The Australian partner visa is a two-stage visa. You pay the application charge when you lodge. That fee covers both the temporary and permanent stages of the same application. You do not pay again for the permanent stage at lodgment. A second instalment becomes payable later, when the Department of Home Affairs assesses the permanent stage.
This article explains the partner visa fee structure, what it includes, and what else you will need to budget for. All information reflects the position as of June 2026.
What Is the Australian Partner Visa?
The Australian partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live and work in Australia.
There are two pathways, depending on where you are when you apply.
Onshore pathway (subclass 820/801): For applicants already in Australia when they lodge. The subclass 820 is the temporary visa granted first. The subclass 801 is the permanent visa granted after a period of time, once the permanent stage is assessed. Both are part of the same application, lodged together.
Offshore pathway (subclass 309/100): For applicants outside Australia when they lodge. The subclass 309 is the temporary visa. The subclass 100 is the permanent visa. Again, both stages form one application lodged at the same time.
In both cases, you pay the fee when you lodge the initial application.
For a full explanation of eligibility, evidence requirements, and the application process, read our partner visa requirements and eligibility guide.
The Partner Visa Fee Structure: Two Instalments
The partner visa uses a two-instalment fee system. This is different from most other visa types.
First instalment: Paid at the time of lodgment. The Department of Home Affairs collects this fee when you submit your application. You cannot lodge without paying it.
Second instalment: Paid when the Department assesses the permanent stage of your application. This is typically several years after your first instalment. It is not an additional application. It is the second part of the same fee for the same application you lodged at the start.
The Australian Government's Visa Pricing Estimator shows the first instalment fee only. The second instalment is a separate figure. When you speak with a Registered Migration Agent, ask them to explain both instalments before you decide to lodge.
Visa application charges are indexed annually. Changes typically apply from 1 July each financial year. Do not rely on fee tables published on private websites. Those tables may reflect last year's charges.
Use the official tool here: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/visa-pricing-estimator
Onshore vs Offshore: Does the Fee Differ?
The fee for the onshore pathway (subclass 820/801) and the offshore pathway (subclass 309/100) may differ. The official Visa Pricing Estimator accounts for this when you select the correct visa subclass and indicate whether you are in Australia or overseas when you plan to lodge.
Always enter your actual situation into the estimator. Selecting the wrong pathway produces an inaccurate figure.
For a detailed comparison of the two pathways, including who qualifies for each, processing differences, and what happens if your circumstances change during processing, read our onshore vs offshore partner visa guide.
How to Estimate Your Partner Visa Fee
The official DHA Visa Pricing Estimator takes approximately five minutes to complete. Follow these steps for the most accurate result.
- Go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/visa-pricing-estimator
- Select your visa type. For onshore, choose "Partner visa (subclass 820)". For offshore, choose "Partner visa (subclass 309)".
- Enter your passport country.
- Enter your intended lodgment date. This matters because fees change on 1 July each year.
- Confirm whether you are in Australia or overseas at lodgment.
- Answer the prior visa question about temporary visas applied for while in Australia.
- Enter the number of secondary applicants.
- Click "Get Estimate".
The result shows the first instalment only. Ask your migration agent about the second instalment amount before you lodge.
For a full walkthrough of the estimator tool, read our Australia visa pricing estimator guide.
Additional Costs Beyond the Government Fee
The visa application charge is the main government fee. It is not the only cost involved in a partner visa application.
Biometric collection: If required, biometrics are collected at a visa application centre. A service fee applies. Not all applicants need biometrics. Your migration agent can confirm whether this applies to you.
Medical examination: Most partner visa applicants must complete a health examination with a Department of Home Affairs-approved panel physician. The physician charges this fee. It is separate from the visa application charge and must be arranged and paid for by the applicant.
Police clearance certificates: You will need a police clearance from Australia and from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Each country charges its own fee and has its own process. Clearances must usually be less than 12 months old when lodged.
Document translation: Any document not in English must be translated by a certified NAATI translator. Machine translations are not accepted by the Department. Translation costs vary by document type and word count.
Migration agent fees: A Registered Migration Agent prepares your application, compiles your evidence bundle, and manages communication with the Department throughout the process. Their fee is charged separately. It is not part of the visa application charge.
For a full breakdown of every cost category across Australia's main visa pathways, see our Australia visa fees and cost guide.
When Is the Second Instalment Due?
The second instalment is not due at lodgment. It is requested by the Department of Home Affairs when your application reaches the permanent stage, which is when they assess whether you qualify for the permanent visa (subclass 801 onshore or subclass 100 offshore).
For most applicants, this happens two to three years after lodgment. Some applicants wait longer, depending on the length of their relationship and processing queues.
When the Department is ready to assess the permanent stage, they send a notice requesting payment. You cannot proceed to the permanent visa without paying the second instalment.
This is a significant amount and it arrives years after lodgment. Plan for it. Do not spend those funds before the notice arrives.
For typical processing timeframes, read our partner visa processing time guide.
What the Fee Does Not Cover
The partner visa application charge covers the right to have your application assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. It does not cover:
- Medical examinations
- Police clearance certificates
- Document translation
- Biometric collection
- Migration agent fees
- Any bridging visa charges (if applicable)
These costs are paid separately to the relevant providers or authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Australian partner visa cost?
The Australian partner visa (subclass 820/801 onshore or 309/100 offshore) is paid in two instalments. The first instalment is paid when you lodge the application. The second instalment is paid years later when the Department assesses the permanent stage. The official Visa Pricing Estimator shows the first instalment only. Ask a Registered Migration Agent about the second instalment before lodging.
What is the partner visa second instalment?
The second instalment is the second part of the partner visa application charge. It is not a new application fee. It becomes payable when the Department of Home Affairs assesses whether you qualify for the permanent stage of your visa, typically two to three years after lodgment. You cannot be granted the permanent visa without paying it. It is a significant amount and arrives years after your first payment.
Is the partner visa fee different for onshore and offshore applicants?
The fee for the onshore pathway (subclass 820/801) and the offshore pathway (subclass 309/100) may differ. The official Visa Pricing Estimator calculates the correct figure when you select your actual visa subclass and confirm whether you are in Australia or overseas at lodgment. Always enter your real situation to get an accurate estimate.
When do I pay the partner visa fee?
The first instalment is paid at lodgment. You cannot submit your application without paying it. The second instalment is paid when the Department is ready to assess your permanent visa stage, which is typically two to three years after you lodged. The Department sends a notice when the second payment is due. You do not pay it until that notice arrives.
What other costs are involved in a partner visa application?
In addition to the government fee, most partner visa applicants pay for medical examinations, police clearance certificates from Australia and other countries, translation of documents not in English, and migration agent fees. Biometric collection fees may also apply. None of these are included in the visa application charge. Each is paid separately to the relevant authority or provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Australian partner visa cost?
The Australian partner visa (subclass 820/801 onshore or 309/100 offshore) is paid in two instalments. The first instalment is paid when you lodge the application. The second instalment is paid years later when the Department assesses the permanent stage. The official Visa Pricing Estimator shows the first instalment only. Ask a Registered Migration Agent about the second instalment before lodging.
What is the partner visa second instalment?
The second instalment is the second part of the partner visa application charge. It is not a new application fee. It becomes payable when the Department of Home Affairs assesses whether you qualify for the permanent stage of your visa, typically two to three years after lodgment. You cannot be granted the permanent visa without paying it. It is a significant amount and arrives years after your first payment.
Is the partner visa fee different for onshore and offshore applicants?
The fee for the onshore pathway (subclass 820/801) and the offshore pathway (subclass 309/100) may differ. The official Visa Pricing Estimator calculates the correct figure when you select your actual visa subclass and confirm whether you are in Australia or overseas at lodgment. Always enter your real situation to get an accurate estimate.
When do I pay the partner visa fee?
The first instalment is paid at lodgment. You cannot submit your application without paying it. The second instalment is paid when the Department is ready to assess your permanent visa stage, which is typically two to three years after you lodged. The Department sends a notice when the second payment is due. You do not pay it until that notice arrives.
What other costs are involved in a partner visa application?
In addition to the government fee, most partner visa applicants pay for medical examinations, police clearance certificates from Australia and other countries, translation of documents not in English, and migration agent fees. Biometric collection fees may also apply. None of these are included in the visa application charge. Each is paid separately to the relevant authority or provider.
Plan Your Partner Visa Cost With Desire Migration
The partner visa involves two government fee instalments, plus a range of supporting costs that vary by individual circumstances. Understanding the full picture before you lodge helps you plan your finances and your timeline.
Desire Migration, led by Manisha Bhutani, a Registered Migration Agent with 15 years of experience (MARN 2217756), has supported over 11,698 clients through Australian visa applications. We handle partner visa applications for both onshore and offshore applicants across all evidence and eligibility situations.
We operate from three Melbourne offices: CBD (1003/530 Little Collins St), Truganina, and St Albans. In-person and remote consultations are available.
To understand the full cost of your partner visa pathway before you lodge, book a consultation at desiremigration.com.au.
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