820 Partner Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a 820 Partner visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a 820 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 820 Partner
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a 820 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 820 Partner
- 1
Confirm relationship eligibility
Married or de facto (12+ months, or registered/compelling circumstances) with an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen.
- 2
Lodge sponsorship and visa concurrently
Both apply online; must be onshore at application and decision (temporary stage).
- 3
Submit complete relationship evidence up front
Financial, household, social, and commitment evidence — the Department expects "decision-ready" files.
- 4
Await Stage 1 then Stage 2 assessment
The permanent visa (801) is typically assessed roughly two years after initial lodgement.
Typical processing time: As of mid-2026, roughly 50% of applications process within about 20 months and 90% within 25 months.
Documents you'll need
- Proof of relationship (marriage/de facto registration or 12+ months cohabitation evidence)
- Joint financial evidence
- Evidence of shared household
- Social evidence (photos, statutory declarations from friends/family)
- Health examinations and police clearance certificates
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying mainly on a marriage certificate rather than proving an ongoing, multi-dimensional relationship
- Submitting incomplete evidence across the four required pillars
- Uploading disorganized or undated evidence that obscures the real timeline
- Not treating the application as "decision-ready"
Sources: Home Affairs — Partner visa 820
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 820 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.
820 Partner cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a 820 Partner visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a 820 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 820 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 820 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 820 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 820 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 820 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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