How much does a partner visa cost in Australia in 2026?

The Australian partner visa costs $11,710 AUD in government application fees from 1 July 2026, covering both the temporary (820/309) and permanent (801/100) stages in one payment. Additional costs typically add $1,500-$3,500 for health checks, police certificates, and translations. Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) holders pay a reduced fee of $1,955.

How long does a partner visa take in Australia?

Processing times vary and change monthly — the Department of Home Affairs' processing time tool shows current figures for recently decided applications. The permanent stage (801/100) is assessed from your date of eligibility, which is 2 years after you lodged the combined application.

Can I stay in Australia while my partner visa is processed?

Yes. If you apply onshore (subclass 820/801) while holding a valid visa, you receive a Bridging Visa A that lets you stay, and in most cases work, in Australia while your application is processed.

Updated July 2026

Live in Oz · Guides

How Much Does a Partner Visa Cost in Australia? (2026)

The Australian partner visa costs $11,710 AUD in government application fees from 1 July 2026. That single fee covers both stages — the temporary visa (subclass 820 onshore / 309 offshore) and the permanent visa (801/100) — and most couples spend a further $1,500–$3,500 on health checks, police certificates, and translations.

What does the partner visa fee include?

The $11,710 government fee is paid once and covers both the temporary and permanent stages of the partner visa. You do not pay again when the permanent stage (subclass 801 or 100) is assessed — that assessment starts from your date of eligibility, 2 years after you lodged the combined application.

If you hold a Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) and then apply for the 820/801, you pay a reduced fee of $1,955 AUD. From 1 July 2026 a lower cost also applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.

What extra costs should I budget for?

Item	Typical cost (AUD)
Health examination (per person)	$300–$450
Police certificates (Australia + overseas)	$50–$200
Certified translations (per document)	$60–$150
Registered migration agent (optional)	$3,000–$6,000

How long does the partner visa take?

Processing times change monthly — the Department of Home Affairs publishes current figures in its visa processing time tool, based on recently decided applications. The permanent stage is assessed about two years after you first applied, and many couples wait 12–24 months for the temporary stage decision.

Can I stay in Australia while it's processed?

Yes — if you apply onshore (820/801) while holding a valid visa, you receive a Bridging Visa A that lets you remain in Australia, and in most cases work, while you wait.

Is it cheaper to apply onshore or offshore?

The government fee is the same onshore (820/801) and offshore (309/100). The real cost difference is practical: applying onshore usually means a bridging visa with work rights, while offshore applicants wait outside Australia.

✅ [PENDING REVIEW] — this guide is awaiting review by a Registered Migration Agent. General information only, not personal migration advice.

General information only, not personal migration advice.

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Yulia MoiseevaRegistered Migration Agent · MARN 1066715 · Queensland

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