Over your skilled migration application, you pay a second instalment fee to confirm processing and finalise your visa; you usually pay it after invitation or at visa grant stages as specified by the Department of Home Affairs.
Understanding the Visa Application Charge (VAC) Framework
VAC splits the total visa cost into an initial application instalment and a second pre-grant payment you usually must pay before grant, with amounts and timing set by visa subclass, applicant composition and any statutory exemptions.
Distinguishing Between the First and Second Instalment
First instalment secures processing when you apply, while the second instalment is a pre-grant VAC you must pay before grant unless an exemption applies; amounts vary by subclass and included family members.
The Legislative Basis for the Second Pre-Grant Charge
Legislation in the Migration Act and Migration Regulations empowers the Minister to determine VAC instalments, specifying when you are required to pay the second pre-grant charge and who may be exempt or liable for reductions.
Specific legislative instruments and delegations set payment triggers, refund conditions and exemptions-for example, certain humanitarian streams or dependent applicants-so consult the current Migration Regulations, relevant legislative instruments and departmental guidance to confirm exact amounts and deadlines for your application.
Identifying Who Must Pay the Second Instalment Fee
You must identify the parties required to pay the second instalment fee by confirming the primary applicant, listed secondary applicants, and dependents meet the age, relationship and visa subclass conditions that trigger liability.
Criteria for Dependent Applicants Aged 18 and Over
If you are a dependent aged 18 or over, you will generally be liable for the second instalment unless you qualify for an exemption such as full-time student status or specific visa-based exceptions.
Assessing Functional English Language Proficiency Requirements
When you assess functional English, you meet the test-related criteria for fee exemption if you hold acceptable test scores, an approved English-speaking passport, or an official visa decision confirming proficiency.
Provide certified test certificates, passport copies, or formal exemption letters as evidence, and you should verify the accepted tests and minimum scores for your visa subclass while ensuring translations and certified copies comply with Department of Home Affairs requirements.
Applicable Visa Subclasses Under the Skilled Migration Stream
Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)
Skilled Independent (189) and Skilled Nominated (190) visas require you to pay the second instalment fee when the Department progresses your application to final assessment, typically prior to visa grant, with the exact amount depending on the number of applicants you included.
Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) and Employer Sponsored Pathways
Subclass 491 and employer‑sponsored pathways commonly require the second instalment once nominations and sponsorships are approved, meaning you usually must pay before the visa is issued and the fee varies by subclass and included dependants.
You will receive a formal request for the second instalment from the Department of Home Affairs at decision stage; the fee calculation accounts for primary and secondary applicants, and failing to pay when requested can result in refusal or withdrawal of your application.
Current Fee Structures and Financial Obligations
You will typically face a second instalment once your visa application reaches a specified processing stage; this additional charge covers outstanding costs for you and any dependents and must be paid by the deadline stated in the Department’s payment notice.
Standardized Costs for Adult Dependents
Adult dependents attract a separate, standardized fee that you must pay if they are included in the application; the amount is charged per person and sits outside the primary application charge.
Annual Indexation and Potential Fee Adjustments
Indexation means the fees you pay are adjusted annually, so the second instalment may change before its due date; check the current schedule to confirm the exact sum.
When indexation affects fees, you should regularly consult the Department of Home Affairs fee notices, factor potential increases for both primary and dependent charges into your budget, and be prepared to pay the revised amount at the payment milestone specified in your visa correspondence.
The Timeline for Payment and Official Notification
Receiving the Request for Payment (RFI) from the Department
When the Department issues an RFI it appears in your ImmiAccount and by email, listing the second instalment amount, payment methods and the due date; you’ll receive a reference number and clear instructions for online or BPAY payment.
Deadlines and the Correlation Between Payment and Visa Grant
Payment must be made by the RFI deadline to keep processing moving; the Department typically requires the second instalment before issuing the visa grant, and failure to pay on time can result in refusal or withdrawal of your application.
Timing is strict: ImmiAccount displays the exact due date and you should pay early enough to allow bank clearance; the Department generally confirms receipt before finalising a grant, but processing will not advance until payment posts. If you miss the deadline contact the Department or your agent immediately to discuss options, noting extensions are rarely granted.
What Is the Second Instalment Fee for Australia Skilled Migration and When Is It Paid
You pay the second instalment fee when the Department issues the request, normally after invitation or during processing; this payment confirms your continued commitment and secures ongoing assessment of your visa application.
Accepted English Language Tests and Minimum Score Thresholds
English tests you can use include IELTS, PTE Academic, OET and TOEFL iBT; you must meet the specific minimum scores for your visa subclass and upload certified test results with your application.
Alternative Evidence: Educational Background and Citizenship
Educational qualifications taught in English or citizenship of specified countries can exempt you from test requirements if you supply certified transcripts or a valid passport as proof.
Evidence must clearly state the language of instruction or show continuous English-medium study, such as academic transcripts, institutional letters or a degree certificate; you must provide certified translations when documents are not in English.
Procedures for Making the Payment via ImmiAccount
ImmiAccount is the portal where you receive the payment request, view the amount and complete the second instalment using the available payment options while uploading any required supporting documents.
Payments are made in AUD via credit card, BPAY or the online gateway; you should retain transaction references, attach proof to your ImmiAccount application and monitor email confirmations for receipt and processing updates.
Conclusion
On the whole, you pay the second instalment as the remaining visa application charge requested by the Department of Home Affairs, usually after you receive an invitation or before visa grant, and you must meet the deadline stated to avoid refusal.