Are visa application fees refundable?

No. Visa application charges are non-refundable once your application is submitted, even if the application is refused or withdrawn. The only exception is if DHA determines the application was invalid.

What is the second VAC (VAC2)?

The second Visa Application Charge applies to some visa subclasses (like 186, 187) if the main applicant or secondary applicant aged 18+ does not have functional English (IELTS 4.5 overall or equivalent). The current VAC2 is approximately $5,890.

Can I pay the application fee in instalments?

No. DHA requires the full visa application fee to be paid at the time of lodgement. However, some visa subclasses have a first and second instalment structure where the second instalment is requested before the visa is granted.

What payment methods does DHA accept?

DHA accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit/debit cards through ImmiAccount. A surcharge applies for some card types. Bank transfers are not accepted for most visa applications.

Visa Costs Calculator — Australian Visa Fees & Living Costs

Visa Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of your Australian visa application including fees, assessments, and dependents.

Select Visa

Dependents

Including partner/spouseNumber of dependent children

Cost Breakdown — 189 Skilled Independent

Estimated costs in AUD. Actual fees may vary.

Application fee (primary applicant)$4,640

Skills assessment (est. avg)$1,000

English test (IELTS/PTE)$410

Health exam (1 person)$400

Police check (1 adult)$50

Estimated Total$6,500

Skills assessment: Varies by assessing authority (ACS ~$550, EA ~$1,100, VETASSESS ~$1,200)

Fees are indicative and based on latest available DHA data. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.

How it works

Select your visa subclass

Choose the visa you are applying for. The calculator includes all major skilled, employer-sponsored, and student visa subclasses.

Add your dependents

Include your partner and children to see the full family application cost with individual fee breakdowns.

Review full cost breakdown

See itemised costs including application fees, skills assessment, English tests, health exams, and police checks.

Key things to know

Visa application fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and typically increase on 1 July each year. The 2024-25 increase was approximately 6%.
Skills assessment fees vary widely — from $300 (TRA for trades) to $1,200+ (ACS for ICT). Some authorities charge additional fees for priority processing.
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is paid by your employer for employer-sponsored visas: $3,000 (small business) or $5,000 (other) for a temporary visa, and $5,000/$7,000 for permanent.
Student visa applicants must demonstrate Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) intent and show sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and dependents for the course duration or 12 months (whichever is less).
Health examinations cost approximately $340–$450 per person. Results are valid for 12 months and must be current at time of visa grant.
Second instalment (VAC2) of $5,890 applies if the main applicant does not have functional English at the time of visa grant for certain subclasses.