Does the 801 or 100 Stage 2 Partner Visa Assessment Have Another Government Fee?

Do you pay another government visa application charge when you start Stage 2 for the Subclass 801 or Subclass 100 Partner visa? For the standard Partner pathway, Home Affairs says the permanent visa was already paid for when you made the combined temporary and permanent Partner visa applications.

This is a common source of confusion because ImmiAccount asks eligible applicants to start a process called “Stage 2 – Permanent Partner Visa Assessment (100, 801)”. That looks like a new application, but it is the permanent-stage assessment of the combined Partner visa application already made.

What Home Affairs says about the 801 cost

The Department states on the Subclass 801 Partner visa page: the cost was paid when the applicant made the temporary and permanent Partner visa applications.

What Home Affairs says about the 100 cost

The same approach applies to the offshore pathway. On the Subclass 100 page, Home Affairs states that the applicant paid for the permanent visa when making the temporary and permanent applications.

Why does ImmiAccount call it a new Stage 2 application?

Home Affairs instructs eligible temporary Partner visa holders to log into ImmiAccount, select “New application”, choose “Family”, and then select “Stage 2 – Permanent Partner Visa Assessment (100, 801)”. This is the workflow for supplying the information required for the permanent assessment.

It does not mean the applicant is buying a completely separate Partner visa at the standard first-stage charge.

Can there still be costs at Stage 2?

Yes. A second standard Partner visa application charge is different from the incidental costs of preparing the permanent-stage evidence. Depending on the circumstances, applicants may incur costs for updated police certificates, translations, replacement documents, professional assistance, or other evidence.

When can Stage 2 usually be started?

Home Affairs says that, in the usual case, eligibility for permanent-stage assessment arises two years after the original combined Partner visa application was made. There are exceptions in some long-term relationship circumstances and other specified situations.

If you have not received an invitation, see our guide: No 801 or 100 invitation? How to start Stage 2 yourself.

Case example

An applicant paid the government charge when lodging the 820/801 application. Two years later, ImmiAccount allows them to open the Stage 2 assessment. They do not pay the full standard Partner visa charge again merely because the permanent assessment has commenced. They may, however, need to obtain updated documents before the 801 decision.

Do not confuse Stage 2 with a new relationship application

The permanent-stage assessment normally concerns the same Partner visa pathway and sponsor. Applicants should ensure that changes in relationship circumstances, family composition, address, passport or criminal history are properly disclosed.

Need help with the permanent stage?

See our 801/100 Stage 2 document checklist or contact Emigrate Lawyers if your permanent-stage assessment has become complicated.

This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Australian migration law and policy can change, and the outcome of a Partner visa matter depends on the individual facts.