Last updated: 30 March 2026

Partner Visa Australia Cost: Full Fee Breakdown

Planning for the cost of an Australian partner visa is not just about the Department of Home Affairs application charge. The total amount you will spend spans government fees, health examinations, police clearances, document preparation, and — for most applicants — migration agent fees. This page gives you a clear picture of each cost category so you can budget accurately before lodging.

Visa Application Charge: The Government Fee

The visa application charge (VAC) is paid to the Department of Home Affairs when you lodge your application through ImmiAccount. It is non-refundable once paid.

The current charges for the 2025–26 program year are:

The primary applicant charge covers both the temporary stage (subclass 820 or 309) and the permanent stage (subclass 801 or 100). When the Department assesses your permanent stage after the two-year mark, no additional visa application charge is payable.

If your household includes a dependent child or a secondary applicant — for example, a child who will hold the partner visa alongside you — their charge is added on top. A couple with one dependent child under 18 would pay $9,365 + $2,215 = $11,580 in government fees alone.

The VAC is indexed annually on 1 July. Fees have risen consistently year on year, which means lodging sooner rather than later can reduce your cost if you are otherwise ready.

Second Instalment: When It Applies

The partner visa does not normally include a second instalment in the same way that some other visa subclasses do. However, the Department of Home Affairs can request a second payment in specific circumstances — for example, if the English language proficiency requirement applies (which is rare for partner visas, but possible for some secondary applicants).

For most partner visa applicants, the fee structure is straightforward: one charge at lodgement, no further government payment at the permanent stage.

Health Examination Costs

Every applicant — including dependent children — must complete an immigration health examination conducted by a Panel Physician approved by the Department of Home Affairs. You cannot choose your own doctor; you must use the eMedical system and an approved provider.

Health examination costs vary by provider and location, but typical fees are:

If a Panel Physician identifies a health concern that requires specialist follow-up — for example, a finding on a chest X-ray that requires further investigation — you may face additional costs. These are not part of the standard fee and can be significant if specialist referrals or repeat testing are needed.

Health examinations are valid for 12 months from the date they are completed. If your application is still being assessed after 12 months, you may need to repeat the examination. This is more common for offshore applications (309/100) where processing is slower.

Police Clearance Costs

Police clearances (character checks) are required for all applicants aged 16 or over, covering every country in which they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. If you have lived in multiple countries, you need a separate police clearance from each one.

Costs vary significantly by country:

Most police clearances are obtained through the issuing authority in the relevant country. Some countries require applications through an embassy or consulate, which adds time and sometimes additional service fees.

For Australian residents applying for a partner visa, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) check is ordered through the AFP website and typically processed within 15 business days.

Some countries’ police clearances expire quickly — often within three to six months. If your application takes longer than expected to progress, you may need to obtain a fresh clearance. Plan for this in your budget.

Document Preparation and Translation Costs

If any of your supporting documents are not in English, they must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator. Translation costs depend on the language pair and document length:

If you have a large number of documents in a foreign language — for example, a complete set of bank statements, correspondence, or identity documents — translation costs can add up to $500–$1,500 or more.

Certified copies and notarisation may also be required for some documents, particularly for offshore applications. Notarisation fees vary by country and notary.

Migration Agent Fees

Most partner visa applicants choose to work with a registered migration agent (MARA registered). The partner visa is evidence-intensive and mistakes in evidence presentation or eligibility assessment can lead to refusal of a non-refundable application. Agent fees reflect the complexity of the work involved.

Typical fee ranges for partner visa representation:

These fees usually cover application lodgement, evidence review, preparation of statutory declarations, and communication with the Department. They generally do not include disbursements (government fees, translation costs, health checks), which are charged separately.

Some agents charge additional fees for the permanent stage assessment, which occurs two or more years after lodgement. Clarify this with your agent before engaging them.

If you choose to apply without a migration agent, the partner visa requirements page walks through what you need to include in your evidence file.

Biometrics

Biometric data (fingerprints and a facial photograph) may be required for partner visa applicants. Whether biometrics are required depends on your nationality and immigration history. If required, you will be notified after lodgement and directed to a collection point.

Biometric collection is typically free for most nationalities at Australian diplomatic missions, but some countries charge a service fee through their collection network. Budget $0–$100 per person for this item.

Total Budget: What to Expect

Your total out-of-pocket cost depends heavily on your personal circumstances — how many applicants are on the application, how many countries you have lived in, what translation is needed, and whether you engage a migration agent.

Indicative total budget ranges (primary applicant only, no dependants):

For a couple with one dependent child under 18, add $2,215 (government fee) plus the child’s health examination cost. For a secondary adult applicant on the same application, add $4,430 plus their health and police check costs.

The most significant single cost is almost always the visa application charge. Everything else can be managed incrementally, but the $9,365 government fee (plus any secondary applicant fees) must be paid at lodgement in a single transaction.

When Fees May Increase

The Department of Home Affairs reviews visa application charges annually, typically with changes taking effect from 1 July each year. Fee increases in recent years have been in the range of 5–10% per year. If you are close to being ready to lodge but are waiting on a document, it is worth checking whether a fee increase is imminent.

Fee increases do not apply to applications already lodged. Once you have paid and submitted your application, the amount you paid is the amount recorded — no additional charge is applied if fees rise while your application is pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main application fee for the Australian partner visa?

The primary applicant visa application charge for the partner visa (subclass 820/801 or 309/100) is $9,365 for the current program year. This covers both the temporary and permanent stages — you do not pay a second visa charge when the permanent stage is assessed. Applicants transitioning from a subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa pay a reduced rate of $1,560.

Does the partner visa fee cover all applicants in the household?

No. Each additional applicant included in the application — including a spouse or de facto partner of the main applicant, or dependent children — attracts a separate charge. An additional adult (18 or over) pays $4,430, and a dependent child under 18 pays $2,215. These are in addition to the primary applicant charge.

Is the partner visa fee refundable if the visa is refused?

No. The visa application charge is not refunded if the application is refused, withdrawn, or if you fail to meet a requirement after lodgement. This is why it is worth ensuring your application is well-prepared and your evidence file is strong before you lodge.

Next Steps

Before you lodge, make sure you have accounted for all cost items:

1. Government VAC — $9,365 per primary applicant (or $1,560 for subclass 300 holders), plus charges for any additional applicants
2. Health examinations — book early as Panel Physician availability varies
3. Police clearances — allow time for international clearances, which can take weeks
4. Translation — engage a NAATI-accredited translator for any non-English documents
5. Migration agent — if using one, agree on fees and what is included before engaging

For a full picture of what your application needs to include, see partner visa evidence requirements and the partner visa Australia overview.

For current processing timelines that affect how long your total costs extend over time, see partner visa processing time.

Understanding the path to permanent residency in Australia helps you see how the partner visa fits into your longer-term planning.