The Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) pathway to permanent residency in Australia involves layered expenses beyond the base application fee. For skilled professionals considering this route, understanding all associated costs is essential for financial planning and avoiding unexpected burdens.
Government Fees Structure
Core Application Costs
- Primary applicant fee: AUD $9,095 payable to the Department of Home Affairs[1][2][3][4].
- Additional applicants:
- Over 18 years: AUD $4,550 per person
- Under 18 years: AUD $2,280 per person[2][4].
Fee Reductions for Specific Cases
Holders of the Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage) visa transitioning to Subclass 820/801 qualify for reduced fees:
- Primary applicant: AUD $1,515
- Add-ons: AUD $760 (over 18) or AUD $380 (under 18)[2].
Third-Party Mandatory Expenses
Non-negotiable outlays include:
- Medical examinations: AUD $350–$500 per applicant[1].
- Police clearances: Variable by country (e.g., $50–$200)[1].
- Document translation: AUD $50–$100 per page for non-English materials[1].
- Biometrics collection: Region-dependent fees (typically $15–$40)[4].
Professional Service Fees
Migration Agents vs. Lawyers
| Service Type | Fee Range (AUD) | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Migration Agent | $2,500–$5,500 | Document preparation, eligibility checks, and application bundling[1]. |
| Immigration Lawyer | $2,000–$15,000 | Complex appeals, AAT reviews, or visa refusals[1]. |
Initial consultations often cost AUD $100–$300, while priority processing adds AUD $400–$1,000[1].
Hidden Costs and Financial Planning
- Relationship evidence: Gathering photos, joint financial records, and statutory declarations may incur administrative expenses.
- Income proof: Bank statements, tax returns, and employment letters often require notarization (AUD $20–$100 per document).
- Contingency reserves: Budget 10–15% extra for currency fluctuations or unforeseen charges like redoing medicals[1][3].
Total Estimated Investment
The all-inclusive cost for a couple with one child ranges from AUD $18,000–$25,000 when accounting for:
- Base application + dependents ($9,095 + $2,280 = $11,375)
- Medicals/police/translations (~$1,500)
- Agent services ($4,000 average)
- Contingencies ($1,500)[1][3][4].
Strategic Cost-Saving Tips
- Self-lodgement: Avoid agent fees if your case is straightforward (e.g., long-term marriages with robust documentation)[3].
- Fee timing: Pay in instalments where possible—government fees are charged at distinct application stages[4].
- Document prep: Use free checklists from Home Affairs’ website to minimize errors requiring re-submission[3].
Navigating the Subclass 820/801 costs demands meticulous budgeting, but for skilled professionals pursuing Australian residency, this investment unlocks permanent settlement with family unity. Always verify fee updates directly via the Department of Home Affairs before applying.
