Are you planning to bring your partner to live with you in Australia but unsure about the partner visa cost? Whether you’re hoping to reunite with your spouse or de facto partner, understanding the costs involved is crucial for effective financial planning. The Australian partner visa process can be lengthy, and the costs associated with it vary depending on factors like the type of visa, dependents, medical checks, and more.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about partner visa cost in Australia, including base application fees, additional charges, and other associated expenses. By understanding the breakdown of costs, you can better manage your budget and avoid any unexpected surprises during the application process.
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 in Australia
When you decide to apply for a partner visa, it’s important to know that Australia offers several visa subclasses, each with its own set of costs and requirements. These visas are available for spouses, de facto partners, and other eligible family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. The two most common visa options are:
- Subclass 309/100 (Offshore Partner Visa): For applicants living outside of Australia at the time of the application. This visa allows your partner to move to Australia and eventually obtain permanent residency.
- Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa): For applicants who are already in Australia. Similar to the offshore visa, it starts with a temporary visa (Subclass 820) and eventually leads to permanent residency (Subclass 801).
While the partner visa cost for both onshore and offshore visas is largely similar, the total cost may vary depending on your circumstances and whether you have any dependents, need medical checks, or require additional services during the process.
Understanding the costs involved in each visa option helps you plan your finances ahead of time and prepares you for any additional expenses that might arise throughout the application process.
Now that you have an overview of the partner visa types, let’s look at the base application fees for each visa subclass.
Base Application Fees for Different Partner Visas
One of the largest expenses involved in the partner visa application process is the base application fee. Here’s a breakdown of the fees for the most common visa subclasses:
- Subclass 309/100 (Offshore Partner Visa)
If you’re applying for the Offshore Partner Visa, the base application fee is AUD 9,095 for the primary applicant. This fee covers both the temporary (Subclass 309) and permanent (Subclass 100) visas. Keep in mind that this is just the starting point. Additional costs may arise during the process, such as medical exams, police checks, and document translation.
- Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa)
For applicants who are already in Australia, the base application fee is also AUD 9,095. Similar to the offshore partner visa, this fee covers both the temporary (Subclass 820) and permanent (Subclass 801) visas, allowing applicants to live in Australia during the processing time while awaiting permanent residency.
- Fee Comparison
Although the base application fee is identical for both the onshore and offshore visas, the total cost of the visa may vary based on additional charges. These may include medical or relocation expenses and other associated costs like the inclusion of dependents in your application.
Now that we’ve covered the base application fees, let’s dive into the additional applicant fees that may apply, especially if you have dependents.
Additional Applicant Fees
If you plan to include family members in your application, additional charges will apply. These charges can significantly increase the overall cost of your partner visa application, so it’s important to factor them into your budget.
- Charges for Dependents
- Dependent over 18 years: AUD 4,550 per person
- Dependent under 18 years: AUD 2,280 per person
These fees are added to the base application fee and apply to each dependent included in the application. So, if you’re bringing children or other family members, be sure to account for these extra costs.
- Transitioning from a Prospective Marriage Visa
For applicants who previously held a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300), and are now transitioning to a partner visa, the fee starts at AUD 1,515. This is the fee for applicants transitioning from a Subclass 300 visa to a partner visa and can significantly impact your financial planning, as the total cost will involve paying for the full partner visa application.
These additional costs for dependents and transitions can add up quickly, so let’s take a look at the other associated costs you should expect during the visa process.
Other Associated Costs
Beyond the application fees, there are a number of additional expenses that applicants must anticipate during the partner visa application process. While these costs can vary, they are essential for complying with the legal and health requirements set by the Australian government.
- Medical Examinations
All partner visa applicants and their dependents must undergo medical examinations to meet Australia’s health requirements. The cost of medical exams generally depends on your location and the specific tests required for the applicant and dependents.
- Biometrics
Biometric collection, including fingerprints and photos, is required for all partner visa applicants. This process ensures the applicant’s identity and complies with Australian immigration security measures. The costs for biometrics may vary depending on where you are applying.
- Police Checks
Police clearance certificates are required from every country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. The costs of obtaining police checks depend on the issuing country and local regulations.
- Document Translation and Certification
For applicants submitting documents in non-English language, translation and certification are necessary. Translation fees typically vary depending on the document’s length and complexity.
These extra costs can add up, but understanding them in advance will help you plan your budget more effectively. Now, let’s look at the factors that influence the total cost of your partner visa application.
Factors Influencing Total Visa Costs
Several factors can affect the total cost of your partner visa application, so it’s important to understand these factors before you start budgeting.
- Onshore vs Offshore Applications
One of the main factors influencing your total visa cost is whether you apply onshore (from within Australia) or offshore (from outside Australia). Onshore applications may involve additional living expenses while waiting for visa approval, while offshore applications may incur relocation costs, including travel and accommodation.
- Professional Fees for Migration Agents or Lawyers
Hiring a migration agent or lawyer, like Knowbal, can be beneficial in guiding you through the visa application process. While this may involve an additional fee, their expertise ensures that your documents are accurate, complete, and submitted in a timely manner, potentially saving you money in the long run by avoiding delays or mistakes.
- Processing Time
The processing time for partner visas varies, and it’s important to factor in the potential waiting period. The processing times for different subclasses are as follows:
- 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 can affect your overall costs due to additional living expenses or the need for interim visas.
By understanding these influencing factors, you can better plan for the total cost of your partner visa application.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a partner visa in Australia can be a significant financial commitment, but understanding the partner visa cost and all the associated expenses will make the process more manageable. Here are the key takeaways:
- Base fees: The primary application fee for both onshore and offshore partner visas is AUD 9,095.
- Additional charges: Be ready for extra costs for dependents, medical exams, and police clearances.
- Other expenses: Translation, certification, and professional fees can add to your budget.
To ensure your application goes smoothly, consider consulting a migration agent like Knowbal, who can guide you through the process, help you budget effectively, and ensure your application is complete.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward reuniting with your partner in Australia, contact Knowbal today. Our experts are here to make your partner visa application process seamless and stress-free.
