12 Feb All The Costs Involved with Getting Your Partner Visa
Australia’s partner visa program provides a pathway for the partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia. The visa is designed for individuals who are in a committed relationship with their Australian partner, including married couples, de facto couples, and same-sex couples. Obtaining a partner visa in Australia can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it is important for applicants to be aware of the costs involved in order to budget for the process and ensure a smooth application.
The main costs involved in obtaining a partner visa in Australia include the visa application fee, medical examinations, police checks, migration agent fees, and other associated costs. In this blog, we will examine each of these costs in detail to provide a comprehensive understanding of the financial implications of obtaining a partner visa in Australia.
- Visa Application Fee
The first cost to consider is the visa application fee. The visa application fee is a non-refundable fee that must be paid by the applicant to cover the cost of processing their visa application. This fee must be paid at the time of lodgement and is non-refundable, even if the visa application is refused or withdrawn.
| Visa Subclass | Base Application Charge | Dependents above 18 years old | Dependents under 18 years old |
| Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) | AUD 8,085.00 | AUD 4,4045.00 | AUD 2,025.00 |
| Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) application by Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) visa holder | AUD 1,350.00 | AUD 675.00 | AUD 335.00
|
| Partner (Provisional and Migrant) visa (subclass 309/100) | AUD 8,085.00 | AUD 4,045.00 | AUD 2,025 |
The visa application fee is subject to change and may be revised by the Australian government at any time, so it is important to check the latest fee schedule before lodgement.
- Medical Examinations
The next cost to consider is the medical examination. The applicant and any dependents included in the visa application must undergo a medical examination to ensure that they meet the health requirements for the visa. The cost of the medical examination can vary, but it is typically for partner visas that most likely require you to undertake the medical examination and chest x-ray which currently costs $431.40 (as of the publication date). The medical examination must be conducted by an approved panel doctor and must be completed before the visa can be granted. In some cases, additional medical examinations may be required if the applicant has a pre-existing medical condition, and the cost of these additional exams can be higher.
- Police Checks
Another cost to consider is the police check. The applicant and any dependents included in the visa application must provide police clearance certificates to demonstrate that they have no criminal convictions. The cost of obtaining a police check can vary depending on the country of origin and the type of check required, but it typically ranges from AUD 40 to 200. Police checks are an important part of the visa process and are used to assess the character and security risk posed by the applicant. In some cases, additional police checks may be required if the applicant has lived in multiple countries, and the cost of these additional checks can be higher.
For applicants who have lived offshore, you will need to obtain a police clearance certificate from countries where you have lived for at least 12 months in the last 10 years.
For applicants who have lived onshore and will stay in Australia for at least 12 months in the last 10 years by the time the Partner visa application is processed, you will need to complete the National Police Check from the Australian Federal Police. This currently costs $42 (as of the publication date).
- Consultations with a Registered Migration Agent
The fourth cost to consider is the use of a migration agent. The applicant may choose to use the services of a migration agent to help with their visa application. Migration agents charge fees for their services, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the complexity of the case. Using a migration agent can provide peace of mind and increase the chances of success, as migration agents are experts in the visa process and can provide valuable advice and assistance. They can ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and meets all the requirements, reducing the risk of rejection or delays. They can also provide you with up-to-date information on the processing times and visa requirements, as well as represent you in any dealings with the Department of Home Affairs. Working with a registered migration agent can help increase your chances of a successful outcome and make the process smoother and less stressful. However, it is important to choose a reputable migration agent who is registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) to ensure that the agent is competent and ethical.
- Other Costs
Finally, there may be other costs involved in obtaining a partner visa, such as obtaining certified copies of documents, translation services, and courier fees. These costs can vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the requirements of the visa, but they should be budgeted for and taken into consideration when estimating the total cost of obtaining a partner visa.
Frequently Asked Questions about Costs in Partner Visa Applications
Can the cost of a partner visa change during the application process?
Yes, the cost of a partner visa can change, for example, if the applicant needs to provide additional information or documents, or if there are any changes in government fees
Is there a difference in cost for onshore vs offshore partner visa applications?
No, the cost of the partner visa is the same for both onshore and offshore applications.
Can the cost of a partner visa be paid in instalments?
No, the cost of a partner visa must be paid in full before the application can be lodged.
Can the cost of a partner visa be waived or reduced in special circumstances?
No, the cost of a partner visa cannot be waived or reduced.
Can the cost of a partner visa be refunded if the application is unsuccessful?
No, the cost of a partner visa is not refundable if the application is unsuccessful.
The costs involved in obtaining a partner visa in Australia can be substantial, and applicants need to be aware of all of the costs involved before starting their partner visa applications. If you want more information regarding obtaining a Partner Visa for your loved one, have a chat with our Principal Registered Migration Agent, Evan Bishop MARN 1679414 of Worldly Migration and he will be happy to assist you with your journey.
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