The partner visa cost is one of the main factors that couples consider when deciding to live together in Australia. Knowing the costs involved makes the applicants ready and secure, as the financial domain is often too complicated and overwhelming. Getting a partner visa is a significant step towards consolidating a future, yet most of the applicants are not aware of the different charges and the factors that affect the amount.
This guide briefly talks about all the components, from the government partner visa application fees to the necessary documents, so that you can have a clear and confident approach to your application.
Understanding the Breakdown of Partner Visa Fees in Australia
The partner visa fee system in Australia comprises a number of government-set charges that differ according to the visa stream you select. These basic charges are applicable before any other expenses like health checks, police clearances, translations, or partner visa lawyer fees, etc. Given below is a comprehensive look at the primary visa routes and the expenses that go with each.
1. Partner (Visa 820 Australia/801) Visa – Onshore Pathway
People who are applying from within Australia for a temporary partner visa under subclass 820 and for a permanent partner visa 801 are required to pay a combined fee of approximately $9,365.00 as the principal applicant. This sum covers both stages of the onshore process and is in line with the overall partner visa Australia cost structure.
Additional applicants aged 18 and over have to shoulder a fee of approximately $4,685.00, while individuals below 18 years of age are only required to pay half the amount, i.e. $2,345.00 approximately. There are many couples who opt for this route, as it grants the bridging visa, which enables them to stay in Australia while their application is being processed and is granted.
2. Partner Visa 309/100 – Offshore Pathway
Those who are applying for a temporary partner visa 309 (offshore) and the permanent stage, subclass 100, are advised that the Australian partner visa cost will be approximately $9,365.00 for the primary applicant. Additional applicants aged 18+ will have to pay approximately $4,685.00, while a child under 18 will only be required to pay $2,345.00 approximately.
As a visa for partners living abroad, the entire process is done outside Australia, and the applicant can come to Australia once the temporary stage has been granted.
Also Read: How to Check Your VEVO Visa Status in Australia: Complete Guide
3. Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
The cost of a prospective marriage visa is the same, i.e., approximately 9,365.00$ for the principal applicant. Additional adult applicants pay 4685.00$ approximately, while underage applicants get to pay approximately 2345.00$. This visa is for couples who are engaged and willing to get married in Australia before filing for the marriage visa Australia or partner visa onshore. It is an entry point before progressing towards a permanent partner visa in Australia.
4. Partner Visa After a Prospective Marriage Visa
Those who held a Subclass 300 visa and then moved on to apply for an onshore partner visa (Subclass 820/801) are allowed to enjoy a discounted fee. The leading applicant carries a cost of approximately $1,560.00, while other adult applicants are charged roughly around $990.00, and children under 18 are charged $500.00 approximately.
The lower structure illustrates the earlier payments made during the Prospective Marriage Visa stage and is in line with the general Australian spousal visa cost, therefore, fairness is ensured for those who have already gone through a substantial assessment.
What Influences Partner Visa Processing Time?
The Partner visa Australia processing time varies depending on a number of factors. Among them are the high volume of applications, the complexity of documents required for a spouse visa in Australia, the length of the relationship, and background checks.
Those who hire a consultant to work with them may have an easier and faster procedure. Experts can help in document preparation, confirm that you meet the requirements, and advise you on how to get the best Australian visa linked to partner migration.
Additional Costs You Should Expect
Besides government-imposed charges, applicants should get themselves ready for the necessary expenses that support their application:
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Health Examinations
Medicals are obligatory, and their cost depends on the applicant’s location and the clinic chosen.
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Police Clearance Certificates
Authorities will check every place where you have stayed for 12 months or more. The price for the service depends on who issues the certificate.
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Translations and Document Preparation
Any document not in English should be translated and/or notarised by an official translator. This is necessary for partner visa Australia requirements, e.g., when a relationship history is provided.
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Professional Support
Some couples decide to get guidance from consultants. When you deal with an immigration consultant in Perth, proper advice will help you reduce mistakes and cut the waiting time.
Also Read: Australian Student Visa Success and Rejection Rates
Partner Visa Requirements and Associated Documentation
A partner visa sponsor must fulfil the partner visa sponsor requirements to get approval. A sponsor can be only a citizen of Australia, a permanent resident of Australia, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. The couple must prove that their relationship is genuine and has been ongoing for a while.
What this means is that if you are not married, you need to fulfil the criteria set by the De facto visa Australia requirements. The evidence should depict the closeness of the relationship, sharing of money, recognition from society, and living together.
These parameters usually determine how long the visa processing will take. Making sure that your documents are correct and nicely done can save you from waiting a long time, and your partner visa lawyer’s cost will not be exceeded as well.
Is Hiring a Consultant Worth It?
One of the possible scenarios that is complex to handle without professional help is when the relationship history is complicated, there is a previous visa refusal, and the applicant is worried about compliance issues. Immigration services Perth assure that your papers are up to the mark; thus, processing without interruption is more likely.
Conclusion
The permanent partner visa Australia route may look like an expensive one, but then the money spent is a reflection of the in-depth investigation of the real, loving nature of relationships.
Whether your application is for an onshore or offshore partner visa, it will be your thoughtful preparation and organisational skills that will pave the way for positive results.
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About the ACS Skills Assessment in Australia
FAQs
1. What is the average Partner Visa Cost in Australia?
Partner visa cost depends on the type of visa chosen and is one of the highest costs in Australia because of the very detailed assessments, documentation checking, and thorough evaluation of genuine long-term relationships.
2. Do the prospective marriage visa costs differ from partner visa fees?
Yes, that is so because each visa category entails different government fees, assessment requirements, and processing steps, which lead to varying total expenses for each of the partner visa pathways.
3. Can I reduce the partner visa price by applying offshore?
An offshore application will not reduce the partner visa price as the government fees stay the same. On the other hand, medicals, translations, and police checks may be different depending on where the applicant is.
4. How long is the Partner visa Australia processing time?
Partner visa Australia processing time depends on a number of factors, and the overall volume of applications received. Thus, different applicants under different circumstances will get varied timelines.
5. Should I hire a consultant for my application?
A visa consultant in Perth may be of great help, but it is totally up to you whether to use their service or not. You may consider hiring a consultant if you have limited documents or if you have a complex set of evidence. As a result, you will be provided with the necessary guidance, enhanced accuracy, and better preparation throughout your application process.
