Bringing a partner to Australia is one of the most significant decisions a migrant can make. The partner visa pathway is straightforward in concept but complex in execution, and the costs can catch people off guard. From application fees to medical examinations, sponsorship requirements to processing delays, there are multiple financial and time commitments to understand before you lodge your application. This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay, when you'll pay it, and how long the entire process typically takes.

Understanding Partner Visa Subclasses and Your Starting Point

Australia offers two main partner visa pathways: onshore and offshore. The onshore pathway (Subclass 820/801) is for partners already in Australia on a valid visa. The offshore pathway (Subclass 309/100) is for partners living outside Australia. There's also the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) if you're engaged but not yet married.

Your choice of pathway affects your timeline and, in some cases, your costs. Both onshore and offshore partner visas share the same application fee structure as of 1 July 2026. The key difference is processing time and where your partner is located when you apply.

If you're already married or in a de facto relationship and your partner is in Australia, you'll use the onshore pathway. If your partner is overseas, the offshore pathway applies. The Prospective Marriage Visa is a temporary visa that leads to a partner visa once you marry.

Application Fees and What They Cover (as of 1 July 2026)

The Australian government increased visa application fees from 1 July 2026. For partner visas, this means a significant financial commitment upfront.

Main applicant fee: AUD $11,710. This single fee covers both the temporary stage (Subclass 820 or 309) and the permanent stage (Subclass 801 or 100). You do not pay the fee twice. This is a combined application covering both visa stages in one process.

Dependent children: If your partner has children from previous relationships who will migrate with you, each child under 18 costs $2,935. Each child over 18 costs $5,860. These fees apply regardless of whether the child is included in your application from the start or added later.

Credit card surcharge: If you pay through ImmiAccount using a credit card, a 1.4% surcharge applies. On an $11,710 application, this adds approximately $164 to your total cost. Bank transfers or other payment methods may avoid this surcharge, so check your payment options carefully when you lodge.

These fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused. The Department of Home Affairs does not refund visa application fees under any circumstances.

Medical Examinations and Health Costs

Every person included in your partner visa application must undergo a medical examination. This is a mandatory requirement and a separate cost from the visa application fee.

Cost per person: Approximately $500 per adult and $350 per child. These costs vary slightly depending on which panel doctor you visit. Panel doctors are approved by the Department of Home Affairs and are listed on their website.

If you're applying as a couple with two dependent children, budget for four medical examinations: $500 + $500 + $350 + $350 = $1,700 in medical costs alone. Some panel doctors offer family packages or discounts, so it's worth calling ahead to ask.

The medical examination includes a chest X-ray, blood tests, and a physical assessment. Results are sent directly to the Department of Home Affairs. You cannot use a medical examination from your home country; it must be conducted by an approved Australian panel doctor.

Book your medical examination early in the application process. Panel doctors can have waiting lists of 2 to 4 weeks, especially in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Do not wait until the last moment.

Sponsorship Costs and Ongoing Financial Commitments

Before you can lodge a partner visa application, you must be an approved sponsor. Sponsorship has its own costs and responsibilities.

Sponsorship application fee: There is no fee to apply for sponsorship approval. However, once approved, you become legally responsible for your partner's financial support for a set period.

Assurance of Support (AoS): If your partner is likely to need government assistance, you may need to sign an Assurance of Support. This is a legal undertaking that you will financially support your partner and reimburse the government if they receive certain welfare payments. There is no fee for signing an AoS, but it is a binding legal commitment.

The AoS typically lasts 10 years for a partner visa. During this period, if your partner receives payments like Centrelink benefits, you may be required to repay the government. This is not a common scenario for most partner visa applicants, but it's important to understand the potential liability.

You must also meet the character requirements and pass security checks to be approved as a sponsor. If you have a criminal record or immigration violations, sponsorship may be refused.

Processing Times and Timeline Expectations

Processing times for partner visas vary significantly depending on the pathway, your location, and the completeness of your application.

Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): The temporary stage (820) is typically processed within 12 to 18 months. The permanent stage (801) is then processed, usually within 12 months of the temporary visa being granted. Total time from application to permanent residency is often 24 to 36 months, but can extend beyond this if additional information is requested.

Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100): The temporary stage (309) is typically processed within 18 to 24 months. The permanent stage (100) follows, usually within 12 months. Total processing time is often 30 to 36 months or longer.

These timeframes are not guaranteed. The Department of Home Affairs publishes processing time estimates on their website, but actual times depend on your individual circumstances, the completeness of your application, and current departmental workload.

Processing times have been longer in recent years due to increased application volumes. Some applications have taken 4 to 5 years to reach a final decision. Do not assume you will receive a decision within the published timeframe.

You can check your application status through ImmiAccount, the online portal where you lodged your visa application. Status updates are provided regularly, but the Department does not provide specific decision dates.

Additional Costs to Budget For

Beyond the visa fee and medical costs, there are other expenses to consider.

Police clearance certificates: Your partner will need to provide police clearance certificates from every country they've lived in for more than 12 months. These typically cost $20 to $100 per certificate, depending on the country. Some countries charge nothing; others charge significant fees.

Document translation: If your partner's documents are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translator. Translation costs vary but typically range from $100 to $300 per document. If you have many documents, this can add up quickly.

Migration agent fees: Many couples hire a migration agent to prepare and lodge their application. Migration agents are not required, but they can reduce the risk of refusal due to incomplete or incorrect information. Migration agent fees typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 for a partner visa application, depending on complexity and the agent's experience.

Statutory declarations: You may need statutory declarations from friends or family members to support your relationship claim. These are typically free or cost $20 to $50 each, depending on who provides them.

Travel and accommodation: If your partner is offshore and needs to attend an interview or medical examination, budget for flights and accommodation. Some applications require an interview; others do not.

Total Cost Estimate for a Typical Partner Visa Application

For a couple with no dependent children applying onshore:

  • Visa application fee: $11,710
  • Credit card surcharge (1.4%): $164
  • Medical examinations (2 adults at $500 each): $1,000
  • Police clearance certificates: $50 to $200
  • Document translation (if needed): $100 to $500
  • Migration agent (optional): $2,000 to $5,000

Total without a migration agent: approximately $13,024 to $13,574. With a migration agent: approximately $15,024 to $18,574.

If your partner has dependent children or you're applying offshore, costs increase significantly. An offshore application with two dependent children could easily exceed $25,000 when you include all medical examinations, translations, and agent fees.

Payment Methods and Timing

You must pay the visa application fee when you lodge your application through ImmiAccount. The Department does not accept payment plans or deferred payment options.

Accepted payment methods include credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), debit card, and bank transfer. Credit card payments incur the 1.4% surcharge. Bank transfers typically do not, but you should confirm this when you're ready to pay.

Once you've paid, your application is formally lodged. You cannot withdraw the application and receive a refund. If you change your mind after paying, the fee is lost.

Medical examination fees are paid directly to the panel doctor, not to the Department of Home Affairs. You'll need to pay this separately when you book your appointment.

Financial Sponsorship Requirements

To be approved as a sponsor, you must demonstrate that you can financially support your partner. The Department assesses your income, assets, and financial commitments.

There is no specific minimum income requirement, but your income must be sufficient to support your partner without relying on government assistance. If you're on a low income, you may need to provide evidence of savings or assets to demonstrate financial capacity.

If you cannot meet the financial requirements alone, a co-sponsor (such as a family member) can support your application. The co-sponsor must also pass character and health checks and sign an Assurance of Support.

Your financial situation is assessed at the time of sponsorship approval and again when the permanent visa is granted. If your circumstances change significantly between these dates, you may need to provide updated financial evidence.

Useful Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an Australian partner visa cost in 2026?

The main applicant fee is AUD $11,710 as of 1 July 2026. This covers both the temporary and permanent visa stages. Dependent children under 18 cost $2,935 each, and children over 18 cost $5,860 each. A 1.4% credit card surcharge applies if you pay by credit card.

How long does a partner visa take to process?

Onshore partner visas typically take 24 to 36 months from application to permanent residency. Offshore partner visas typically take 30 to 36 months or longer. Processing times vary based on individual circumstances and departmental workload, and some applications take 4 to 5 years.

Do I need to pay for medical examinations separately?

Yes. Medical examinations cost approximately $500 per adult and $350 per child and are paid directly to the panel doctor. Every person included in your application must have a medical examination conducted by an approved Australian panel doctor.

Can I get a refund if my partner visa application is refused?

No. Visa application fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, even if your application is refused. You should ensure your application is complete and accurate before lodging to minimise the risk of refusal.

Do I need to hire a migration agent for a partner visa?

No, a migration agent is not required. However, many couples hire one to reduce the risk of refusal due to incomplete or incorrect information. Migration agent fees typically range from $2,000 to $5,000.

What is an Assurance of Support for a partner visa?

An Assurance of Support is a legal undertaking that you will financially support your partner and repay the government if they receive certain welfare payments. It typically lasts 10 years but is only required if your partner is likely to need government assistance.

Can I apply for a partner visa if I'm on a low income?

Yes, but you must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to support your partner without government assistance. This can be shown through savings, assets, or a co-sponsor. There is no specific minimum income requirement.

What documents do I need for a partner visa application?

You'll need proof of relationship, identity documents, police clearance certificates from all countries where your partner lived for over 12 months, medical examination results, and financial evidence. All non-English documents must be certified translations.

This is general information only. It is not legal, migration, financial, tax, medical, or professional advice. Always check official sources before acting.