Comprehensive Guide to Partner Visa Australia Cost
If you’re looking to understand the Australian partner visa cost, the base application fee starts at $9,095 AUD as of July 2024. Various factors such as visa type, number of applicants, and additional costs for medical exams and police checks will influence the total amount. This guide breaks down these costs to help you budget effectively.
Key Takeaways
The base application fee for partner visas in Australia starts at $9,095 AUD, with additional costs for family members and potential fees for application refusals.
Australia offers several subclasses of partner visas, including temporary and permanent options, each with distinct costs and eligibility criteria.
Hiring a registered migration agent can enhance the success rate of visa applications, although it incurs additional professional fees and does not guarantee faster processing or approval.
Overview of Partner Visa Costs
Embarking on the process of obtaining a partner visa involves initially grasping the fundamental application charge. From July 2024 onwards, these fees start at roughly $9,095 AUD. Depending on several pivotal elements, the overall expense can diverge considerably, and applicants should be aware of various Australian partner visa costs beyond the standard application fees.
Critical factors such as the specific type of visa being sought after, whether you are submitting your application from within Australia or abroad, and the decision to enlist professional services will influence what you ultimately pay. Primary applicants encounter more substantial costs compared to dependents. Those under 18 years old have a lower fee whereas individuals above 18 fall somewhere in between. Every family member added to your submission is subject to an individual charge and outlays like police checks may differ contingent upon where applicants have lived during the previous ten years.
Should your initial submission be declined and subsequently brought before the Administrative Review Tribunal for reconsideration, an extra cost of $3,496 AUD is levied—this sum might be partially refunded if one prevails with their challenge. Recognizing these expenses beforehand allows for efficient budgeting and helps steer clear of unforeseen fiscal hurdles throughout this journey.
Types of Partner Visas in Australia
Australia offers various partner visas to cater to the diverse needs of applicants. These visas allow a spouse or de facto partner of an Australian resident to live either temporarily or permanently in Australia. The available Australian partner visa subclasses include subclasses 309, 100, 300, 820, 801, 461.
The Partner (Provisional) Visa subclass 309 is for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens applying from overseas and allows them to live in Australia temporarily after the visa has been granted. On the other hand, the Partner (Migrant) Visa SC 100 offers a pathway to permanent residency after holding the SC 309 visa for a certain period. The permanent partner visa requires complete documentation and has specific eligibility criteria and costs associated with the application process.
The Prospective Marriage Visa SC 300 is intended for individuals outside Australia who wish to enter the country to marry their intended spouse. It allows the visa holder to enter Australia, marry their partner, and subsequently apply for a partner visa to remain in the country. The SC 300 visa is valid for nine months, providing ample time for couples to organize their wedding and settle into life together in Australia. The SC 300 visa is an excellent option for those looking to start their married life in Australia, offering a pathway to permanent residency through subsequent partner visa applications. The progression from temporary partner visas to the permanent partner visa subclass 100 is a significant step in the overall visa strategy.
For those already in Australia, the Partner (Temporary) Visa SC 820 permits the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in the country while waiting for Australian permanent resident status. The next step after obtaining this temporary partner visa is the Partner (Permanent) Visa SC 801, which grants permanent residency.
The New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa SC 461 is available for partners of New Zealand citizens, allowing them to live in Australia. These visa options are essential for partner migration and provide various routes for spouses and de facto partners to establish their lives in Australia.
Partner (Provisional) Visa SC 309 Cost Breakdown
The Partner (Provisional) Visa SC 309, which is applied for from outside of Australia, has a primary application fee set at AUD 9,095. The expense increases with each family member that applies alongside the main applicant. For example, there is a charge of AUD 4,550 for children who are over the age of 18.
The professional fees for migration agents assisting with the visa application process generally range from AUD 4,000 to AUD 7,000. Incurred costs can include expenses associated with translating documents into English and obtaining medical examinations or police checks as part of evidentiary requirements.
Partner (Migrant) Visa SC 100 Cost Breakdown
When submitting a combined application for the Partner (Migrant) Visa SC 100 along with the SC 309 temporary visa, there is no separate fee required by the department. The cost has already been covered during this process. Nevertheless, employing migration agents to manage your SC 100 visa application will typically incur professional fees ranging between AUD 1,000 and AUD 2,000.
It is important for applicants to anticipate costs which may arise from acquiring translations, undergoing medical examinations, obtaining police reports, and procuring other essential documents that must be resubmitted in the second stage of processing. These additional expenses are vital to make certain that your application is thorough and adheres strictly to all stipulated criteria.
Prospective Marriage Visa SC 300 Cost Breakdown
The SC 300 Prospective Marriage Visa is tailored for individuals planning to marry their Australian partners. The primary applicant is required to pay a total of AUD 9,095 for this visa application. Should there be any children under the age of 18 included in the prospective marriage visa application, an additional fee of AUD 2,280 per child will apply. Prospective marriage visa holders will also face further costs when applying for the subclass 820/801 partner visa and achieving permanent residency in Australia.
Migration agents typically charge professional fees ranging between AUD 4,000 and AUD 7,000. Applicants must allocate funds for translating documents, health assessments, police clearances and various other pieces of evidence that need to accompany the submission. These expenses are essential to compile a comprehensive and meticulously prepared visa application.
Further, additional costs will be incurred when the subclass 300 holder applies for the 820/801 visa onshore. This would be a reduced fee of $1515 for SC 300 holders who have married their partner in Australia. Overall, careful financial planning and understanding the full scope of potential costs can significantly aid applicants in navigating the visa application process smoothly.
Partner (Temporary) Visa SC 820 Cost Breakdown
Individuals seeking the Partner (Temporary) Visa SC 820 should be aware that the primary applicant will incur a fee of $9,095. If children are included in the application, those above 18 years old will have a fee of $4,550 each while for those under 18 years, it is around $2,280.
Bear in mind there may be extra charges beyond the application itself. These can encompass fees for translating documents, undergoing medical examinations, obtaining police reports and procuring other essential paperwork. Such additional expenses contribute to assembling a complete dossier which improves prospects for approval of your visa application.
Partner (Permanent) Visa SC 801 Cost Breakdown
The cost for the Partner (Permanent) Visa SC 801 is included within the joint application fee for both temporary and permanent partner visas. Those applying should be mindful that hiring a migration agent will usually result in extra charges between AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,000 for the second stage of processing. This expense is a significant factor to consider when budgeting for an Australian partner visa.
During the latter stage of processing, applicants may face additional outlays due to requirements such as translations, medical examinations, police clearances, and other paperwork that might need resubmission. These added expenditures are crucial in compiling a comprehensive application that fulfills all necessary criteria.
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa SC 461 Cost Breakdown
Compared to various partner visas, the SC 461 New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa stands out as a cost-effective choice. The main applicant faces an application charge of $430. If there are children involved who are over 18 years old, they will be subject to a fee of $220 each, whereas for those under 18, the charge is lower at $105 per child.
Incurring extra expenses might arise from needs such as document translations, medical examinations, police clearances and other pertinent paperwork. These additional expenditures contribute towards providing comprehensive proof with the submission which can enhance the likelihood of approval for your visa application.
Other Financial Considerations
For every dependent included in a partner visa application, there will be individual fees for the visa itself as well as extra charges, including those for medical exams, police checks, and translating documents if they are not in English. While adult applicants can expect to pay around $500 for their medical examination, a fee of about $350 is typical for each child applying under a dependent child visa.
The expenses related to document translation will fluctuate based on how many documents need translating and their level of complexity. The price tags associated with obtaining police checks depend on which country an applicant has resided in for at least 12 months within the past ten years.
The cost of an Australian National Police Check is currently set a $56 AUD. You can apply for it here.
It’s essential to account for these additional expenditures when planning financially for the entirety of the visa application process.
Health Examination Costs
Health examination costs are an additional expense that partner visa applicants need to consider. These costs can vary significantly based on factors such as the applicant’s country of origin, age, and the specific examinations required. In Australia, Bupa Visa Medical Services operates medical centers on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs. It’s important to note that these health examination costs are not included in the initial visa application fee and must be paid separately. Ensuring you budget for these expenses is crucial for a smooth visa application process.
Police Certificate Costs
Police certificate costs are another important consideration for partner visa applicants. If the applicant, their partner, or any additional applicant over the age of 18 has spent more than 12 months in any country since the age of 16, they will need to obtain a police certificate from each of those countries. The cost of applying for a police certificate varies depending on the country. In Australia, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) charges a fee of $56 AUD to issue a national police certificate for immigration purposes. These costs are separate from the visa application fee and should be factored into your overall budget.
Special Considerations
De Facto Partners
De facto partners should be aware that the costs associated with a partner visa application are similar to those for married partners. This includes the visa application fee, medical examinations, police checks, and biometrics collection. Additionally, de facto partners may need to provide extra documentation to support their relationship, which can incur additional costs. It’s essential for de facto partners to seek the advice of a registered migration agent to ensure they meet all the requirements of their partner visa application. Proper planning and documentation can significantly enhance the chances of a successful application.
Processing Time and Its Impact on Costs
The duration it takes to process partner visas can have a notable effect on the total expenses involved. Should a partner visa application face rejection and proceed to appeal at a tribunal, there is an associated charge of $3,496. Recurring expenditures may stem from necessities such as health insurance for applications within the country, obtaining police checks, and translating documents. These requirements often lead to extended processing times and heightened costs.
A variety of elements could be responsible for postponing the progression of partner visa applications, like lacking sufficient documentation or submitting forms with incomplete information. Applicants might incur additional charges stemming from gathering biometric data and conducting assessments related to character — these costs are liable to increase if there’s any delay in the application’s processing time.
As more individuals get added to a single visa application, overall fees tend to escalate since each extra applicant results in additional separate charges.
Benefits of Hiring a Registered Migration Agent
Employing the services of a registered migration agent can present numerous advantages. These experts are obliged to continually update their understanding of migration law, ensuring they provide precise guidance. They are bound by a Code of Conduct that mandates adherence to maintaining confidentiality for clients and meticulous maintenance of records.
Seeking assistance from a migration agent can substantially elevate the likelihood of accomplishing a triumphant visa application. Although enlisting the help of a migration agent cannot promise expedited processing or assured visa acceptance, they do make certain your submission is devoid of mistakes and ready for review once it comes under examination by a case officer.
How to Pay Your Visa Application Fee
Settling the fee for your visa application is a simple process. You have the option to pay using a credit card, PayPal, or BPAY when you file your application. Upon submission, choose your desired payment method from those that are offered.
For comprehensive details regarding application fees and available payment options, refer to the Department of Home Affairs’ official website. It’s essential to pay the accurate amount in order for your visa application to be processed without any issues.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Partner Visa Application
To expedite the partner visa application process and save on costs, it is essential to steer clear of typical errors. Ensuring that your submission contains all necessary details can lead to quicker processing by avoiding unnecessary delays. Concentrate on providing relevant information. Overloading your application with extraneous details may actually undermine its effectiveness.
When completing the application, it’s important to present both pivotal moments and everyday occurrences within your relationship for a thorough representation. Recording all critical dates and milestones in a chronological account of your partnership is crucial for crafting a convincing case. Transparency is paramount—omitting significant facts could lead not just to delays but also outright denial of the partner visa request due to lack of credibility or perceived deception if there are discrepancies among submitted documents.
Tailoring the narrative about your connection within the personal statement section can effectively communicate its authenticity and strengthening your partner visa application.
Summary
It’s important to have a clear understanding of the financial requirements involved in obtaining partner visas for Australia, ensuring that you can navigate the application process with ease. This includes being aware of not just the base fee for the application but also factoring in extra costs such as those related to dependents, translation services, medical examinations, and any other documents.
Enhancing your likelihood of having a successful partner visa application means adhering to provided guidelines and steering clear of typical errors. Deciding whether or not to engage a registered migration agent is up to you. Regardless, meticulous preparation and focusing on details are vital steps in this journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Partner Visa in Australia?
The processing time for a Partner Visa in Australia varies significantly; onshore applications typically take 5 to 18 months, while offshore applications can range from 5 months to 3 years.
It is essential to consider these timelines when planning your application.
How much is the partner visa in Australia?
The partner visa in Australia costs AUD 9,095 for most applicants, while holders of the Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) are charged AUD 1,515 with the additional AUD 9,095 later for the onshore Partner visa.
What is the base application fee for a partner visa in Australia?
The base application fee for a partner visa in Australia is approximately $9,095 AUD.
Are there any additional costs for dependents included in the application?
Certainly, for every dependent that is part of a partner visa application, individual visa application fees are required. There will be extra charges for necessary medical examinations and police checks associated with each dependent.
How much do migration agents typically charge for their services?
The cost of services provided by migration agents ranges from AUD 4,000 to AUD 7,000. The actual fee is dependent on how complex the application process is.
