With the Subclass 189 visa fee reviewed annually, you should check the Department of Home Affairs for the exact 2025 primary applicant charge, plus additional fees for family members, health checks and biometrics to budget accurately.
Understanding the Subclass 189 Visa Framework
Under the Subclass 189 framework you build your claim through a points test, skills assessment, medical and character checks, and planning for fees and timing so you can align your application strategy with current rules.
Eligibility Criteria for the Points-Tested Stream
You must score at least 65 points, meet age, English, skills-assessment and character requirements, and nominate an eligible occupation listed for the points-tested stream.
The Role of the Department of Home Affairs in Setting Annual Fees
Department of Home Affairs publishes and updates visa application charges annually, meaning you should verify the current fee schedule before submitting to avoid unexpected costs.
Annual fee adjustments reflect policy settings, cost recovery and administrative changes, so you should factor increases into your budget for primary applicants, dependents, and any ancillary charges such as health exams or biometrics.
Primary Applicant Fees for 2025
Base Application Charge for the Main Applicant
The base application charge for the main applicant in 2025 is the primary fee you pay when lodging your Subclass 189 visa; you should budget for the Department’s listed amount plus any required health, character or biometric costs.
Impact of Annual Indexation on Visa Pricing
Indexation applies annually, so you may find that the visa charge rises modestly each financial year and you should check current fees before you lodge.
You should expect indexation to be applied on 1 July each year, tied to the government’s consumer price index; this can increase the base application charge and related costs such as additional applicant fees or health assessments, so you should monitor the Department of Home Affairs fee schedule ahead of lodgement and factor potential rises into your budget.
Additional Applicant Charges for Accompanying Family members
Fees for Partners and De Facto Spouses
You will usually pay an additional applicant charge for your partner or de facto spouse; the fee is charged per person when lodging the application, and partners must meet the same health and character checks as you.
Charges for Dependent Children Under 18 Years of Age
Children under 18 generally attract a lower additional applicant charge, and you must include their details on your application and provide birth certificates and any custody documentation required.
When your child is under 18 you must supply proof of relationship, immunisation or medical records and any school documentation to demonstrate dependency and support eligibility for the reduced charge.
Costs for Dependent Children Aged 18 and Over
Adult dependents aged 18 and over typically attract the full additional applicant charge and must demonstrate ongoing financial dependency or special circumstances to be included on your application.
If an adult dependent claims dependency you will need to provide detailed financial records, medical evidence or education documentation to prove eligibility; otherwise they may need to apply separately and pay full fees.
Secondary Visa Application Charge (VAC2)
VAC2 requires you to pay a secondary visa application charge when you lodge an additional application related to your Subclass 189; this fee is separate from the primary application charge and can vary by applicant category and country.
The Functional English Language Requirement
You must demonstrate functional English by providing scores from approved tests, relevant qualifications, or accepted exemptions, and lack of valid evidence may prompt refusal or further evidence requests that delay your outcome.
Financial Implications for Applicants Failing to Meet Language Standards
Failing the language standard can increase your costs through extra test fees, translation or certification charges, potential legal advice, and longer processing that may require additional bridging visa fees.
Costs escalate when you must retake tests, commission translations, or hire professional help; you may also forfeit non‑refundable application payments if refusal follows and then need to lodge a fresh application and pay VAC2 again.
Essential External Costs and Third-Party Expenses
Budget for external fees such as skills assessments, medicals, police certificates, translations and any third‑party charges when you total the costs for your subclass 189 visa application.
Skills Assessment Fees by Relevant Assessing Authorities
Assessing authorities charge varying fees-typically AUD 300-1,500 depending on occupation-and you must obtain and pay for a positive skills assessment before lodging your application.
Medical Examination and Health Clearance Costs
Medicals generally cost about AUD 300-500 per person and must be conducted by an approved panel physician for your health clearance.
Expect additional charges for chest X‑rays, blood tests, specialist referrals and missed appointment fees; you may also face extra costs for vaccinations or repeat tests, so arrange and confirm what the panel clinic will bill before booking.
Police Certificates and Biometric Data Collection
Police certificates and biometric collection fees vary by country-often AUD 0-150-and you must provide clearances for every jurisdiction where you have lived long‑term.
Processing times can differ widely, and you may need fingerprinting, certified translations or apostilles; you should request certificates early and budget for expedited services or additional authentication if required by the Department.
Payment Procedures and Financial Administration
Accepted Payment Methods via ImmiAccount
ImmiAccount accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express, plus debit cards and BPAY where available; you can also use certain Australian bank transfers depending on your country settings-check the payment screen for enabled options before submitting your application.
Credit Card Surcharges and International Transaction Fees
Surcharges may apply when you pay by credit card, and your bank might charge international transaction or foreign currency conversion fees, so you should verify your card issuer’s rates prior to payment.
Banks often add a percentage fee plus a foreign exchange markup, and the rate displayed by ImmiAccount may differ from your card’s final conversion; you can reduce costs by paying from an Australian account or choosing BPAY where available, and by checking both issuer fees and the transaction receipt after payment.
Summing up
Now you should verify the 2025 subclass 189 visa fee on the Department of Home Affairs website because rates change; expect a base application charge plus additional applicant and biometrics fees, and plan for currency fluctuations and possible waivers if eligible.