189 Skilled Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a 189 Skilled visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a 189 Skilled visa in 2026 — not just the government filing fee, but attorney costs, premium processing and every add-on too? Here's every number added up, plus what you can skip to spend less.
Total cost, everything included
A$9,950 – A$18,290
Mandatory Home Affairs fees, an attorney, premium processing, and dependents — the full price if you want every option covered. Filing without an attorney or premium processing costs less; see the scenario breakdown below.
Mandatory Home Affairs fees for the 189 Skilled
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a 189 Skilled application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base application charge (main applicant) | A$6,140 | — | Official ↗ |
Source: Visa Pricing Estimator. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
A$2,600 – A$6,500 in Sydney. Typical cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
A$300 – A$700 — Bupa Medical Visa Services health examination.
Translation services
A$50 – A$200 — NAATI-certified translations of supporting documents.
Other optional fees
- Skills assessment: A$800 — A$400–A$1,200 set by the assessing authority.
How to apply for the 189 Skilled
- 1
Obtain a skills assessment
Positive, current assessment for an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.
- 2
Submit an Expression of Interest
Via SkillSelect, scoring at least the minimum 65 points.
- 3
Receive invitation and lodge visa application
Apply within the given window with full supporting evidence.
- 4
Complete health and character checks
Medical exams and police clearances for all countries lived in 12+ months.
Typical processing time: Generally trended in the 5–14 month range through 2026, with reported 50th-percentile figures around 5 months for decision-ready cases.
Documents you'll need
- Positive, current skills assessment matching your claimed occupation
- English test results (valid under 3 years)
- Evidence of skilled employment for claimed points
- Qualification certificates/transcripts
- Health examinations and police certificates
Common mistakes to avoid
- Selecting an occupation that doesn't match actual job duties
- Submitting an expired or borderline English test result
- Overclaiming points, creating inconsistencies with evidence
- Letting the skills assessment or English test expire before lodgement
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | A$6,140 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | A$8,740 – A$12,640 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | A$9,950 – A$18,290 |
How to save money on your 189 Skilled
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut A$2,600–A$6,500.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the Home Affairs website so you never overpay a third party.
189 Skilled cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a 189 Skilled visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a 189 Skilled visa in 2026 ranges from about A$8,740 to A$18,290, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the 189 Skilled application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. Home Affairs publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a 189 Skilled visa?
Attorney fees typically add A$2,000–A$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a 189 Skilled visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a 189 Skilled visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the Home Affairs website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with Home Affairs before paying.
How often do Home Affairs fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a 189 Skilled visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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