Partner visas / Cost
Guide · 2026–27 charges
How much does a partner visa cost in Australia?
From 1 July 2026, the government charge for a partner visa is AUD 11,710 for the main applicant, whether you apply onshore (820/801), offshore (309/100) or for a Prospective Marriage visa (300). Each additional applicant adds AUD 5,860 (18 and over) or AUD 2,935 (under 18). Health examinations, police certificates and translations usually add a few hundred dollars per person. Our professional fee is quoted separately, once we understand your matter.
Written by Rosa Nobarani, Principal Solicitor · Last reviewed 11 November 2026
Government charges
Visa application charges from 1 July 2026.
These are the base charges Home Affairs collects when you lodge. You pay once for the whole application: the permanent stage (801 or 100) has no second charge.
| Application | Main applicant | Each additional applicant 18+ | Each additional applicant under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner visa, onshore (subclass 820/801) | AUD 11,710 | AUD 5,860 | AUD 2,935 |
| Partner visa, offshore (subclass 309/100) | AUD 11,710 | AUD 5,860 | AUD 2,935 |
| Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) | AUD 11,710 | AUD 5,860 | AUD 2,935 |
| 820/801 lodged by a Prospective Marriage visa holder, after the wedding | AUD 1,955 | AUD 980 | AUD 485 |
| 820/801 after a Prospective Marriage visa has ceased | AUD 2,475 | AUD 1,235 | AUD 625 |
Source: Home Affairs current visa pricing table (updated 1 July 2026). Applicants who hold a Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) pay no charge for a partner visa. Check the pricing table or estimator before you pay.
Other costs
What you pay on top of the visa charge.
Third parties charge for these, not Home Affairs. Home Affairs tells you which health examinations you need after you lodge, through your HAP ID.
| Item | Typical cost | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Health examination and chest X-ray in Australia (Bupa Medical Visa Services) | AUD 392.00 | The applicant, and usually children included in the application. Chest X-ray from age 11. |
| HIV test, as part of the medical | AUD 60.90 | Applicants aged 15 and over |
| Serum creatinine and eGFR (kidney function) | AUD 20.30 | Applicants aged 15 and over |
| Hepatitis B test, as part of the medical | AUD 70.40 | Only if your HAP letter asks for it |
| Health examination outside Australia | Set by the panel clinic | Offshore applicants, using a Home Affairs approved panel physician |
| Australian police certificate (AFP National Police Check) | AUD 57 (AUD 114 with fingerprints) | Applicants 16 and over who have spent 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years. Home Affairs may also ask your sponsor for one. |
| Overseas police certificates | Set by each country | Applicants 16 and over, for each country lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years |
| Certified translations | Charged per document by the translator | Any document not in English. Use a NAATI-certified translator. |
| NSW Relationships Register (registration only) | AUD 198 | Optional. De facto couples who want to register instead of proving 12 months living together. |
| Bridging visa B (to travel while your 820 is processed) | AUD 575 | Onshore applicants on a bridging visa A who need to leave and return |
Sources: Bupa MVS fees (appointments booked from 1 July 2026, GST inclusive), AFP National Police Checks, NSW Relationship register, Home Affairs pricing table. Checked 11 November 2026.
Worked examples
What couples typically pay the government and third parties.
Rough totals before professional fees, using the charges above. Your own figure depends on your HAP letter, the countries you have lived in and the documents you need translated.
Onshore couple, no children
AUD 11,710 visa charge, about AUD 473 for the medical, HIV and kidney tests, and AUD 57 for an AFP check. About AUD 12,240, plus any overseas police certificates and translations.
Offshore couple with one child under 18
AUD 11,710 plus AUD 2,935 for the child: AUD 14,645 in visa charges. Add panel clinic medicals for both of them and police certificates from each country lived in.
Fiancé(e) first, then onshore
AUD 11,710 for the 300, then AUD 1,955 for the 820/801 after the wedding: AUD 13,665 in visa charges across both applications. The 300 is a separate visa with its own health and character checks.
Refused and reviewed
The visa charge is generally not refunded if the visa is refused. A review at the Administrative Review Tribunal costs AUD 3,727 (from 1 July 2026), with half refunded if the review succeeds. Getting the application right the first time is the cheapest option.
Our fees
How we quote.
Quoted individually
Every relationship and every set of circumstances is different, so we don't publish one price. After a complimentary introductory call or a 30-minute advice consultation, we give you a written quote for the agreed scope of work. That fee is fixed for that scope, and anything outside it is discussed and quoted before we do it.
- Government charges and third-party costs are paid separately, as above
- No surprises: the scope and fee are confirmed in writing before we start
- Contact us for your quote
What changes the cost
The things that usually make a partner visa more involved are:
- Applying onshore without a substantive visa, which needs Schedule 3 arguments
- A sponsor who has sponsored before, or limits on sponsorship
- Previous refusals, cancellations or character concerns
- A short or long-distance relationship with less shared evidence
- Responding to a request for information or section 57 letter
FAQ
Questions about partner visa costs.
How much is a partner visa in 2026?
AUD 11,710 for the main applicant for applications received from 1 July 2026, for the 820/801, 309/100 and 300 alike. Each additional applicant adds AUD 5,860 (18 and over) or AUD 2,935 (under 18).
Do I pay again for the permanent 801 or 100 stage?
No. One charge at lodgement covers both stages. You may need updated police certificates and documents for the permanent stage, which have their own small costs.
Is there a credit card surcharge?
No. Since 1 October 2026, Home Affairs no longer charges a surcharge on card, PayPal or UnionPay payments.
Can I pay the partner visa in instalments?
No. The full charge is paid when you lodge the application.
Do I get the money back if the visa is refused?
Generally no. Refunds are only available in limited circumstances set out in the Migration Regulations. That is why the quality of the first application matters.
What does the Prospective Marriage visa cost overall?
AUD 11,710 for the 300, then a reduced AUD 1,955 for the onshore 820/801 once you marry, if you apply while you hold the 300. Home Affairs lists a lower AUD 2,475 charge for some applicants whose 300 has ceased; whether it applies depends on your circumstances.
What are your professional fees?
We quote individually, in writing, once we understand your circumstances. The fee is fixed for the agreed scope. Contact us for your quote.
General information only, current at 11 November 2026. Not legal advice. Charges change, usually on 1 July; always check the Home Affairs pricing table before you pay. Third-party fees are set by those providers and may change.
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a complimentary introductory call to tell us about your circumstances and find out how we may be able to help. It isn't legal advice. For personalised legal advice, book a 30-minute advice consultation ($330 inc GST), which includes a written summary. Or call 1300 079 743.
Client reviews
What couples say about us.
“I had the best experience working with Zest Legal. My lawyer Rosa was so helpful and supportive, she made sure everything was perfect for my partner visa application. I am forever grateful, thank you to the Zest Legal team.”
“A huge thank you to Rosa Nobarani who made sure that my partner and I had everything we needed… She was there to answer any question at any time and truly helped lift some of the weight off our shoulders.”
“Rosa Nobarani and the team at Zest Legal were fantastic. Rosa's expertise and attention to detail gave me confidence that I was in good hands and she went above and beyond to successfully help our family. We cannot thank you enough.”