Why Is the Australian Partner Visa So Expensive? Government Charges and the Real Cost Explained

Why is the Australian Partner Visa so expensive? It is one of the most common questions couples ask after seeing the government application charge. As at 26 September 2026, the Department of Home Affairs lists the standard charge for most Subclass 820/801 and 309/100 Partner visa applicants as starting from AUD 11,710. That is the government visa application charge, not a lawyer or migration agent fee.

The important point is that applicants for the standard Partner pathways apply for the temporary and permanent stages together. Home Affairs confirms that the Subclass 801 and Subclass 100 permanent-stage charge was paid when the original temporary and permanent Partner visa applications were made. In other words, there is not a second standard Partner visa application charge simply because the matter reaches Stage 2.

The government charge is only one part of the total budget

The visa application charge is paid to the Australian Government. It is separate from professional legal fees and separate from third-party expenses such as police certificates, health examinations, document translation, certificates, postage, biometrics where required, or obtaining replacement civil documents.

Home Affairs also states that its Visa Pricing Estimator does not include other costs relating to the visa. Couples therefore need to distinguish between the government application charge and the overall cost of preparing the application.

Do you pay the full Partner visa charge again for the 801 or 100 stage?

Usually, no. Home Affairs states on the Subclass 801 page and the Subclass 100 page that the permanent-stage visa was paid for when the temporary and permanent applications were made.

There can still be later expenses. For example, updated police checks, medical examinations or new evidence may be needed depending on the case and the time that has passed.

What if you came to Australia on a Subclass 300 visa?

Home Affairs currently lists a lower charge for many Prospective Marriage visa holders who later apply for the onshore 820/801 pathway after marriage. The Subclass 820 page should be checked at the time of lodgement because charges can change.

We also have a dedicated guide on moving from a Subclass 300 to the 820/801 pathway after marriage.

Does paying a large charge make the application more likely to be approved?

No. The amount of the government charge does not reduce the legal requirements. Home Affairs still has to be satisfied that the applicant meets the relevant visa criteria, including the relationship, sponsorship, health and character requirements that apply to the case.

This is why a high application charge can make preparation feel especially important: an avoidable refusal can have significant financial and immigration consequences, and Home Affairs states that visa application charges are not usually refunded simply because an application is refused or withdrawn.

Case example

A couple preparing an onshore 820/801 application may initially budget only for the government charge. They later realise they also need overseas police certificates, translations of civil documents and professional assistance with a complicated previous-visa history. Those are separate expenses. The better approach is to build the whole budget before lodgement rather than treating the government charge as the entire cost of the process.

Before you pay the Partner visa charge

Check that you are using the correct pathway, that an onshore application is legally available if you are in Australia, and that any previous refusal, cancellation, No Further Stay condition, Schedule 3 issue or sponsorship limitation has been identified. The application charge is substantial, so pathway errors should ideally be identified before payment.

For the core visa pathways, see our 820/801 Partner Visa guide and 309/100 Partner Visa guide.

Need advice before lodging?

If your circumstances are not straightforward, contact Emigrate Lawyers for advice before committing to the application and government charge.

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.