Are you planning to bring your partner to Australia but unsure about the partner visa Australia cost? Whether you’re applying as a married couple or de facto partners, it’s important to understand the costs involved so you can plan effectively. Applying for a partner visa can be a time-consuming and costly process, but knowing what to expect can help you avoid surprises and make sure you stay on track with your financial planning.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the costs you should be prepared for when applying for a partner visa, from application fees to medical checks and more. Let’s dive into the details to make your migration journey as smooth as possible.
Please note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Overview of Partner Visa Costs in Australia
When applying for a partner visa Australia, there are several visa options available, each with its own set of costs. Understanding which visa subclass applies to your situation is key to budgeting accurately.
Australia offers two main partner visa subclasses:
- Subclass 309/100 (Offshore Partner Visa): For applicants living outside Australia at the time of application. This visa allows your partner to come to Australia temporarily (Subclass 309) and then transition to permanent residency (Subclass 100).
- Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa): For applicants already in Australia. This visa starts with the temporary Subclass 820 and progresses to the permanent Subclass 801.
While the partner visa Australia cost for both onshore and offshore visas is largely the same, additional factors like dependents, medical checks, and other services can influence the total cost. Having a clear understanding of these costs will help you plan your finances better.
Now that you have an overview of the partner visa options, let’s break down the base application fees to help you understand the starting point of your visa expenses.
Base Application Fees for Different Partner Visas
The base application fee is the initial cost that you’ll need to pay when applying for a partner visa. This is one of the most significant expenses, so it’s important to know what to expect.
- Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)
For applicants applying from outside of Australia, the base application fee is AUD 9,095. This fee covers both the temporary Subclass 309 and permanent Subclass 100 visas, so it’s a one-time payment for both stages of the application process.
- Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
For applicants currently in Australia, the base application fee is also AUD 9,095. Just like the offshore visa, this fee covers both the Subclass 820 (temporary) and Subclass 801 (permanent) visas.
- Fee Comparison
While the base application fee is the same for both onshore and offshore partner visas, the total cost of your application may differ due to additional factors like dependents or other services required.
With the base fees out of the way, it’s time to look at the additional costs that might arise, especially if you plan on including family members in your application.
Additional Costs You Should Consider
With the base application fee, there are several additional costs you should budget for when applying for a partner visa. These costs can quickly add up, especially if you’re including dependents or transitioning from another visa type.
- Charges for Dependents
- Dependents over 18 years: AUD 4,550 per person
- Dependents under 18 years: AUD 2,280 per person
These fees are added to the base application fee, so if you’re bringing children or other family members, you’ll need to account for these extra costs in your budget.
- Transitioning from a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
If you’re currently on a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) and transitioning to a partner visa, the cost for this transition starts at AUD 1,515. This is the fee you’ll need to pay when moving from a Subclass 300 visa to a partner visa.
These additional charges are important to keep in mind as they can add a significant amount to your overall visa cost. Let’s now move on to some other associated costs you’ll need to plan for during the visa process.
Other Associated Costs You Should Be Aware Of
There are other expenses that you might not have thought about but are crucial for ensuring a smooth partner visa application process. These costs are required to meet the legal, medical, and security requirements of the visa.
- Medical Examinations
All applicants and their dependents must undergo a medical examination to meet Australia’s health requirements. The cost of the medical exam varies depending on the tests required and your location.
- Biometric Collection
As part of the application process, all applicants must have their biometrics taken, including fingerprints and photographs. This is a standard procedure to confirm your identity and ensure the security of the application process.
- Police Checks
You’ll need to provide police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. The cost of police checks will depend on the country you’re applying from.
- Document Translation and Certification
If you have documents that are not in English, they will need to be translated and certified by an accredited translator. The cost of translation depends on the length and complexity of the document.
These additional expenses may seem small individually, but they can add up. Being prepared for them will help you avoid financial surprises. Let’s now look at some factors that influence the total partner visa cost.
Factors Influencing Your Total Partner Visa Cost
Several factors can affect the total cost of your partner visa Australia application. Understanding these factors will allow you to plan more accurately.
- Onshore vs Offshore Applications
One of the main factors that will influence the cost is whether you apply onshore or offshore. If you apply onshore, you may have additional living expenses while you wait for the visa to be processed. If you apply offshore, you may incur relocation costs, including travel and accommodation.
- Professional Fees for Migration Agents or Lawyers
Many applicants choose to work with a migration agent or lawyer to help guide them through the process. While this adds an extra cost, the expertise and support they offer can make the application process smoother and prevent costly mistakes.
- Processing Time
The processing time for partner visas varies depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances. Here’s a look at the estimated processing times:
- Subclass 309 Visa: 10 to 21 months
- Subclass 100 Visa: 9 to 18 months
- Subclass 820 Visa: 9 to 18 months
- Subclass 801 Visa: 8 to 26 months
Longer processing times mean that you may need to budget for temporary living expenses while waiting for the visa to be approved.
Now that you understand the factors influencing the total cost of your partner visa, let’s wrap things up and talk about how you can manage these expenses effectively.
Final Thoughts
When applying for a partner visa Australia, it’s important to understand the financial commitments upfront to help you plan better. The base application fee for both onshore and offshore partner visas is AUD 9,095, but this is just the beginning. Additional charges may apply if you’re including dependents or transitioning from a Prospective Marriage Visa. While the costs can add up, effective planning and budgeting can make the process more manageable.
If you find yourself unsure about the details or need assistance in streamlining the process, Knowbal can help. Our experts will ensure you fully understand the costs and guide you through every step of the application process. Reach out to Knowbal today, and let us support you in making your partner visa application smooth and stress-free!
