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Understanding the Cost of an Australian Partner Visa: Fees & Breakdown

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2 weeks ago

April 8, 2025

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Are you planning to bring your partner to live with you in Australia? Understanding the costs involved in applying for a Partner Visa is crucial to ensure you’re financially prepared for the application process. Whether you’re applying for the Partner Visa 820 or 309, knowing the costs involved will help you plan effectively and avoid surprises along the way.

In this blog, we will break down the costs associated with applying for an Australian Partner Visa, covering everything from the base application fees to additional charges and other associated expenses. This guide will help you understand the financial aspects of your Partner Visa journey, ensuring you’re well-prepared to proceed with confidence.

Understanding the Australian Partner Visa

Before we dive into the costs, it’s important to understand what the Partner Visa is and how it works, especially when comparing the onshore and offshore visa options.

What is the Partner Visa?

The Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.

There are two main pathways:

Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801): For applicants who are already in Australia when applying. The process starts with a temporary visa (subclass 820) before transitioning to permanent residency with the subclass 801 visa.
Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100): For applicants who are living outside Australia at the time of application. The subclass 309 is the temporary visa, which leads to the permanent subclass 100 visa once the applicant meets all requirements.

Benefits of the Partner Visa:

Both onshore and offshore applicants can enjoy these benefits:

Live, Work, and Study in Australia: Holders of both onshore (subclass 820/801) and offshore (subclass 309/100) Partner Visas are allowed to live, work, and study in Australia.
Travel to and from Australia: You can travel in and out of Australia freely while holding either the onshore or offshore visa.
Access to Medicare: As a visa holder, you may be eligible for Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, depending on your visa and other requirements.
Include Eligible Family Members: You can include eligible family members in your application, whether you’re applying for the onshore or offshore visa.

Eligibility for the Partner Visa:

For both onshore (subclass 820/801) and offshore (subclass 309/100) visas, you must prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
You must have a sponsor, usually your Australian partner.
You must meet health and character requirements.
You must be 18 years or older.

Now that we’ve outlined the basics of the Partner Visa, let’s dive into the costs associated with applying for the visa.

Partner Visa Costs Breakdown

Understanding the Partner Visa cost is crucial when applying for the visa. Whether you’re applying onshore or offshore, each pathway has its own set of costs. Let’s break down the fees, including the base application fee, additional charges for dependents, and other costs involved in the process.

Base Application Fee:

Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100): The base application fee for the main applicant is AUD 9,095. This fee covers both the temporary (subclass 309) and permanent (subclass 100) visas.
Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): Similarly, the base fee for the onshore Partner Visa is AUD 9,095, which covers both the temporary (subclass 820) and permanent (subclass 801) visas.

Although the base fee is the same for both onshore and offshore applicants, the total costs may differ depending on additional factors such as medical checks or dependents.

Additional Applicant Fees:

Dependents over 18 years old: AUD 4,550 per person for both onshore and offshore applications.
Dependents under 18 years old: AUD 2,280 per person for both onshore and offshore applications.

These fees are in addition to the base application fee, so you’ll need to factor them into your overall budget if you plan to include family members in your application.

Transitioning from a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300):

If you’re transitioning from a Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300), the cost for the main applicant starts from AUD 1,515. This fee applies if your Prospective Marriage Visa has expired, and you’re now applying for the Partner Visa.

With a clear understanding of the main visa fees and additional charges for dependents, let’s now explore the other associated costs involved in the Partner Visa application process.

Other Associated Costs

Along with the base application fee and additional charges for dependents, there are other expenses you’ll need to consider during the visa application process. Let’s take a look at these costs to help you plan your budget effectively.

Medical Examinations:

All applicants, whether onshore (subclass 820/801) or offshore (subclass 309/100), are required to undergo medical examinations. These checks are mandatory to ensure you meet Australia’s health requirements. The costs for medical exams vary depending on your location and the type of exams required, so be prepared for this additional expense.

Police Checks:

Police clearance certificates are required for all applicants to show that you have no criminal history. These checks are mandatory for both onshore and offshore visa applicants and must be obtained from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. The costs vary depending on the country and issuing authority.

Biometrics:

Biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) are required for all applicants, whether you are applying onshore or offshore. This process helps verify your identity and is part of the immigration compliance procedures. Biometrics may incur an additional cost depending on where they are collected.

Document Translation and Certification:

If you have any documents that are not in English, they must be translated by an accredited translator. This applies to both onshore and offshore applicants. Translation fees are usually modest but can add up depending on the number of documents that need to be translated.

Understanding these additional costs ensures that you are financially prepared for your visa application. Now, let’s explore the factors influencing total visa costs.

Factors Influencing Total Visa Costs

Several factors can affect the total Partner Visa cost. Being aware of these factors can help you better plan and manage your expenses throughout the process.

Onshore vs Offshore Applications:

The location of your application (onshore or offshore) can influence costs. Onshore applicants may face additional living expenses during the visa processing period, while offshore applicants may need to consider relocation and other associated costs.

Professional Fees for Migration Agents:

Many applicants choose to hire migration agents or lawyers to assist with their visa applications. While this adds to the cost, a migration agent can help ensure that your application is completed correctly and that no mistakes are made. This can prevent delays or additional fees due to errors in the application.

Processing Time and Delays:

Processing times can vary depending on whether you’re applying for an onshore or offshore visa. Processing times also depend on your personal circumstances, so longer processing times may lead to higher living expenses for onshore applicants, as they will need to remain in Australia while waiting for their visa.

By understanding these influencing factors, you can effectively plan and manage the costs of your Partner Visa application. Let’s now summarise the key points and discuss how you can manage your Partner Visa costs effectively.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Partner Visa in Australia is a significant financial commitment, but understanding the costs involved will help you plan your budget effectively. The Partner Visa Australia cost includes the base application fee, dependent fees, and additional costs such as medical checks, police certificates, and biometrics. By preparing for these expenses, you can ensure a smoother application process.

If you need assistance with calculating your Partner Visa Australia cost or need help with the application process, Knowbal is here to guide you through every step. Contact us today to ensure your visa journey is as seamless as possible!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a Partner Visa in Australia cost?

The base application fee for the Partner Visa is AUD 9,095, with additional fees for dependents and other costs such as health checks and police certificates.