Partner Visa Australia 2026: Key Changes, Fees & Processing Times
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PARTNER VISAS
Partner Visa Australia 2026: Key Changes, Fees & Processing Times
26 March 20266 min readUpdated for 2025–26 Program Year
Planning to bring your partner to Australia in 2026? The rules haven't changed dramatically — but fees have gone up, scrutiny has increased, and processing times remain long. Here's exactly what you need to know right now.
How the Partner Visa Australia Process Works in 2026
Australia's partner visa program still operates as a two-stage process. You apply for both stages at the same time, but they are assessed separately — first a temporary visa, then permanent residency approximately two years later.
There are two main pathways depending on where your partner is located:
Subclass 820/801 (Onshore): For couples where the applicant is already in Australia. After lodging, most applicants receive a Bridging Visa, allowing them to live, work, and access Medicare while waiting.
Subclass 309/100 (Offshore): For couples where the applicant is outside Australia at the time of application — a common pathway from countries across Asia, the UK, and Europe.
Despite earlier speculation about a move to a single-stage model, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed no structural changes to the partner visa in the 2025–26 program year. The two-stage process remains firmly in place.
Partner Visa Fees 2026: What You'll Pay
One of the most significant practical updates for the partner visa Australia 2026 program year is the fee increase that took effect on 1 July 2025.
ApplicantFee (from 1 July 2025)Primary applicant$9,095Additional applicant aged 18+$4,550Additional applicant under 18$2,275
⚠ IMPORTANTPartner visa application fees areNON-REFUNDABLE— even if the visa is refused. This makes getting your application right from the start absolutely critical.
Beyond the government charge, couples should also budget for health examinations, national police clearances (from all countries lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years), document translation costs, and professional migration agent fees. Fees are indexed again on 1 July each year, so those considering applying should be aware costs may rise further in 2026–27.
Partner Visa Places: 40,500 in 2025–26
The Australian Government has maintained the partner visa allocation at 40,500 places for the 2025–26 program year — unchanged from the previous year. This sits within the broader Family stream of 52,000 places under the overall Permanent Migration Program cap of 185,000.
In practice, demand continues to outpace available places, which is a key reason processing times remain lengthy. A complete, well-prepared application gives you the best chance of a faster outcome.
Processing Times for Partner Visa Australia 2026
Processing times vary considerably based on the complexity of your case, completeness of documentation, and the Department's current workload. As of early 2026:
Subclass 820 (temporary stage): approximately 9 to 18 months
Subclass 801 (permanent stage): assessed around 2 years after the original lodgement date
There is one important exception worth knowing: if your relationship is considered long-term — generally three or more years together, or two years if you have a dependent child — the Department may grant both the 820 and 801 visas together at the same time, significantly cutting your overall wait.
COMMON CAUSES OF DELAYS
Incomplete documentation at the time of lodgement
Police clearances from multiple countries
Follow-up medical requests
Requests for Further Information (RFIs), which pause assessment until documents are provided
What the Department Is Looking For in 2026
The 2025–26 program year has seen stronger emphasis on what the Department of Home Affairs describes as relationship "integrity." Applications are being examined more carefully — particularly those with thin or inconsistent evidence.
The Department assesses your relationship across four key areas:
Financial: joint bank accounts, shared expenses, property ownership
Household: cohabitation evidence, shared responsibilities, lease agreements
Social: how you present as a couple to friends, family, and community — including photos and statutory declarations
Commitment: length of relationship, future plans, knowledge of each other's daily lives
The Department has also increased its reliance on digital evidence submitted through ImmiAccount. Ensuring your online submissions are thorough and well-organised is now more important than ever.
Can You Travel While Waiting on a Partner Visa?
Yes — with the right paperwork. If you hold a Subclass 820, you can generally travel in and out of Australia while your permanent stage is assessed, provided your visa remains valid. You'll need to apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before departing. Always check your travel facility dates before booking international travel.
Who Can Apply for the Partner Visa Australia?
To be eligible, you must be sponsored by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Your relationship must be one of the following:
Married couples — with a marriage legally recognised under Australian law
De facto couples — in a committed relationship, usually having lived together for at least 12 months
If you have registered your relationship with an Australian state or territory (such as NSW or SA), the 12-month cohabitation requirement may be waived. There are also specific provisions available for victims of family violence or couples with a dependent child together.