Partner Visa Fee Increases 25% to $11,700 from 1 July 2026

The Australian Government increased the partner visa application charge (VAC) by 25 percent on 1 July 2026, bringing the total fee to $11,700 for most partner visa applications. This is the largest single-year increase on record, more than doubling the fee from $6,685 a decade ago. Families with dependent children face total charges approaching $20,000 when secondary applicant fees are included.

How the Partner Visa Fee Structure Works

The partner visa framework in Australia operates as a two-stage process: a temporary stage (Subclass 820 onshore, or 309 offshore) followed by a permanent stage (Subclass 801 onshore, or 100 offshore). Applicants must lodge both stages simultaneously at the time of the initial application.

The Department of Home Affairs has structured the fee as follows: $0 for the temporary stage and the full $11,700 for the permanent stage, both payable upfront at lodgement. This means the entire fee is committed before the temporary visa is even granted.

There is no refund if the relationship breaks down, if the applicant withdraws, or if the visa is refused. The fee is non-recoverable in all circumstances.

Who Is Affected

The fee increase applies to all new partner visa applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Applications already lodged before that date were subject to the previous fee schedule. The increase affects:

• Onshore applicants (Subclass 820/801)
• Offshore applicants (Subclass 309/100)
• Prospective marriage visa applicants (Subclass 300), with that visa carrying its own separate fee
• Secondary applicants (dependent children) attracting additional charges per person

The Backlog Context

The fee increase comes against the backdrop of a significant processing backlog. With more than 120,000 partner visa applications pending, many applicants already face multi-year waits between lodgement and visa grant. During this period, most applicants hold a Bridging Visa A, which allows them to remain lawfully in Australia but often with work rights attached to the substantive visa they held at lodgement.

Because processing times regularly exceed two years, the Department may in some cases assess both the temporary and permanent stages concurrently. This can be an advantage in reducing total waiting time, but it does not reduce the upfront fee obligation.

What You Need to Prove

The Department of Home Affairs assesses partner visa applications against four pillars of genuine relationship evidence:

• Financial aspects: joint accounts, shared expenses, co-mingled finances
• Nature of the household: cohabitation evidence, shared lease or mortgage documents
• Social aspects: recognition of the relationship by family and friends, evidence of shared social life
• Commitment to a shared life: future plans, shared travel, statutory declarations from third parties

Evidence must typically span months or years of documentation. The permanent stage involves a separate reassessment of the relationship after the two-year waiting period, not an automatic grant.

Practical Steps Before You Lodge

1. Check your lodgement date carefully. Applications lodged before 1 July 2026 were charged at the prior rate. If you are yet to lodge, budget for $11,700 plus any secondary applicant fees.
2. Compile relationship evidence early. Given extended processing times, the strength of your evidence file at lodgement directly affects the outcome at both stages.
3. Understand bridging visa conditions. Once your substantive visa expires after lodgement, you will hold a Bridging Visa A. Confirm your work rights and travel conditions in advance.
4. Do not lodge without legal advice if your relationship history is complex. Previous visa refusals, short-relationship durations, or large age gaps attract additional scrutiny. A refusal forfeits the full $11,700 fee with no avenue for recovery.
5. Plan for secondary applicant fees. If you have dependent children who will be included in the application, calculate the total fee before lodging.

Key Takeaways

• The partner visa fee increased to $11,700 on 1 July 2026, a 25% rise and the largest on record.
• Both stages of the partner visa must be lodged and paid upfront simultaneously.
• There is no refund under any circumstances, including relationship breakdown or visa refusal.
• The backlog of 120,000+ applications means most applicants will wait on a Bridging Visa A for two or more years.
• Evidence must satisfy four relationship pillars at both the temporary and permanent stages.
• Seek legal advice before lodging, particularly where your circumstances are complex.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

For partner and family visa matters, we recommend speaking with Shirly Wang, our lawyer specialising in partner and family migration pathways. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.

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