total Budget
Direct answer
The current base Visa Application Charge for the main applicant for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), points-tested stream is AUD 6,135. This is not the full migration budget: additional-applicant charges, possible second instalment, assessment, English test, health, police, biometrics and nomination costs depend on the case.
The NovenAI Data Team checked the current Home Affairs subclass 189 charge and separated it from family and third-party case costs.
Based on official sources: Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), points-tested streamCurrent base charge
Home Affairs currently lists the main-applicant cost from AUD 6,135. The charge is determined by the rules and price in force when the Department receives a valid application. Limited concessions now apply to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens; do not assume the standard base amount applies to every passport or stream.
Family and second-instalment charges
A partner or child included in the application can attract an additional applicant charge. An adult family member without functional English may also attract a second instalment if Home Affairs asks for it before grant. Use the current official estimator with the applicant count, ages, location and intended lodgement date rather than copying an old family total.
Where do you sit in the 189 pool?
Enter your occupation and score to see how many 189 EOIs are ahead of you.
Other mandatory or likely costs
Budget separately for the relevant skills assessment, English test, medical examinations, police certificates, translations and document procurement. Card or PayPal payment surcharges may apply. These are not all government visa charges, and some will not apply to every person.
Nomination and advice costs
The 189 points-tested stream does not require a state nomination fee. It also does not impose a universal AUD 25,000 settlement-funds requirement. Applicants still need to show that all eligibility and points claims are true and should maintain a realistic personal settlement budget.
How many invitations does your occupation get?
Enter your occupation to see invitations per round and per financial year.
How to avoid a wrong total
Run the official Visa Pricing Estimator immediately before lodgement, then add only evidenced third-party costs. Keep the estimator result date and assumptions. Visa charges are generally paid for processing and are not automatically refunded because an application is refused or withdrawn.
Official references: Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), points-tested stream; Current visa pricing and estimator. Recheck the live source immediately before lodging or paying because rules, fees and published data can change.
Use the verified rules above as the starting point, then test the dates, evidence and points that apply to your profile with NovenAI. A calculator or estimate is not an invitation, nomination or visa decision.