Australian Partner Visa Fees 2026
Partner Visa fee now $11,710.
From 1 July 2026, the primary applicant Department fee for most Australian Partner Visa pathways increased to AUD $11,710. That makes lodging a Partner Visa a major financial decision, not just an immigration decision.
This guide explains the Partner Visa fee Australia applicants should budget for, including Subclass 820/801, Subclass 309/100, Subclass 300, payment surcharges, extra costs and why a carefully prepared application matters before paying the Department fee.
Before paying $11,710, know what the Partner Visa fee actually covers
The Department fee is the visa application charge. It does not prepare your relationship evidence, fix sponsorship issues, write your statements, check Schedule 3 risk, organise police checks or explain why your relationship meets the legal criteria.
A strong Partner Visa application needs evidence, structure and legal strategy.
How much does a Partner Visa cost in Australia in 2026?
The primary applicant Department fee for most Australian Partner Visa applications is $11,710 from 1 July 2026. This applies to the common Partner Visa pathways, including the onshore Partner Visa Subclass 820/801, the offshore Partner Visa Subclass 309/100 and the Prospective Marriage Visa Subclass 300.
The Department fee is not the total cost. Applicants should also budget for medical examinations, police checks, translations, biometrics, document preparation, legal professional fees and payment surcharges.
Partner Visa fee table — from 1 July 2026
Understanding Australian Partner visa fees is the first step in planning a successful Partner visa application in Australia, including your Department charges, legal fees and the true cost of preparing a strong relationship-based visa application.
Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa cost details and concessions
The standard Department fee for most Partner Visa applicants is not the only possible fee category. The amount payable can differ depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the visa they currently hold, whether they previously held a Prospective Marriage visa, and whether a limited concession applies.
For the onshore Partner Visa pathway, the visa application charge generally covers both the temporary Partner Visa subclass 820 and the permanent Partner Visa subclass 801. However, applicants must still pay the correct visa application charge when lodging. If the correct charge is not paid, the application may not be processed.
Generally payable by the main applicant for the Partner Visa application.
Generally payable by eligible Prospective Marriage visa subclass 300 holders applying for the onshore Partner Visa.
May apply where the main applicant previously held a Prospective Marriage visa, entered Australia on that visa, did not apply before it expired and does not hold a substantive visa.
Additional family members
There is also a visa application charge for each family member who applies with the main applicant. The total Partner Visa cost can therefore be higher than the main applicant fee alone.
Applicants should use the Department’s Visa pricing estimator to calculate the likely charge, including additional family members. The estimator does not include separate costs for health checks, police certificates or biometrics.
Other costs are not included in the Department fee
The visa application charge does not cover health checks, police certificates, biometrics, translations, document preparation, legal fees or payment surcharges. These costs should be budgeted for separately before lodging.
Cost concession for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste Partner Visa applicants
From 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid Partner Visa application. The Department identifies eligible applicants during the ImmiAccount application process by reference to a valid passport from one of the specified countries.
Family members may also be eligible for the lower visa cost, based on the passport of the primary applicant or the visa holder who satisfies the primary visa criteria.
Applying for the onshore Partner Visa
For the subclass 820/801 Partner Visa pathway, the applicant must be in Australia when applying. Family members who apply with the applicant must also be in Australia. This is different from the offshore subclass 309/100 Partner Visa pathway.
Partner Visa fee before and after 1 July 2026
Partner Visa applicants experienced a significant fee increase from 1 July 2026. For many couples, this makes it even more important to lodge a complete and carefully prepared application.
Previous fee
The primary applicant fee was previously approximately $9,365 for most Partner Visa applications.
Current fee
The primary applicant fee is now $11,710 for Subclass 820/801, Subclass 309/100 and Subclass 300.
Why the Partner Visa fee is only part of the real cost
Many couples focus on the Department fee, but the real cost of an Australian Partner Visa is the total cost of preparing a persuasive and complete application. A low-quality application can create delay, stress, requests for further information, refusal risk and additional legal costs later.
For Partner Visa applications, evidence usually needs to address financial aspects, household arrangements, social recognition, commitment to each other, future plans, identity, health, character and sponsor eligibility. The stronger the evidence structure, the easier it is for the Department to understand the relationship.
Joint finances and support
Joint accounts, shared expenses, money transfers, insurance, rent and financial responsibilities may help show the relationship is genuine.
Living arrangements
Lease documents, bills, shared address evidence, travel records and household responsibilities may be relevant.
Family and community recognition
Photos, invitations, statements, travel history and communication with family and friends can help tell the relationship story.
Long-term plans
Relationship statements, future plans, separation explanations and ongoing contact evidence can be important.
The 1.40% surcharge nobody invited
The Department fee is already substantial. Then, depending on how you pay, a payment surcharge may also apply. For Visa, Debit Visa, MasterCard, Debit MasterCard, American Express and JCB, the surcharge is currently listed as 1.40%.
- Partner Visa fee: $11,710
- 1.40% surcharge: approximately $163.94
- Estimated total with 1.40% surcharge: approximately $11,873.94
- PayPal surcharge at 1.01%: approximately $118.27
- UnionPay surcharge at 1.90%: approximately $222.49
What other costs should Partner Visa applicants budget for?
A Partner Visa application is not just about paying the Department fee. Strong applications require properly prepared evidence addressing the relationship, identity, character, health, sponsorship and immigration history requirements.
Medical examinations
Applicants may need medical examinations with an approved panel physician.
Police clearances
Police checks may be required for Australia and other countries.
Translations
Non-English documents generally need proper English translations.
Professional legal fees
Legal fees depend on complexity, including Schedule 3, unlawful status, refusal history, family violence, character issues or sponsor limitations.
Biometrics
Some applicants may be asked to provide biometrics depending on location and Department instructions.
Evidence preparation
Costs may arise for documents, records, relationship statements, statutory declarations and supporting evidence.
Which Partner Visa pathway are you applying for?
The correct Partner Visa pathway depends on whether the applicant is inside Australia, outside Australia, engaged to be married, already married or in a de facto relationship.
Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa The onshore Partner Visa pathway for applicants in Australia who are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an eligible sponsor.
Subclass 309/100 Partner Visa The offshore Partner Visa pathway for applicants outside Australia who are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an eligible sponsor.
Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa A fiancé visa pathway for applicants outside Australia who intend to marry their Australian sponsor after arrival.
Complex Partner Visa matters can cost more if they are not handled early
Some Partner Visa applications are more complex than standard married or long-term de facto applications. Complexity does not always mean refusal, but it usually means the evidence and legal explanation must be stronger.
Onshore applicants without a substantive visa
Schedule 3 issues can arise when an applicant lodges onshore while holding a bridging visa or after becoming unlawful.
Sponsorship limitations
Previous sponsorships or being sponsored as a partner may affect eligibility and should be checked before lodging.
Previous visa refusal or cancellation
Past immigration history can affect strategy, evidence and risk assessment.
Short relationship or long-distance period
Short relationships, time apart and limited joint finances need careful explanation.
Family violence provisions
Family violence claims require sensitive handling and strong supporting evidence.
Police and character concerns
Applicant or sponsor character issues should be disclosed and addressed properly.
Why you should not DIY and destroy your own Partner Visa application
When the Partner Visa fee is this expensive, a do-it-yourself application can become a very costly experiment. The issue is not whether you can physically upload forms and documents yourself. The real issue is whether your evidence is legally relevant, consistent, complete and strong enough to satisfy the Department.
If a Partner Visa is refused, the financial loss can be significant. In many cases, the Department visa application charge is not refunded simply because the application was refused. You may then need to decide whether to apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal, lodge a new Partner Visa application, or obtain urgent legal advice about your status and remaining options.
Primary applicant Partner Visa Department fee. If the application is refused, you may lose the fee and still not have a visa outcome.
Administrative Review Tribunal fee for review of a reviewable migration decision from 1 July 2026, before legal representation costs.
ART processing data shows 50% of Partner review matters finalised within approximately 3 years and 2 months.
ART processing data shows 95% of Partner review matters finalised within approximately 3 years and 10 months.
If you lodge again, you generally start from zero. You pay the Partner Visa fee again, your processing time resets, and the Department may scrutinise the new application more closely because there is a previous refusal. If the refused application was an onshore Partner Visa, section 48 can also become a serious issue, limiting the visas you can apply for while you remain in Australia.
You may lose the Department fee
A refusal can mean the $11,710 Department fee is gone, while the relationship still needs to be proved in another forum or another application.
You may need merits review
The Tribunal process is more formal and procedural than a standard visa application. Lawyers usually charge more for tribunal representation because the work is more intensive.
You may wait years
Partner Visa review matters can take years to finalise. During that time, your immigration status, travel options and family planning may be affected.
You may need to apply again
A fresh Partner Visa application means paying the fee again, preparing evidence again and waiting through a new processing queue.
You may face section 48
If an onshore Partner Visa is refused, section 48 may prevent you from applying for most visas while you remain in Australia.
Your second application may be harder
A previous refusal can lead to closer Department scrutiny, especially if the new evidence does not properly address the earlier refusal reasons.
What can go wrong in a DIY Partner Visa?
- Uploading large volumes of documents without explaining why they matter.
- Providing relationship statements that are inconsistent with forms, dates or travel history.
- Assuming a marriage certificate alone proves a genuine and continuing relationship.
- Failing to address separation, long-distance periods or limited joint financial evidence.
- Missing sponsor limitation issues, previous sponsorship history or character concerns.
- Not recognising Schedule 3 risk before lodging an onshore application.
- Providing weak statutory declarations that repeat generic wording instead of giving useful evidence.
- Responding poorly to a Department request for further information.
Why choose Emigrate Lawyers for a Partner Visa application?
Partner Visa applications are document-heavy, expensive and highly personal. Emigrate Lawyers assists couples with practical legal advice, evidence planning, statement preparation, sponsor issues, Schedule 3 matters, family violence provisions and complex immigration history.
- We assess the correct pathway before lodgement: 820/801, 309/100 or 300.
- We provide tailored evidence checklists instead of generic document lists.
- We help structure relationship statements and supporting declarations.
- We identify risks early, including Schedule 3, sponsor limitations and previous refusals.
- We assist with Department requests after lodgement.
- We focus on clear, organised and legally relevant evidence.
Partner Visa fees Australia — FAQs
How much is the Partner Visa fee in Australia from 1 July 2026?
The primary applicant Department fee for most Australian Partner Visa applications is $11,710 from 1 July 2026. This applies to Subclass 820/801 and Subclass 309/100 applications.
Does the $11,710 Partner Visa fee cover both the temporary and permanent stages?
For the Partner Visa pathways, the initial Department fee generally covers both the temporary and permanent stages. This means the Subclass 801 stage is included after a Subclass 820 application, and the Subclass 100 stage is included after a Subclass 309 application.
How much is the Subclass 820 Partner Visa fee?
The Subclass 820/801 onshore Partner Visa primary applicant fee is $11,710 from 1 July 2026.
How much is the Subclass 309 Partner Visa fee?
The Subclass 309/100 offshore Partner Visa primary applicant fee is $11,710 from 1 July 2026.
How much is the Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa fee?
The Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa primary applicant fee is $11,710 from 1 July 2026.
Does the Department charge a credit card surcharge?
Yes. Depending on the payment method, a surcharge may apply. Visa, Debit Visa, MasterCard, Debit MasterCard, American Express and JCB payments currently attract a 1.40% surcharge.
How much is the 1.40% surcharge on a $11,710 Partner Visa fee?
A 1.40% surcharge on $11,710 is approximately $163.94. This means the total payment may be approximately $11,873.94 if that surcharge applies.
What other costs should I expect for a Partner Visa?
Other possible costs include medical examinations, police checks, translations, biometrics, professional legal fees, document preparation costs and payment surcharges.
Is the Partner Visa fee different for Prospective Marriage visa holders?
Yes. Eligible Prospective Marriage visa subclass 300 holders applying for the onshore Partner Visa may pay a lower main applicant charge, generally AUD $1,955. Former subclass 300 holders may have a different fee category if they entered Australia on the subclass 300 visa, did not apply before it expired and do not hold a substantive visa.
Is there a Partner Visa fee concession for Pacific Island and Timor-Leste applicants?
From 1 July 2026, a lower Partner Visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid application and hold a valid passport from a specified country. Family members may also be eligible based on the primary applicant’s passport.
Does the Visa pricing estimator include medical checks and police certificates?
No. The Visa pricing estimator can help calculate the visa application charge, including additional family members, but it does not include separate costs such as health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Can I get a refund if my Partner Visa is refused?
Department visa application charges are generally not refunded simply because an application is refused. Applicants should obtain advice and ensure the evidence is complete and legally relevant before lodging.
Do I need a lawyer for a Partner Visa application?
Not every applicant needs a lawyer. Legal advice is strongly recommended if there are complications such as Schedule 3, unlawful status, previous refusals, sponsor limitations, family violence, character issues, limited evidence or a complex relationship history.
Why should I not lodge a DIY Partner Visa application?
A DIY Partner Visa can be risky because the Department fee is expensive and the evidence requirements are detailed. If the application is refused, you may lose the Department fee, face a lengthy Tribunal process, pay additional legal fees, or need to lodge a fresh Partner Visa application.
What happens if my Partner Visa is refused?
You may have review rights at the Administrative Review Tribunal, depending on the decision and your circumstances. You may also consider lodging a new application, but that usually means paying the Partner Visa fee again and starting the processing time from the beginning.
How long can a Partner Visa Tribunal appeal take?
Administrative Review Tribunal processing data for Partner matters shows 50% finalised within approximately 3 years and 2 months, and 95% finalised within approximately 3 years and 10 months, based on recently finalised matters.
What is section 48 and why does it matter after an onshore Partner Visa refusal?
Section 48 can limit the visas a person can apply for while they remain in Australia after certain refusals or cancellations. If an onshore Partner Visa is refused, it is important to obtain legal advice before assuming you can simply lodge another onshore visa application.
Before paying $11,710, make sure your Partner Visa is properly prepared.
Emigrate Lawyers assists with onshore Partner Visas, offshore Partner Visas, Prospective Marriage Visas, Schedule 3 issues, family violence provisions, sponsorship limitations and complex Australian immigration matters.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Visa application charges, surcharges and Department requirements can change. Book a confidential consultation with Emigrate Lawyers to learn more about Australian partner visa fees.
