190 Visa Fee: How much does it really cost?

Are you planning to apply for a Skilled Nominated 190 Visa in Australia? Understanding the 190 visa fees is crucial for your budgeting and application process. This article will help you understand the various costs associated with this visa category, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your journey to Australia.

We’ll break down the Australia 190 visa fees, including application fees, partner visa fees, and fees for couples and families. We’ll also explore payment methods to estimate your expenses accurately. Whether you’re an aspiring international student or a company considering employee sponsorship, this guide has got you covered.

Overview of 190 visa fee

When you’re planning to apply for a Skilled Nominated 190 Visa in Australia, it’s crucial to understand the associated fees. The 190 visa fees can vary depending on several factors, including the number of applicants and their age. Let’s break down the different components of the 190 visa application fees to give you a clearer picture.

190 Visa Fee For Primary Applicant

As the primary applicant for the Skilled Nominated Visa 190, you’ll need to pay a base application charge. This fee is set by the Australian government and is subject to change. Currently, the visa application charge for the primary applicant is AUD 4,770. This fee covers the processing and assessment of your visa application. The 190 visa processing time may vary depending on your documents submitted upon application.

It’s important to note that this fee is mandatory and must be paid at the time of lodging your application. The amount remains the same whether you’re applying independently or through a registered migration agent.

190 Visa Fee For Family

If you’re planning to include family members in your 190 visa application, you’ll need to consider additional fees. The 190 visa fees for family members depend on their age and relationship to you.  See below table:

To give you an example, if you’re applying as a couple, the total 190 visa fees would be AUD 7,155. This includes the base application fee for the primary applicant (AUD 4,770.) and the additional applicant fee for a partner who is at least 18 years of age (AUD 2,385).

Base Application Charge

The base application charge is the foundation of your 190 visa fees. This is the minimum amount you’ll need to pay as the primary applicant. As mentioned earlier, the current base application charge for the Skilled Nominated Visa 190 is AUD 4,770.

This fee covers the cost of processing your application, including the assessment of your skills, qualifications, and other eligibility criteria. It’s important to budget for this amount when planning your visa application, as it’s a significant part of the overall cost.

Additional charges

Beyond the base application charge and family member fees, there are some additional charges you should be aware of when applying for a 190 visa.

One important additional charge to consider is the second installment visa application charge. This applies to applicants who are at least 18 years old at the time of application and are assessed as not having functional English. If this applies to you, you’ll need to pay an additional cost.

This second installment is designed to cover the cost of English language support services that may be required after your arrival in Australia. It’s a good idea to assess your English language skills before applying to determine if this additional charge will apply to you.

It’s also worth noting that there may be other costs associated with your 190 visa application that aren’t directly related to the visa fees. These could include:

1. Skills assessment fees: Depending on your occupation, you may need to have your skills assessed by a relevant authority. These assessments often come with their own fees.
   
2. English language test fees: To prove your English language proficiency, you might need to take a recognised test like IELTS or PTE. These tests have separate fees.
   
3. Health examination costs: As part of your visa application, you’ll need to undergo health examinations, which will incur additional costs.
   
4. Police clearance certificate fees: You’ll need to provide police clearance certificates from countries you’ve lived in, which may involve fees.
   
5. Document translation fees: If any of your documents are not in English, you’ll need to have them professionally translated, which will add to your costs.

While these aren’t part of the official 190 visa fees, they’re important to factor into your overall budget when planning your visa application.

Knowing this cost before applying for your 190 visa can help you better prepare for the financial aspects of your application. Remember that these fees are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information on visa fees. By being well-informed about the costs involved, you can ensure a smoother application process for your Skilled Nominated 190 Visa.

190 Visa Payment Methods

When it comes to paying your 190 visa fees, you have several options available. These payment methods are crucial to ensuring your application is processed smoothly. Let’s explore the different ways you can pay for your Skilled Nominated 190 Visa application.

Online Payment

Online payment is the most convenient and preferred method for submitting your 190 visa fees. Here’s what you need to know about this option:

1. Credit Card Payment: The Department of Home Affairs accepts payments through MasterCard and Visa. This is the quickest and most straightforward way to pay your visa application charge.
   
2. ImmiAccount: To make an online payment, you’ll need to create an ImmiAccount. This platform allows you to submit your application and pay the fees in one place.
   
3. Payment Timing: You must pay the fee after submitting your application by selecting the ‘submit’ button. The application will not be processed until the payment is confirmed.
   
4. Surcharge: Be aware that a 1.17% surcharge is payable to cover the cost of accepting the payment of the service fee. This is in addition to your visa application charge.
   
5. GST: If you’re applying from within Australia (onshore), you’ll also need to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) on top of the visa fee.
   
6. Currency: The fee and surcharge are charged in Australian dollars (AUD). If you’re paying from overseas, the amount in your local currency will depend on the exchange rate at the time of payment.
   
7. Time Limit: It’s important to note that you must pay the fee and surcharge within 48 hours of submitting your application. If no payment is received after 48 hours, your application will be automatically deleted.
   
8. PayPal: Some online applications also offer PayPal as a payment option, providing an additional convenient method for those who prefer this platform.

Offline Payment

While online payment is the primary method, there are some offline options available for specific situations:

1. BPAY: For certain applications, BPAY might be an option. This allows you to pay using your online banking service.
   
2. Paper Applications: If you’re submitting a paper application, you can still use ImmiAccount to make the payment online before submitting your application. You’ll need to include a copy of the Online Payment receipt with your visa application.
   
3. Multiple Clients: If you’re a migration agent making payments for multiple clients, it’s crucial to submit separate payments for each client to avoid confusion.

Do note that regardless of the method you choose, your application is only considered ‘lodged’ once the fees are successfully received. A submitted application is only valid if the correct payment of the application fee is received.

Refund Policies

Knowing the refund policies for visa fees is essential, as refunds are only available in limited and specific circumstances:

1. No Automatic Refunds: Generally, fees will not be refunded if your personal circumstances change, if you change your mind, or if your nomination is not approved.
   
2. Potential Refund Situations: You may be entitled to a refund under certain conditions, such as:
   • If a technical issue results in multiple payments for the same application
   • If migration policy guidelines change and you are impacted
   • In special circumstances, considered on a case-by-case basis
     
3. Mandatory Refunds: Refunds may be mandatory in situations where:
   • Your application was unnecessary at the time it was made
   • The Department made a mistake
   • You pass away before a decision is made on your application
     
4. Non-Refundable Situations: You are not entitled to a refund if you lodge an application and then:
   • Decide that you want to change your mind
   • Claim it was a mistake to have applied after your application was unsuccessful
   • Do not satisfy a criterion for a grant
     
5. Refund Process: If you believe you’re eligible for a refund, you’ll need to submit a refund request. For example, in Western Australia, you would use the Migration Services Refund Request Form and email it to the appropriate department.
   
6. Special Circumstances: A refund may be considered in special circumstances, such as:
   • Circumstances that were beyond your control
   • Unforeseen circumstances that may result in distress or hardship
     
7. Refund Method: If a refund is approved, it will typically be paid back to the credit or debit card used for the initial payment.
   

Any application fee for the Skilled Nominated 190 Visa is an administration charge only and does not guarantee the approval of your application for nomination or endorsement. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information on visa fees and refund policies, as these can change over time.

Understanding these payment methods and refund policies, you can better process the financial aspects of your 190 visa application. Always carefully consider your options and ensure you have the necessary funds available before submitting your application.