Partner Visa Processing Fee Changes Announced

The Department of Home Affairs has announced changes to partner visa application fees, with the new fee structure set to take effect from January 1, 2026. The changes include modest increases across all partner visa categories.

The primary partner visa (subclass 820/801 for onshore applications and subclass 309/100 for offshore applications) will see a fee increase of approximately 3.5%, in line with inflation adjustments. The new fees reflect the ongoing costs of visa processing and integrity checks.

Prospective marriage visa (subclass 300) fees will also increase by a similar percentage. The Department has emphasized that the increases are necessary to maintain service standards and support the robust assessment processes required for partner visa applications.

Subsequent temporary visa application charges and other associated fees will be adjusted proportionally. Applicants who lodge applications before December 31, 2025, will be subject to the current fee structure, providing an opportunity for those with ready applications to save on costs.

The announcement has prompted many couples to accelerate their application preparations. Migration agents report increased inquiries from clients seeking to lodge applications before the fee increase takes effect.

Despite the fee increases, partner visa processing times are expected to remain stable, with most applications being finalized within the published timeframes. The Department continues to allocate resources to manage partner visa applications efficiently while maintaining program integrity.

Applicants are reminded that partner visa applications require comprehensive documentation demonstrating the genuineness of the relationship. Professional migration assistance can be valuable in ensuring applications are complete and meet all requirements.