Partner Visa Australia: Costs, Timeline & Process

There are two main pathways:

If your partner is IN Australia: - Subclass 820 (Temporary Partner Visa) → Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner Visa) - Apply onshore, get a bridging visa while waiting

If your partner is OUTSIDE Australia: - Subclass 309 (Temporary Partner Visa) → Subclass 100 (Permanent Partner Visa) - Apply offshore, must be outside Australia when visa is granted

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300): - For fiancés who plan to marry in Australia - Must marry within 9 months, then apply for Subclass 820/801

Government Fees: - Primary applicant: $8,850 (one of the highest visa fees) - Additional applicant (18+): $4,430 - Additional applicant (under 18): $2,215

Migration Agent Fees: - Typical range: $3,500–$8,000 - Complex cases (previous refusals, character issues): Up to $12,000+

Other Costs: - Police clearances: $50–$200 per country - Health examinations: $300–$500 per person - Document translation: $50–$200 per document - Statutory declarations: $50–$100

Total Estimated Cost: $13,000–$20,000+ for a typical couple

Use our cost estimator for a personalised estimate.

Partner visa processing times vary significantly:

• - Subclass 820/801 (onshore): 25–35% processed within 9 months, 90% within 24 months
• - Subclass 309/100 (offshore): 25–35% processed within 11 months, 90% within 27 months

*Note: These are indicative timeframes from the Department of Home Affairs. Actual times vary based on case complexity and departmental workload.*

While waiting for the 820, you'll receive a Bridging Visa A that lets you work and study in Australia.

To be eligible for a partner visa, you must demonstrate:

1. Genuine Relationship The core of your application. You need evidence across four pillars: - Financial — Joint bank accounts, shared expenses, financial dependence - Social — Photos together, social media, joint invitations, family recognition - Household — Living together, shared address, joint lease/utility bills - Commitment — Length of relationship, future plans, knowledge of each other

2. Sponsorship Your Australian partner must sponsor you. Sponsors can generally only sponsor two partners in their lifetime.

3. Health & Character Both applicant and sponsor must meet health and character requirements (police checks, medical exams).

4. De Facto or Married You must be married OR in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months (some exemptions apply).

Based on thousands of applications, here are the top tips:

1. Start gathering evidence early — Joint bank accounts, photos, communication records
2. Get strong statutory declarations — From friends and family who know your relationship
3. Be thorough with documents — More evidence is better than less
4. Use a migration agent — Partner visa refusal rates are significant, and the fee at stake ($8,850) justifies professional help
5. Respond promptly to requests — The Department may ask for additional information
6. Keep your visa status valid — Don't overstay while waiting