Planning to bring your partner to live with you in Australia? If so, understanding the costs involved in applying for an Australian partner visa is crucial. Australia offers multiple partner visa options, including the Subclass 309, 100, 820, and 801 visas, designed for spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. While the process of applying for a partner visa can be lengthy and detailed, knowing the costs upfront will help you plan and budget effectively.
In this blog, we’ll break down the costs associated with applying for a partner visa in Australia, including base fees, additional charges, and other associated expenses, to help you navigate the process with confidence.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
How much does a Partner Visa Cost in Australia?
The process of applying for a partner visa in Australia can seem overwhelming, especially with the variety of visa subclasses available. Each visa type comes with its own set of costs, requirements, and timelines. To start, here’s a brief overview of the options available:
Subclass 309/100 (Offshore Partner Visa)
The Offshore Partner Visa is for applicants living outside Australia at the time of application. It allows your partner to live, work, and study in Australia, progressing from temporary (Subclass 309) to permanent residency (Subclass 100).
Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa)
The Onshore Partner Visa is designed for applicants who are already in Australia. Similar to the offshore visa, it starts with a temporary visa (Subclass 820) before transitioning to permanent residency (Subclass 801).
The costs for each of these visas can vary depending on factors such as the number of dependents, whether you are applying onshore or offshore, and any additional services needed throughout the process. Understanding these differences is important for effective financial planning. By knowing what to expect, you can avoid surprises and allocate your budget more efficiently.
Now that we’ve outlined the basics of partner visa costs, let’s dive into the base application fees for each type of visa.
Base Application Fees for Different Visas
To apply for a partner visa, the base application fee is one of the largest costs. The partner visa cost can vary, based on the subclass you apply for. It’s essential to understand what the fees cover and how it differs between visa types.
1. Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)
If you’re applying from outside Australia, the base application fee is AUD 9,095 for the primary applicant. This fee covers both the temporary (Subclass 309) and permanent (Subclass 100) visas as they are processed together. However, keep in mind that this is just the starting point, as additional costs may arise during the process.
2. Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
For applicants within Australia, the base application fee is also AUD 9,095. Similar to the offshore partner visa, this fee covers both the temporary (Subclass 820) and permanent (Subclass 801) visas, offering a pathway to permanent residency while allowing the applicant to remain in the country during processing.
3. Fee Comparison
Although the base application fees for onshore and offshore partner visas are identical, the total costs can differ based on additional factors, such as associated medical or relocation expenses.
Beyond the base application fees, it’s essential to account for additional charges, especially if you have dependents or are transitioning from another visa type.
Additional Applicant Fees
Your partner visa application cost will increase if you plan to include family members, as additional charges apply for each dependent included in your application. These fees can significantly impact your overall costs.
1. Charges for Dependents
If you plan to include family members in your application, additional fees will apply. These charges are:
These fees are added to the base application cost and must be factored into your overall budget.
2. Transitioning from a Prospective Marriage Visa
For applicants who initially held a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) and are transitioning to a partner visa, the cost starts from AUD 1,515. This fee is applicable for those moving from their Subclass 300 visa to a partner visa. Since this transition involves paying the full partner visa application fee, it can significantly impact your financial planning.
Along with these fees, there are other associated costs that you need to consider during the visa application process.
Other Associated Costs
Beyond the partner visa fee in Australia, applicants should prepare for other expenses too. These costs ensure compliance with the legal and health requirements of the visa process.
1. Medical Examinations
Medical examinations are mandatory for all partner visa applicants and their dependents. These examinations ensure applicants meet Australia’s health requirements. The costs for medical exams generally vary depending on your location and the tests required.
2. Biometrics
Biometric collection is another requirement for all applicants. This process involves capturing your fingerprints and photo to confirm your identity. It is a crucial step to ensure security and compliance with Australian immigration protocols.
3. Police Checks
Applicants must provide police clearance certificates from every country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Costs for police checks vary depending on the issuing country.
4. Document Translation and Certification
Non-English documents must be translated into English and certified by an accredited translator. Translation costs are typically low, depending on the document’s length and complexity.
While these additional costs can add up, understanding the factors that influence your total visa expenses can help you better prepare.
Factors Influencing Total Visa Costs
Several factors influence the total Australian partner visa application cost. Being aware of these can help you better plan and manage your expenses.
1. Onshore vs Offshore Applications
One key factor influencing costs is whether you apply onshore or offshore. Onshore applications may incur additional living expenses while waiting for visa approval, while offshore applications may involve relocation and other logistical costs.
2. Professional Fees for Migration Agents or Lawyers
Many applicants choose to hire migration agents or lawyers, like Knowbal, to help with their visa application. Professionals can make the process easier, ensure everything is correct, and prevent delays or extra costs from mistakes. While this may involve a minor fee, the support and peace of mind can be very helpful in managing the partner visa application.
3. Processing Time Options
The processing times for partner visas vary depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances. Here’s an overview of current estimated processing times:
- Subclass 309 Visa processing time is from 10 to 21 months.
- Subclass 100 Visa processing time is from 9 to 18 months.
- Subclass 820 Visa processing time is from 9 to 18 months.
- Subclass 801 Visa processing time is from 8 to 26 months.
Being well-prepared, understanding the requirements and submitting a complete and accurate application can make the process smoother and ensure timely progress.
With these factors in mind, let’s summarise the key points and discuss how you can manage partner visa costs effectively.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a partner visa in Australia is a significant financial commitment. Understanding the partner visa fee and factoring in additional costs will help you prepare financially. However, with careful planning, the process can be much more manageable. Here are the key takeaways:
- Understand the base fees: The primary applicant fee for both onshore and offshore partner visas starts at AUD 9,095.
- Factor in additional charges: Be prepared for extra costs for dependents, medical checks, and police clearances.
- Plan for other expenses: Translation, certification, and optional professional fees can add to your overall budget.
For personalised advice and support, working with a professional migration service can simplify the process. At Knowbal, we specialise in helping applicants plan and budget for their partner visa journey, ensuring you’re well-prepared every step of the way.
Ready to take the first step toward reuniting with your partner in Australia? Visit Knowbal today and let us help you make the process seamless!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost for a partner visa in Australia in 2025?
The cost for an Australia partner visa in 2025 starts at AUD 9,095 for the primary applicant, with additional fees for dependents and other required services.
2. Are there any additional fees for dependents on a partner visa application?
Yes, additional fees apply for dependents included in the partner visa application. The cost is AUD 4,550 per dependent over 18 years old, and AUD 2,280 per dependent under 18 years old.
3. Can I apply for a partner visa while in Australia?
Yes, you can apply for a partner visa while in Australia. If you are already in the country, you would apply for the onshore partner visa (Subclass 820/801), which allows you to remain in Australia while your application is processed.
4. What is the processing time for a partner visa in Australia?
The processing time for a partner visa in Australia can range from 8 months to 2 years, depending on the specific visa subclass you are applying for and your individual circumstances.
Have more questions? Reach out to Knowbal!
