309 Partner Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a 309 Partner visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a 309 Partner visa in 2026 — not just the government filing fee, but attorney costs, premium processing and every add-on too? Here's every number added up, plus what you can skip to spend less.
Total cost, everything included
A$14,070 – A$21,760
Mandatory Home Affairs fees, an attorney, premium processing, and dependents — the full price if you want every option covered. Filing without an attorney or premium processing costs less; see the scenario breakdown below.
Mandatory Home Affairs fees for the 309 Partner
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a 309 Partner application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base application charge (main applicant) | A$11,710 | — | Official ↗ |
Source: Visa Pricing Estimator. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
A$1,950 – A$5,200 in Sydney. Typical cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
A$300 – A$700 — Bupa Medical Visa Services health examination.
Translation services
A$50 – A$200 — NAATI-certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the 309 Partner
- 1
Confirm relationship eligibility offshore
Married or de facto (12+ months or registered relationship) with an Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen.
- 2
Lodge sponsorship and applicant application
Sponsor completes sponsorship; applicant applies from outside Australia.
- 3
Compile relationship evidence
Across all four pillars, with Form 888 statutory declarations where joint documentation is limited.
- 4
Complete health and character checks
Await Stage 1 grant, then Stage 2 (permanent) assessment roughly two years later.
Typical processing time: Roughly 50% of applications finalize in 14–16 months, 90% in 23–27 months.
Documents you'll need
- Marriage certificate or de facto relationship evidence
- Joint bank account statements, shared bills/receipts
- Photographs and evidence of joint travel or visits
- Form 888 statutory declarations
- Health examinations and police clearances
Common mistakes to avoid
- Providing only a marriage certificate without deeper corroborating evidence
- Missing dates or excessive/repetitive documentation that obscures key facts
- Incomplete evidence across financial, household, social, and commitment categories
- Missing deadlines for lodgement or responding to Department requests
Sources: Home Affairs — Partner visa 309
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | A$11,710 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | A$13,660 – A$16,910 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | A$14,070 – A$21,760 |
How to save money on your 309 Partner
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut A$1,950–A$5,200.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the Home Affairs website so you never overpay a third party.
309 Partner cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a 309 Partner visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a 309 Partner visa in 2026 ranges from about A$13,660 to A$21,760, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the 309 Partner application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. Home Affairs publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a 309 Partner visa?
Attorney fees typically add A$2,000–A$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a 309 Partner visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a 309 Partner visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the Home Affairs website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with Home Affairs before paying.
How often do Home Affairs fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a 309 Partner visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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