188 Visa Application Refunds

Refunds for Visa Application Charges (VAC):

Refunds for the subclass 188 Visa Application Charge (VAC) will be available from September 2024 for those who wish to withdraw their application. The Department of Home Affairs will provide further details on when and how to request a refund closer to this date.

Previous 188 visa fees

The government fees for the 188 visa varies depending on the stream you applying under.

Business Innovation Stream

Main applicant cost AUD5,375 for the

Additional applicant over 18 years old: AUD2,685

Additional applicant under 18 years old: AUD1,345

If any of your additional applicants over 18 years old does not have at least functional English, you will be asked to pay ‘The Second Instalment’. This charge will be refunded if your visa is not granted.

The second instalment charges are:

  • main applicant: AUD9795
  • family members: AUD4890

Investor stream

Main applicant costs AUD4,04.

Additional applicant over 18 years old: AUD2,685

Additional applicant under 18 years old: AUD1,345

If any of your additional applicants over 18 years old does not have at least functional English, you will be asked to pay ‘The Second Instalment’. This charge will be refunded if your visa is not granted.

The second instalment charges are:

  • main applicant: AUD9,795
  • family members: AUD4,890

Significant Investor stream

Main applicant costs AUD7,880

Additional applicant over 18 years old: AUD3,940

Additional applicant under 18 years old: AUD1,975

If any of your additional applicants over 18 years old does not have at least functional English, you will be asked to pay ‘The Second Instalment’. This charge will be refunded if your visa is not granted.

The second instalment charges are:

  • main applicant: AUD9795
  • family members: AUD4890

Business Innovation Extension stream 

Main applicant costs AUD645

Additional applicant over 18 years old: AUD325

Additional applicant under 18 years old: AUD165

Significant Investor Extension stream

Main applicant costs AUD645

Additional applicant over 18 years old: AUD325

Additional applicant under 18 years old: AUD165

Premium Investor stream

Main applicant costs AUD9,455

Additional applicant over 18 years old: AUD4,725

Additional applicant under 18 years old: AUD2,365

If any of your additional applicants over 18 years old does not have at least functional English, you will be asked to pay ‘The Second Instalment’. This charge will be refunded if your visa is not granted.

The second instalment charges are:

  • main applicant: AUD9795
  • family members: AUD4890

Entrepreneur stream

Main applicant costs AUD4,04.

Additional applicant over 18 years old: AUD2,025

Additional applicant under 18 years old: AUD1,010

If any of your additional applicants over 18 years old does not have at least functional English, you will be asked to pay ‘The Second Instalment’. This charge will be refunded if your visa is not granted.

The second instalment charges are:

  • main applicant: AUD9795
  • family members: AUD4890

These fees do not include potential costs arising from English tests, police checks, healthcares checks of migration agent fees.