Primary applicant (820/801)
The base fee sits in the AUD $8,000-$9,000 range in 2026. Covers both stages (provisional + permanent) of the onshore application.
Department Fees + Health + Police + Translation + Representation
The Department's application fee is rarely the full cost.
When you add health examinations, police checks, translation, statutory declaration witnessing, and professional representation, the realistic total sits well above what most couples expect on their first Google search. Here is the real breakdown.
Department application fee
The largest single cost.
The Department charges separately for primary applicant, partner/dependent additions, and secondary applicants over 18.
Primary applicant (309/100)
Similar range to 820/801. Offshore fees match onshore for partner visas.
Dependent children
Additional fees for each child under 18. Lower than primary fee but add up quickly.
Additional adults
Secondary applicants aged 18+ add the main-adult rate. Less common for partner visas.
Other mandatory costs
Easily overlooked. Rarely budgeted.
Beyond the Department fee, every application incurs these additional costs.
Health examinationsPanel medical fees, chest x-rays, HIV testing (for some countries). Typically AUD $350-$500 per adult, less for children.
Police checksPolice clearance certificates from every country lived in 12 months or more in the last 10 years. Cost varies by country. See police checks guide.
TranslationNAATI-certified translation of every foreign-language document. AUD $30-$80 per page depending on language.
Witnessing and notarisationStatutory declarations, Form 888s, and supporting affidavits need witnessing. JP witnessing is usually free; notarisation costs more.
Professional representation
Optional but often cost-effective.
Representation is not mandatory but for most partner visa applications it reduces the risk of refusal and RFI.
Registered migration agent fees
Fixed-fee packages typical. Covers consultation, evidence strategy, application drafting, lodgement, and RFI response.
Immigration lawyer fees
For complex cases (character issues, Schedule 3 waivers, health waivers). Higher cost but specialist for borderline matters.
Cost of refusal
A refused partner visa does not refund the Department fee. Relodgement means paying the full fee again. Representation often saves money across the full journey.
The Department fee is non-refundable.
If your application is refused, the fee is lost. Relodgement means paying the full fee again. This is why evidence preparation matters more than any other single factor. See refusal reasons.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For partner visa cost planning and fixed-fee packages, book with Neha Sharma.
Can I pay the partner visa fee in instalments?
No. The Department fee is paid in full at lodgement. Payment plans with representation are sometimes available through agents.
Are there concessions for low-income applicants?
Very limited. Some hardship-based provisions exist for specific circumstances. Generally, the fee applies regardless of income.
What happens to the fee if we break up before decision?
The fee is not refunded. The application is withdrawn or refused. See guide on what happens if the relationship ends.
Does the 801 stage cost extra?
No separate 801 fee for most applicants. The 820 fee covers both stages. Some transition situations may have separate costs.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.