Top 5 Things to Know About the 190 Visa Fee [2025–2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The current base 190 visa fee is AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant. This is the mandatory charge paid to the Department of Home Affairs to process your Skilled Nominated visa application. Additional costs for secondary applicants, health checks, police clearances, and skills assessments can bring the total to over AUD 10,000 for a family. Always check the official Home Affairs website for the latest fees before you apply.

Understanding the full cost of a visa is crucial for planning your migration journey. While the “190 visa fee” often refers to the main application charge, the total financial commitment involves several other mandatory steps. This guide breaks down every cost, explains payment rules, and shows you how to budget effectively for your 190 visa application in 2025–2026.

What is the current 190 visa application fee?

The current 190 visa fee is AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant. This is the non-refundable charge you pay to the Department of Home Affairs when you submit your visa application. It is the single largest mandatory cost in the process.

According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Visa Pricing Estimator{:target=“_blank”}, this fee is subject to periodic indexation, usually on 1 July each year. It’s essential to confirm the exact amount on their website on the day you plan to lodge your application. The fee must be paid in full for your application to be valid and progress to assessment. Tools like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor can help you understand the financial and documentary requirements as part of your overall preparation strategy.

• Primary Applicant Fee: AUD 4,640 (as of the time of writing; always verify).
• Payment Method: Paid online via credit card, PayPal, or BPAY when submitting the application through your ImmiAccount.
• Indexation: Fees typically increase slightly each financial year.
• Non-refundable: This fee is for processing your application and is not refunded if your visa is refused or you withdraw.

Are there additional fees for family members on a 190 visa application?

Yes, adding family members to your 190 visa application incurs significant additional fees. Each secondary applicant over 18 years old is charged a separate fee, while those under 18 pay a reduced rate.

The official Skilled Visa Charges page{:target=“_blank”} from Home Affairs details these costs. For a typical family application, these secondary charges often represent the bulk of the total government visa fees. Budgeting for your family requires careful calculation of these add-on costs.

• Secondary Applicant 18 or Over: AUD 2,320 each.
• Secondary Applicant Under 18: AUD 1,160 each.
• Example: A couple with one child under 18 would pay: AUD 4,640 (primary) + AUD 2,320 (partner) + AUD 1,160 (child) = AUD 8,120 in total visa application charges.
• Dependents: All family members included in the application must meet health and character requirements, which involve their own separate costs (see below).

What are the other mandatory costs beyond the visa fee?

Beyond the visa fee, you must budget for skills assessments, English tests, health checks, and police clearances. These are often called “hidden costs” but are absolutely mandatory for a complete application. They are paid to third parties, not to Home Affairs.

Failing to account for these can derail your budget and timeline. According to state government nomination guidelines, like those from NSW{:target=“_blank”}, you must have a positive skills assessment before you can even be invited to apply. NovenAI’s platform integrates these requirements into a personalised checklist, ensuring you don’t miss a critical step.

• Skills Assessment: AUD 500 – AUD 1,200+ per occupation, depending on the assessing authority.
• English Language Test (e.g., IELTS, PTOE): AUD 300 – AUD 500 per attempt. You can use our English Level Guide{:target=“_blank”} to understand the scores you need.
• Health Examinations (Medical Checks): Approximately AUD 300 – AUD 500 per person.
• Police Clearance Certificates: Varies by country; typically AUD 50 – AUD 200 per person per country lived in.

When and how do I pay the 190 visa fee?

You pay the 190 visa fee online at the moment you submit your final visa application in your ImmiAccount. This is the last major step after receiving a state nomination and your invitation to apply.

It is critical to have the funds ready at this stage, as the application will not be lodged without successful payment. The Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal{:target=“_blank”} is the only official platform for this transaction. Be wary of any other sites claiming to process visa payments.

• Timing: Paid upon submission of the visa application (post-invitation).
• Platform: Paid securely through your personal ImmiAccount.
• Proof: You will receive an immediate electronic receipt and a Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
• No Instalments: The full fee is required upfront. There is no option to pay in instalments to the government.

Can the 190 visa fee be refunded if my application is refused?

No, the 190 visa application charge is non-refundable if your application is refused or withdrawn. The fee is a processing charge, not a guarantee of a visa outcome.

This underscores the importance of submitting a complete and decision-ready application. Using tools like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor or consulting with a registered migration agent can help identify potential weaknesses in your application before you pay the significant fee. Some states may also charge a separate nomination fee, which is typically non-refundable as well.

• Non-refundable: The AUD 4,640 fee is for the assessment work done by the Department.
• Exceptions: Extremely rare, such as a proven duplicate payment error by the Department.
• Mitigation: Ensure all documents (skills assessment, English tests, police checks) are valid and accurate before applying.
• State Fees: Some states charge a small nomination application fee (e.g., AUD 300). Check the specific state or territory migration website{:target=“_blank”} for their policies on refunds.

How can I accurately calculate my total 190 visa budget?

To calculate your total budget, sum the main visa fee, secondary applicant fees, and all third-party costs for every person included. Creating a detailed spreadsheet is the most effective method.

For the most accurate and personalised estimate, consider using a comprehensive points calculator that factors in all associated costs. Our free EOI Points Calculator{:target=“_blank”} not only helps you score your points but also prompts you to consider the financial requirements for each step, helping you build a realistic migration budget.

Sample Budget for a Primary Applicant (Approximate):

• Visa Application Charge: AUD 4,640
• Skills Assessment: AUD 1,000
• English Test: AUD 400
• Health Examinations: AUD 400
• Police Clearances (2 countries): AUD 200
• Estimated Total: AUD 6,640

Sample Budget for a Family of Three (Approximate):

• Visa Charges (Primary + Partner + Child): AUD 8,120
• Skills Assessment: AUD 1,000
• English Tests (x2 adults): AUD 800
• Health Examinations (x3 people): AUD 1,200
• Police Clearances (x2 adults, 2 countries each): AUD 400
• Estimated Total: AUD 11,520

Navigating the costs of the 190 visa is a key part of a successful migration plan. By understanding that the “visa fee” is just one part of a larger financial picture, you can budget realistically and avoid stressful surprises. Start by confirming the latest fees on the official Home Affairs website, then map out all associated costs for you and your family.

Ready to plan your journey with confidence? Let NovenAI help you manage every detail, from calculating your points to tracking policy changes that might affect costs. Explore your options and begin your assessment today.