Partner Visa Costs in Australia: The Latest Official Charges (2026-27)
From 1 July 2026, the partner visa application charge for the primary applicant rose from $9,365 to $11,710 (+$2,345, about 25%) — one of the largest single-dollar rises of this round. The onshore Partner visa 820/801, offshore Partner visa 309/100 and Prospective Marriage visa 300 all share the new charge. This page collects the current official charges, the two-stage payment structure and common questions.
Partner visas have long been among Australia’s most expensive visa categories; after this rise, a family of a primary applicant plus one child under 18 pays more than $14,600 in official application charges alone.
Charges are set by the lodgement date: applications lodged before 1 July 2026 paid $9,365, with no top-up owed.
Current Official Partner Visa Charges (From 1 July 2026)
Notes:
① The charges below apply to holders of a mainland Chinese passport.
② They apply from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, unless otherwise announced.
Official Charges by Subclass
The table below shows official charges (AUD) effective 1 July 2026. The three main subclasses share the same primary charge; subclass 300 holders applying onshore for 820/801 pay an official reduced charge.
| Visa | Primary | Secondary 18+ | Secondary under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 820/801 Partner (onshore) | $11,710 | $5,860 | $2,935 |
| 309/100 Partner (offshore) | $11,710 | $5,860 | $2,935 |
| 300 Prospective Marriage | $11,710 | $5,860 | $2,935 |
| 820/801 applied for by a subclass 300 holder | $1,955 | $980 | $485 |
Official Department of Home Affairs visa application charges effective 1 July 2026 (data as at 7 July 2026). Figures are current as at the build date — always confirm against the Department’s fees page and Visa Pricing Estimator.
One Payment Covers Both Stages
820/801 and 309/100 are two-stage visas
You first receive the temporary stage (820 or 309), then move to the permanent stage (801 or 100) once eligible. The application charge is paid once, at first-stage lodgement, and covers both stages — no further primary charge at the permanent stage.
The 300 → 820/801 pathway cost structure
Apply for the Prospective Marriage visa 300 ($11,710), marry after entering Australia, then apply onshore for 820/801 at the official reduced charge of $1,955 — $13,665 across the two steps. Whether this or a direct 820/801 application ($11,710) suits you depends on your relationship status, location and circumstances.
Charges are non-refundable once lodged
Partner applications involve large evidence sets and long processing; the charge is generally non-refundable after lodgement. Preparing complete relationship evidence before lodging is the best protection for this payment.
A registered migration agent can assess your circumstances and explain the official cost structure and requirements of each pathway — the right choice varies case by case, and no single option is “cheaper” for everyone.
Want a complete budget for your application as a couple?
How Newstars Can Help
Newstars Education & Migration provides Australian migration consulting for families; migration advice is provided by a registered migration agent (MARN 1572947).
For partner applications we can help you: confirm the applicable subclass and current official charges; cost out a complete budget including accompanying children at official rates; and map the requirements of each step of the two-stage process, with relationship evidence and documents prepared in full before lodgement.
Related pages: Partner Migration overview · 820/801 Partner (onshore) · 309/100 Partner (offshore) · 300 Prospective Marriage · 2026-27 all-category fee overview
Partner Visa Fee FAQs
Why is the partner visa charge so high?
Partner visas have long been among Australia’s most expensive categories, and one payment covers both the temporary and permanent stages. The charge is set by the government and cannot be reduced or waived by any agency; what we can do is help you get one application right and reduce the risk of having to apply — and pay — again.
We lodged before 1 July 2026 — do we owe the difference?
No. Charges are set by the lodgement date; applications lodged before 1 July 2026 paid $9,365 with no top-up owed.
Is 300 then 820/801 cheaper than a direct 820/801?
On official charges alone: 300 plus the onshore 820/801 totals $13,665, while a direct 820/801 is $11,710. But the two pathways suit different situations (married or not, where you are when applying, entry plans), so it is not purely a price decision — discuss your circumstances with a registered migration agent.
Can the charge be paid in instalments?
No. The partner visa application charge is paid in full at lodgement (covering both stages).
Is the charge refunded if the visa is refused?
Generally no. Visa application charges are non-refundable once lodged — including refusals and withdrawals — which is exactly why a partner application deserves to be done thoroughly the first time.
Sort Out Your Partner Visa Budget and Evidence in One Go
At the new rates, one complete, well-prepared application matters more than ever. Newstars helps you budget accurately and assemble your relationship evidence.
