Partner Visa Australia Cost (2026 Guide)

1. The base government application fee

Let’s start with the primary cost. Based on the regulatory updates effective from the start of the 2026 financial year cycle, the base application charge for most Partner Visas is $9,365 AUD.

Regulatory Alert (2026)

The Department of Home Affairs typically indexes visa fees annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). While the fee currently stands at $9,365, applicants planning to lodge after July 1, 2026, should anticipate a potential regulatory increase. Lodging before the financial year turnover can often save you money.

Does the fee cover permanent residency?

Yes. The $9,365 fee covers both the temporary and permanent processing stages (eg. applying for the 820 and 801 at the same time). You do not pay a second large fee when you become eligible for the permanent stage two years later.

Cost breakdown for family members

If you are including children in your application, the cost increases:

• Additional applicant over 18: ~$4,685 AUD.
• Additional applicant under 18: ~$2,345 AUD.

Note on payment: This fee must be paid upfront via credit card, PayPal or BPAY when you lodge the application.

2. The “hidden” costs you must budget for in 2026

Many applicants focus solely on the visa fee and are blindsided by the necessary extras. To avoid “extra cost shock,” you must budget for these mandatory third-party costs.

• Medical examinations: Every applicant needs a health check. Bupa Visa Medical Services conduct these in Australia. Budget approximately $500 AUD for adults and $350 AUD for children.
• Police checks: You need police certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. An Australian Federal Police (AFP) check currently costs $56 AUD.
• Document translations: Any document not in English must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator. Depending on the complexity of your documents, this can vary significantly in cost and time.

Note: These costs add up, but they are critical. Missing a police check or a medical exam is a common reason for processing delays, which can prolong the time you are separated or living with uncertainty.

3. Migration lawyer vs DIY

One of the biggest questions we hear is: “Can I save money by doing it myself?”

Technically, yes. You can save on professional fees. However, this is a decision about risk management, not just price. The partner visa application is meticulous and evidentiary-heavy.

The cost of getting it wrong:

• Refusal costs: If your DIY application is refused, the government does not refund your $9,365 fee.
• Tribunal fees: Appealing a refusal at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) currently incurs a fee of $3,496 AUD.
• Time costs: Refusals and appeals can add years to your separation.

Our professional fees buy you security. We ensure your application is decision-ready, protecting your $9,365 investment and, more importantly, your relationship timeline.

Is your relationship evidence strong enough?

Let us review your case before you pay the government fees.

4. Cost differences by visa type

The base fee remains standard across most partner visa types, but there are strategic differences to consider.

• Prospective marriage visa (Subclass 300): You pay $9,365 AUD initially. However, once you marry and apply for the onshore Partner Visa (820/801), you pay a reduced fee (approx. $1,560) rather than the full price again.
• New Zealand citizen family relationship (Subclass 461): This is a significantly cheaper option for partners of NZ citizens, with a base fee of just $445 AUD.

Does being married vs de facto change the price?

No. The government fees are the same. However, de facto partners often require more robust (and sometimes costly) evidence gathering to prove the “genuine and continuing” nature of the relationship.

5. Processing times are an indirect financial cost

Time is money. Processing times for Partner Visas in 2026 are expected to range from 5 months to over 3 years for offshore applications.

How delays cost you money:

• Bridging Visa limitations: If you are on a bridging visa with work restrictions, your household income may suffer.
• Expiring documents: Police checks and medicals are generally valid for only 12 months. If your application drags on due to errors, you may have to pay to redo them.

By using Bamyan Lawyers, we aim to submit a complete, high-quality application that avoids unnecessary requests for information, keeping your timeline on track.

6. What if the relationship ends?

This is a difficult topic, but a necessary financial question. If your relationship ends before the permanent visa is granted, you generally lose the visa and the application fees are non-refundable.

However, there are exceptions, such as in cases involving family violence or if you have a child together. In these complex, high-stress situations, expert legal advice is not optional – it is essential to protect your residency rights.

Is the Partner Visa worth the cost?

The fees are high, but the reward is a life together in Australia. Whether you are applying Onshore (820/801) or Offshore (309/100), understanding the total cost allows you to plan without fear.

Don’t let the “maze” of costs and requirements overwhelm you. Let Bamyan Lawyers be your guide. We take the time to understand your circumstances and ensure your investment leads to the best migration outcome.