What costs should you expect when applying for a Partner visa in Australia?
It has been recognised that the reunification of loved ones is an important and compelling reason for international migration. Resultantly, the Australian Government has established immigration pathways for the relocation of loved ones to Australia. These pathways, referred to generally as Partner visas, provide couples stability and allows them to focus on their relationship, while also offering a range of other benefits, including a means to pursue Australian permanent residency and where eligible Australian citizenship. However, Partner visas in Australia can be expensive, and often have other associated costs that arise during the application process.
This blog aims to provide an overview of the costs that applicants should be aware of when applying for an Australian Partner visa. If applicants have questions, need guidance or require assistance with making a Partner visa application, contact an Australian Migration Agent who can provide a helping hand at any part of the application process.
What is a partner visa?
A Partner visa is a type of visa that allows Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their partner’s relocation to Australia. This visa operates over two distinct stages, where an initial temporary Partner visa is granted to the applicant and following a period of reassessment a permanent Partner visa is granted. There are various types of Partner visas available to applicants, with the appropriate visa being dependent on whether the applicant requires an Onshore Partner visa (subclass 820/subclass 801), an Offshore Partner visa (subclass 309/subclass 100) or a Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300). These subclasses are not suitable for every applicant and have differing requirements, making it important to apply for the relevant Partner visa the first time to avoid additional time and money being wasted. If applicants need advice about what visa type is right for them, an Australian Migration Agent can evaluate an applicant's circumstances and assist an applicant pursuing a Partner visa.
Eligibility criteria for a Partner visa
To qualify for an Australian Partner visa, applicants must have an existing relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, where this partner is willing to sponsor the applicant. The applicant and the sponsor must be in a legally recognised form of relationship. In Australia, this is defined as being married to one another (‘spouses’) or due to being in a de facto relationship (cohabitation for at least 12 months). This relationship needs to be a genuine relationship that is enduring, with both partners being committed exclusively to one another.
While exceptions to these relationship requirements exist, such as where the applicant is being sponsored by their prospective spouse for a prospective marriage visa, they only arise in specific circumstances.
Furthermore, the other eligibility requirements applicable to other visa types still apply. This includes requiring the applicant to be over 18 years of age (with limited exceptions), requiring the applicant to meet health and character standards, the applicant owing no outstanding debts to the Australian government and signing of the Australian values statement.
Additional requirements vary depending on whether the applicant is applying for an onshore partner, an offshore partner visa or a prospective marriage visa.
Applicants should also be aware that dependent children can be attached to a Parent visa application as a person included in the application. Typically, these dependent children will be granted a Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) until their parent’s permanent visa is decided upon. Once the Parent visa has been granted and the applicant receives permanent residency, the parent can independently sponsor their dependent children.
Where applicants need assistance in determining their eligibility, applicants are encouraged to seek guidance from an Australian Migration Agent. Australian Migration Agents can assess individual circumstances and provide tailored information where necessary.
Cost breakdown
The visa application charges from the Department of Home Affairs for a Partner visa are detailed below. The charge will depend on what visa application is made, however applicants should be aware that for an onshore partner visa application and an offshore partner visa application the initial fee includes the costs for both the temporary and permanent visa. For prospective marriage visas, two visa application payments are required, however the permanent visa is charged at a reduced cost. If an application is unsuccessful, unfortunately the visa charge will not be refunded.
The visa application fee must be paid for upfront prior to lodgement of the application. The Department does not accept split payments. The Department accepts a range of payment methods, however the surcharge charged by the Department can vary depending on the method used.
- American Express — 1.40%
- Diners Club International — 1.99%
- JCB — 1.40%
- Mastercard — 1.40%
- PayPal — 1.01%
- Union Pay — 1.90%
- Visa — 1.40%
The visa application fee at the time of writing is:
[table]
[thead]
[tr]
[th]Visa Type[/th]
[th]Main Applicant Cost (AUD)[/th]
[th]Additional Applicant Cost (AUD)[/th]
[/tr]
[/thead]
[tbody]
[tr]
[td]Partner visa (subclass 820/100 or 309/100)[/td]
[td]$8,850 + credit card surcharge [/td]
[td]Over 18 years: $4,430, Under 18 years: $2,215 [/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)[/td]
[td]$8,850 + credit card surcharge. However, when prospective marriage visa holders later apply for the partner visa, you will need to pay an additional government fee of $1,475 [/td]
[td]Over 18 years: $4,430, Under 18 years: $2,215 [/td]
[/tr]
[/tbody]
[/table]
For further information, applicants can consult the Visa Pricing Estimator on the Department’s website or alternatively contact an Australian Migration Agent.
[registered_migration_agents] [/registered_migration_agents]
Potential other costs
Incidental to the visa application process, applicants may have to pay additional costs in order to meet the other eligibility requirements set by the Department. These other costs can include:
- Medical examinationsome text
- In order to meet the health requirements set by the Department, each individual in the Partner visa application will need to undergo a health assessment.
- Police Checks some text
- In order to meet the security requirements set by the Department, the Department may require the primary applicant to undergo police checks and/or receive a national police certificate from police authorities (like the Australian Federal Police)
- Biometrics Collectionssome text
- The Department may request that applicants provide biometric data to them during the processing of a visa application. This will include data related to an applicant's fingerprints or face structure.
- Document Translationsome text
- Any documents that are submitted to the Department in a language other than English must be translated. This includes where applicants are required to provide evidence like relevant certificates related to personal details or supporting evidence detailing relationship history.
- Tribunal Feessome text
- If the Department makes a decision that the applicant wishes to be externally reviewed, the applicant will need to pay a fee to the relevant administrative appeals tribunal. However, if the AAT appeal is successful, the applicant will typically receive a partial refund.
- Professional Fees some text
- Where applicants engage professional assistance from a migration lawyer or registered migration agent, like an Australian Migration Agent, these are paid services. A migration lawyer or agent can assist applicants before, during and after the application process.
Benefits of a partner visa
While there are numerous costs associated with making a Partner visa application (visa charge and often other costs), there are significant benefits attached to receiving a Partner visa. Most importantly, a partner visa allows couples to be reunified in Australia, giving them stability to continue to develop their relationship.
Moreover, once granted, a Partner visa provides an applicant with permanent residence status and a pathway to Australian citizenship. This has the associated benefits of providing an applicant with work and study rights, the ability to enter and leave Australia as many times as required and access to Australia’s public healthcare scheme (Medicare).
Benefits of using an Australian Migration Agent
While applicants can undergo the Partner visa process alone, this can be a complex and time-consuming process for both applicants and their partners. An Australian Migration Agent is committed to alleviating the stresses of applying for a Partner visa in Australia. Possessing extensive knowledge and experience in guiding applicants through the application process, an Australian Migration Agent can ensure that an application is ‘decision-ready’ the first time it is made, saving time and money for applicants in the long term. At Australian Migration Agents, our professional fees are tailored to the unique circumstances of our clients, and we operate on a fixed-fee basis to provide clarity over the total cost of a visa application. Furthermore, we offer custom payment plants to give clients flexibility to balance their financial needs with their desire to pursue a Partner visa.
If applicants, sponsors or couples require assistance or guidance through the Partner visa process, contact an Australian Migration Agent today.
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